One sensor detects all

‘The R58 Expert sensor has three LEDs and automatically selects the correct one to use, based on the contrast between the colour of the registration mark and its background,’ explains Steve Giere, senior application engineer for Banner. ‘Because the sensor automatically determines the sensing beam colour for the best performance in each application, a single sensor can be used instead of constantly changing sensors to one that has the proper LED colour,’ he maintains. ‘The excellent contrast sensitivity of the R58 Expert makes it easy to detect critical features, even on difficult-to-sense material,’ Steve adds.

As these sensors detect small colour marks and differentiate low-contrast colours, they’re ideal for challenging applications, including colour registration-mark detection, cutting-mark detection and product orientation, in the printing, packaging and pharmaceutical industries.

Several features make the R58 Expert Series sensors particularly easy to install and use, such as its fast 50 microsecond response that performs at up to 10 000 actuations/second. A shift of ±3mm from the 10mm focal point accommodates web flutter and similar variations in the target’s location. Setup is quick and easy using the TEACH push button or remote cable, while the dynamic TEACH mode allows the sensor to learn two sensing conditions on-the-fly and automatically set the switch point. The static TEACH mode allows the user to set two distinct switch points, while the setup mode enables the user to program outputs for light/dark operation and on/off delay

Another feature is the eight-segment light-bar indicator that shows continuous readout of operating status, and there are lenses on both the front and bottom of each sensor and models with either a vertical or horizontal light spot to provide convenient and flexible mounting. And, to top it all off, the sensor’s zinc alloy die-cast housing, with high-quality acrylic lens, is rated IP67 for food processing applications.

Luminescence sensors can’t be fooled

Another offering from Banner Engineering is its new QL Series of powerful microprocessor-controlled luminescence sensors.

Consisting of the QL50 and QL55, these self-contained sensors utilise a modulated ultraviolet LED to scan for luminescence in materials, and are not affected by colour or contrast shifts that can challenge traditional optical sensors.

The QL Series sensors detect luminescence inherent in a material or sense luminophores that have been added to a material in process to make it luminescent.

Luminescence sensors are ideal for applications requiring the detection of colour marks, clear adhesive labels, tamper-evident seals, oil or grease, and fluorescent product markings where the background colour may vary, causing a contrast change that would confuse or fool other sensing methods.

The QL50 and QL55 offer an effective sensing solution for these applications that prove too challenging for conventional photoelectric sensors. Their powerful microprocessor design provides accurate sensing at the high speeds found in automated production, and they can differentiate luminescent marks on reflective surfaces such as ceramics, metal and mirrored glass.

Both models feature simple push-button programming. The QL50 may be programmed two ways – a quick-set mode, where the sensor is taught to detect the specific luminescence intensity of a target and ignore the less-intense background, and a fine-detect mode that increases the unit’s sensing precision to detect the specific luminescence intensity of a target and ignore all other surfaces with more or less luminescence.

The QL55 features a robust metal housing, enhanced sensitivity and two-step TEACH programming where the sensor is taught both the luminescent target and background conditions and automatically selects light operate or dark operate.

Both models feature a fast 250-microsecond response time and two bright LEDs to indicate operating and output status. The QL50 has an active sensing range of 0mm to 40mm with maximum signal at 10mm. The QL55 features sensing ranges from 9mm to 75mm, depending on the model.

A compact housing size and three-position rotating quick-disconnect cable add to the mounting flexibility of these sensors.

According to Banner Engineering, it’s the world’s leading manufacturer of photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors, fibre-optic assemblies, electronic machine- guarding systems and precision measurement systems.