If youβre not fully sure about BW20-12, taking a closer look at Autonics Proximity Sensor, Autonics Digital Counter and Autonics Bwp20 08P often helps compare reliability, cost, and availability.
Autonics BW20-12 Area Sensor
The Autonics BW20-12 Area Sensor offers Through-beam type(direct beam) sensing, 0.1 to 7m sensing distance, Infrared LED(850nm modulated) light source, 12-24VDC power supply , NPN open collector output. Manufactured by Autonics under the Autonics Area Sensor category, this model belongs to the Autonics BW Series.

| Brand | Autonics |
| Product Type | Area Sensor |
| Model Number | BW20-12 |
Autonics BW20-12 Area Sensor β Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensing type | Through-beam type(direct beam) |
| Sensing distance | 0.1 to 7m |
| Light source | Infrared LED(850nm modulated) |
| Optical axis pitch | 20mm |
| Number of optical axes | 12 |
| Power supply | 12-24VDC |
| Control output | NPN open collector |
| Operation mode | Light ON |
| Environment_Ambient illumination | Ambient light: Max. 10,000lx(receiver illumination) |
| Environment_Ambient temperature | -10 to 55β, storage: -20 to 60β |
| Connection type | Cable connector type(Γ5, 300mm, M12) |
| Protection structure | IP65 |
| Environment_Ambient humidity | 35 to 85% RH, storage: 35 to 85% RH |
| Min. sensing target | Opaque material of min. Γ30mm |
| Response time | Max. 10ms |
| Material | β’ Case: Aluminum, β’ Front cover, sensing part: Acrylic |
| Cable specification | Γ5mm, 4-wire, 300mm, M12 connector |
| Sensing height/Total length | 220/240mm |
| Accessories | Bracket A: 4, Bracket B: 4, Fixing bolt: 8 |
| Weight | BW20-48: Approx. 2.1kg(approx. 1.4kg) |
The Autonics BW20-12 operates using a through-beam sensing type with 12 optical axes spaced at a 20mm pitch, delivering a compact sensing height of 220mm. It supports a sensing distance of 0.1 to 7 meters using a modulated infrared LED light source (850nm) for improved signal clarity in ambient light environments. The sensor is powered by a 12β24VDC supply with Β±10% tolerance and features an NPN open collector output in Light ON mode, making it compatible with standard PLC and safety system logic. Engineered for rugged performance, it features a sealed IP65-rated aluminum housing that withstands dust, humidity, and temperature variations ranging from -10Β°C to 55Β°C. With a fast 10ms response time, the BW20-12 supports high-speed line operations without lag. It comes with a durable M12 cable connector (Γ5mm, 4-wire, 300mm) that simplifies installation and ensures signal stability. Capable of detecting opaque objects with a minimum size of Γ30mm, this sensor is well-suited for precision-based object verification. Browse Autonics sensors and controllers on IndMALL.
The Autonics BW20-12 Area Sensor is suitable for a variety of compact automation setups such as box position verification, product ejection monitoring, robotic arm zone sensing, and conveyor section control. Its beam count and narrow pitch make it ideal for detecting smaller products with minimal blind zones, especially in systems where height is limited but accuracy is critical. This model is frequently used in electronics manufacturing, pharmaceutical packaging, battery production, and compact sorting stations. Engineers value its fast signal transmission, easy wiring through the M12 connector, and consistent performance under varying lighting and temperature conditions. The BW20-12 offers a strong balance between size, accuracy, and ruggedness, making it a go-to choice for mid-density detection across industrial workflows.







