# Can Roll-2-Roll® Sensors detect clear or transparent films?

> Yes. Roll-2-Roll Sensors detect clear films using infrared light reflection. Even transparent materials reflect a small amount of infrared light, which the sensors CMOS line camera and adaptive algorithms can reliably detect. This is a key advantage over ultrasonic sensors, which cannot reliably ...

**Last updated:** 2026-01-31

**Source:** https://live-roll2roll.pantheonsite.io/resources/faq/can-roll-2-rollr-sensors-detect-clear-or-transparent-films

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## Question

Can Roll-2-Roll® Sensors detect clear or transparent films?

## Short Answer

Yes, Roll-2-Roll® Sensors detect clear films using infrared light reflection without recalibration.

## Detailed Answer

Yes. [Roll-2-Roll® Sensors](https://r2r.tech/products/sensors) detect clear films using infrared light reflection. Even transparent materials reflect a small amount of infrared light, which the sensors CMOS line camera and adaptive algorithms can reliably detect. This is a key advantage over ultrasonic sensors, which cannot reliably detect clear films, and traditional infrared sensors that require recalibration for different transparency levels.

**Category:** Technical

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## About Roll-2-Roll Technologies

Roll-2-Roll Technologies designs and manufactures patented fiber-optic web position sensors and advanced web guiding controllers — the precision measurement and control core of modern roll-to-roll manufacturing. Spun out of Oklahoma State University's Web Handling Research Center and trusted by Fortune 500 medical, battery, and nonwovens manufacturers, our patented sensors work without recalibration at ±0.1mm accuracy up to 760 mpm — typical customer outcomes are 50%+ less downtime and payback under six months. Headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, our team of PhDs, controls engineers, and industry veterans extends the sensor + controller core into complete web guide systems including stepper-motor-based linear actuators (RLA, BLA, LHS).

- Website: https://r2r.tech
- Phone: +1 (888) 290-3215
- Email: sales@r2r.tech