If you run a packaging or food and beverage line, you've probably seen this: a sensor that works perfectly on opaque containers completely falls apart on clear or transparent bottles. Missed detections. False triggers. Unplanned stops.
It's one of the most common calls we get at EandM and it's not a settings problem. It's a technology problem. Here's what's going on, and how to fix it.
Why Standard Sensors Miss Clear and Transparent Bottles
Most photoelectric sensors work by sending out a beam of light and detecting how much bounces back. Opaque objects reflect reliably. Clear glass and transparent plastic bottles let light pass through instead of reflecting it back, so the sensor either misses the bottle or produces an unreliable signal.
The problem gets worse when you add:
- High line speeds: less time for the sensor to register each bottle
- Curved bottle shapes: scatter light differently than flat surfaces
- Bright plant lighting or glare: interferes with already-weak return signals
- Mixed product runs: lines switching between clear and opaque containers
The result is nuisance downtime, line stoppages, and a lot of troubleshooting time chasing a problem your sensor was never designed to solve.
The Fix: ClearSens Technology on the SICK W16
The SICK W16 product family includes ClearSens technology, which is designed for reliable detection of transparent and clear objects. Unlike standard sensors, it reliably detects glass bottles and clear plastic containers that can be challenging for conventional photoelectric sensors.
On high-speed beverage lines where bottles move continuously and changeovers are frequent, reliable transparent detection becomes critical to maintaining throughput and minimizing unnecessary stoppages.
Figure 1: SICK ClearSens technology ensures stable detection of transparent glass and plastic, even with curved surfaces or high line speeds
Here's What Makes it Different
ClearSens Technology
Detects clear and transparent bottles, including glass and thin-wall plastic, reliably and at high line speeds.
TwinEye Technology
Uses two receivers in one sensor for consistent detection on shiny, reflective, or uneven surfaces.
OptoFilter
Provides high ambient light immunity against LED lighting and reflections.
AutoAdapt
Automatically adjusts switching thresholds when contamination builds up on the sensor or reflector, so detection stays reliable without stopping the line to clean.
BluePilot Visual Alignment
Provides a clear visual indication of sensing range and simplifies sensor alignment during commissioning.
Which W16 Variant is Right for Your Application?
The W16 comes in multiple variants. Here's how to choose:
- Retroreflective with ClearSens: Best for most transparent bottle applications on packaging lines. One sensor, one reflector, reliable detection of clear bottles breaking the beam.
- Through-Beam: Highest sensitivity for demanding applications, very high speeds, thin materials like cling film, or bottles with very low light interaction.
- Background Suppression (BGS): Best when mounting a reflector isn't practical. The sensor ignores everything beyond a set distance.
Figure 2: TwinEye technology uses two receivers to reliably detect high-gloss, uneven, or jet-black objects that blind standard sensors.
Built for Real-World Environments
Many W16 variants are available with IP66, IP67, and IP69 enclosure ratings. Combined with the rugged VISTAL housing, W16 is designed to withstand chemical exposure, temperature variations, and mechanical stress commonly found in demanding industrial and washdown environments.
IO-Link and Proactive Maintenance
IO-Link v1.1 on W16 lets you change settings and pull diagnostics remotely without stopping production. Additionally, the W16 family includes dedicated Alarm and Health outputs to provide early warning when detection quality is reduced due to contamination or misalignment, allowing maintenance teams to address issues proactively.
Frequently Asked Questions
The SICK W16 family includes variants equipped with ClearSens technology for transparent object detection. The retroreflective ClearSens variant is the most common choice for packaging lines running clear glass or plastic bottles.
Standard photoelectric sensors rely on light reflecting from an object. Transparent bottles let light pass through instead of reflecting it, which causes the sensor to miss them. ClearSens technology is designed to handle this.
EandM is the only SICK Elite Gold Distributor on the West Coast, serving customers in California, Oregon, and Washington. We stock W16 variants and can help you identify the right one for your application.
Evaluate the W16 for your application
Why Source the W16 Through EandM?
EandM is the only SICK Elite Gold Distributor on the West Coast. This is the highest level of recognition a SICK distributor can achieve, reflecting our commitment to expert guidance, responsive support, and reliable inventory for our customers across California, Oregon, and Washington.