Nov 30, 2016
SensoPart’s proven colour sensor in miniature housing is today available in a revised format with improved colour detection functions. The FT 25-C is now equipped with a range of functions similar to those of much larger colour sensors, enabling greater flexibility when adapting to different applications. The most important sectors of use are the detection of colours / register marks, label detection in packaging and labelling machines, and lid control in bottling plants. Here the sensor is able to differentiate between even the slightest nuances in colour.
Thanks to a high switching frequency of up to 10 kHz, the FT 25-C is also designed for detecting register marks in high-speed applications. In challenging detection tasks – e.g poor contrast between marks and background or shiny material surfaces – it supplies much more reliable results than a contrast sensor. The miniature colour sensor can also detect “noncolours” such as black, white and grey, as well as colours in the RGB spectrum.
When teaching the sensor an object colour (operating mode “colour/colour”), the user now has a choice of three options: besides a medium resolution with a 3 mm depth of focus, it is now also possible to set a fine resolution with a 2 mm depth of focus or a coarse resolution with a high depth of focus (6 mm). While the “fine” setting achieves greater selectivity in colour detection, the “coarse” mode improves detection reliability with fluttering objects. In the second operating mode (“colour/background”), it is possible to teach the sensor two different colours in order to differentiate between the object and the background.
Another feature of SensoPart’s miniature colour sensor is the oblong light spot (approx 1 x 5 mm) and its sharp contour. This enables accurate front edge detection of very fine register marks and also simplifies sensor alignment. The ‘speaking’ light spot function is particularly
useful here: during the teach-in process, a green, blue or red light signals to the user whether the quality of the taught colour value is sufficient for a stable process.
Other features remain unaltered from the first sensor generation: the design (robust, hermetically-sealed miniature housing IP 67/69K with Ecolab and CULus accreditation), scanning range (12 ± 3 mm), easy installation and fine adjustment with dovetail mount. The operating concept is also identical – set-up is carried out either via the “teach-in” key or through the external control cable The old model can therefore be easily replaced by the new generation sensor. Good news for the user: despite its enhanced performance, the sensor’s list price has been considerably reduced thanks to streamlined production methods. The new generation FT 25-C is now immediately available.
