Tri-Tronics Fiber Optic Cables: How to Choose Type, Bundle Size and Tip
Glass and plastic light guides for hot, tight and hard-to-reach sensing points.
A fiber optic cable lets a photoelectric amplifier "see" where no sensor body could survive or fit — inside an oven, between gears, or at a 2 mm gap on a packaging machine. Tri-Tronics fiber optic cables come in dozens of combinations, and the part number tells you exactly which one you have. This guide decodes the code, compares straight and bifurcated fibers and explains how bundle size, length and sheath affect performance.
Reading a Tri-Tronics Fiber Part Number
| Code | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| F | Straight (individual) fiber — use a pair for thru-beam | F-A-36TR |
| BF | Bifurcated fiber — emitter and receiver in one tip | BF-A-36T |
| MBF | Miniature bifurcated fiber for tight spaces | MBF-A-72T |
| A / B / E | Bundle diameter: A = 3.18 mm, B = 1.57 mm, E = 1.17 mm | F-B-48T |
| 36 / 48 / 72 | Length in inches (36 in ≈ 0.91 m) | BF-B-72TR |
| T / R / TR | Tip: threaded, right angle, threaded right angle | BF-A-36TR |
| P | PVC monocoil sheath for wet areas | BF-A-72P |
Straight or Bifurcated?
Straight fiber pair (F)
Emitter fiber on one side, receiver fiber on the other. Longest range and most reliable detection of small or dark objects — ideal for thru-beam part detection and counting.
Bifurcated fiber (BF)
Both paths in one tip, so you mount only one side. Use it where the target reflects light back, such as proximity detection, edge sensing and presence checks.
Miniature (MBF)
Smaller bundle for very small parts or tight mounting spaces; trades some range for precision.
Sheath and Temperature Guide
| Sheath | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel (glass fiber) | −45 °C to +275 °C | Ovens, sealers, hot zones, rough handling |
| High-temperature stainless (H prefix) | Up to +480 °C | Extreme heat processes |
| PVC monocoil (P) | −40 °C to +105 °C | Wet or wash-down areas — keeps liquid out |
| Plastic fiber | Moderate temperatures | Low-cost, flexible general use |
Ratings from Tri-Tronics fiber optic selection data.
Tri-Tronics Fiber Optic Cables in Stock
Tri-Tronics F-A-36TR
Glass, straight, Ø3.18 mm, 36 in
Rs. 10,179
Tri-Tronics F-B-48T
Glass, straight, Ø1.57 mm, 48 in
Rs. 11,235
Tri-Tronics BF-A-36T
Glass, bifurcated, threaded, 36 in
Rs. 10,777
Tri-Tronics BF-A-36TR
Bifurcated, threaded right angle
Rs. 12,975
Tri-Tronics BF-B-72TR
Bifurcated, Ø1.57 mm, 72 in
Rs. 18,737
Tri-Tronics MBF-A-72T
Miniature bifurcated, 72 in
Rs. 16,450
Five Rules for Long Fiber Life
- Respect the bend radius. Never kink a fiber; as a guide keep bends above about ten times the sheath diameter.
- Keep it short. Every extra foot of glass fiber costs light — order the shortest length that routes cleanly.
- Clamp the sheath, not the tip. Support the cable along its run so vibration does not fatigue the fibers.
- Seat fully in the amplifier. Push the fiber ends all the way into the amplifier ports before locking.
- Clean the tips. Dust or product build-up on the tip reduces signal — wipe it during routine maintenance.
Fiber Optic Cable FAQs
What is the difference between an F and a BF Tri-Tronics fiber?
An F (straight or individual) fiber carries light one way, so you use two of them facing each other for thru-beam sensing. A BF (bifurcated) fiber has emitter and receiver bundles combined in one tip, for proximity or beam-make sensing from one side.
How do I read a Tri-Tronics fiber part number?
Take BF-A-36TR: BF = bifurcated, A = 0.125 in (3.18 mm) bundle, 36 = length in inches, TR = threaded right-angle tip. B means a 0.062 in (1.57 mm) bundle and E a 0.046 in (1.17 mm) bundle.
What temperature can glass fibers handle?
Tri-Tronics specifies glass fibers with standard stainless-steel sheath from −45 °C to +275 °C, and high-temperature (H-prefix) versions up to +480 °C. PVC monocoil-sheathed glass fibers are rated −40 °C to +105 °C.
Does fiber length affect sensing range?
Yes. Tri-Tronics notes that glass fibers absorb about 10% of the remaining light for each foot, so keep fibers as short as the installation allows and choose a larger bundle for long runs.
Glass or plastic fiber — which should I choose?
Glass fiber suits high temperatures, long life and infrared amplifiers. Plastic fiber is lower cost, very flexible and works best with red-light amplifiers in normal temperatures.
Send Us Your Sensing Point Details
Tell us the target, temperature, space available and the amplifier you use. We will match the right Tri-Tronics fiber and quote from stock.
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