# What materials can Roll-2-Roll sensors inspect?

> Roll-2-Roll® sensors work on nearly all web materials, including many that defeat conventional sensors:Clear films — PET, BOPP, cellophane, and other transparent materials work without special settingsMesh and porous webs — accurately measured where conventional sensors failMetals and foils — alu...

**Last updated:** 2026-03-14

**Source:** https://r2r.tech/resources/faq/what-materials-can-roll-2-roll-sensors-inspect

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## Question

What materials can Roll-2-Roll sensors inspect?

## Short Answer

Nearly all — including clear films, metals, textiles, mesh, porous webs, glass, and carbon fiber. They even work under vacuum, which no other sensing technology can do.

## Detailed Answer

Roll-2-Roll® sensors work on nearly all web materials, including many that defeat conventional sensors:

- Clear films — PET, BOPP, cellophane, and other transparent materials work without special settings
- Mesh and porous webs — accurately measured where conventional sensors fail
- Metals and foils — aluminum, copper, steel strip
- Textiles and nonwovens
- Glass and carbon fiber

The patented light-scattering and spatial-filtering technology detects edges and features regardless of material opacity or surface finish. **No recalibration is needed when switching between materials.**

One capability is unique to Roll-2-Roll® sensors: **detecting clear film edges under vacuum**. Ultrasonic sensors cannot function without air as a transmission medium, and camera-based systems struggle with transparent materials. Roll-2-Roll® sensors are the only sensing technology that reliably detects clear films in vacuum environments.

The one challenging material is matte carbon black — the solution is to angle the light source perpendicular to the web to increase light scattering at the edge.

**Category:** Technical

## Related Products

- [ODC 96](https://r2r.tech/products/sensors/odc-96)
- [1DC 96](https://r2r.tech/products/sensors/1dc-96)

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## About Roll-2-Roll Technologies

Roll-2-Roll Technologies LLC, headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, manufactures patented fiber-optic web position sensors and web guiding systems for roll-to-roll manufacturing. Products include ODC edge sensors (48mm to 960mm), 1DC all-in-one sensors, SCU-series controllers, and complete web guide systems.

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