From the late 1970's, to the late 1980's, Strippit used 2 of these Duel-Optical Vane Switches to provide No-Punch Zones to protect the Workclamps from being "Punched".
Usually 2 switches were used, 1 on X-axis and 1 on the Y-Axis. When a X switch was blocked,
a Workclamp was near the Punch-Centerline. If a Y switch was blocked, you had the Y-Axis and Workclamps all the way in near the crossways Punch-Centerline.
Switches are Wired-In-Parallel, so that Only if you had BOTH Sensor Switches Blocked, you would create a "No Punch Zone" where Machine Would Not Punch, saving Workclamps from damage.
Note, some late model FC1000/3 & FC1250 Machines used only 1 switch, on the X-Axis only. They used a X-axis sensor and Known Y-Position in Control's Software to create the "No Punch" Zone.
Each sensor block is really 2 Optical (infrared light beam) switches, 1 for the 3 1/2 inch Large stations, and 1 for the 1 1/4 inch Small stations, so we have both Large and Small No-Punch Zones.
Sensors have Several Problems;
1 -- Clearances between the 2 Metal Workclamp Vanes and Sensors are Very Small. Make sure that Both Workclamps Vanes go through the 2 Switch-Slots Without Touching Anywhere! Check Weekly, or even Daily! If Vanes Hit, Expensive Sensor is Destroyed, Vanes are Torn-Up, Mounting Screws are Sheared off, etc. Its expensive and a pain to properly repair.
Loose Workclamps are a Major cause of Vane Crashes.
A Smashed No-Punch Zone Sensor is the Most Common Failure there is on Machines!
2 -- Sensors can also get oily and dirty, which will block light beams, giving a False No-Punch Zone.
Gently Clean the 4 small Sensors Tips with Q-Tip Cotton Swabs and Rubbing-Alcohol.
Do Not use a Stronger Solvent which will Melt Sensors!
3 -- Reflected light can Activate sensors even when they should be blocked by Workclamp or Y-Axis Metal Vanes, allowing you to Punch your Workclamps. Clean the Metal-Vanes with Solvent, then Paint with Flat-Black Spray Paint. Do Not get any Paint on Sensors!
4 -- Sensors were Custom-Made by Strippit, so they are Expensive!
So We now Also Manufacture them so we can sell them at a Lower-Price.
And We Include Set-Up Notes And Information With Our Version!
Note! Old Strippit Manuals list this Sensor as Part #102361- 000 which was the Original 12 Volt Only Version. This is a Obsolete Part Number and is No Longer Made.
It was Replaced by the New #102361-100 Version which will work on Both 12 and 24 Volt Machines.
When Calling Us,
ask for the #102361-100 No-Punch Zone Sensor, Which We Keep In-Stock!