Clear object sensor with automatic adaptive sensing detects transparent, translucent or reflective objects

Citation

(2010), "Clear object sensor with automatic adaptive sensing detects transparent, translucent or reflective objects", Sensor Review, Vol. 30 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2010.08730bad.003

Clear object sensor with automatic adaptive sensing detects transparent, translucent or reflective objects

Article Type: New products From: Sensor Review, Volume 30, Issue 2

A high-performance sensor that detects and counts clear, translucent or opaque objects has been introduced by Banner Engineering. The optical design of the new QS30ELVC Series assures accurate sensing performance with irregularly shaped objects and those with mirror-like surfaces (Figure 2). With a 500 μs response time, it is ideal for high speed bottling lines. The housing is designed for use in harsh environments.

Figure 2 Reflective surfaces, including semiconductor wafers or LCD glass, are accurately sensed using the 8 per cent threshold setting of the new QS30ELV Series retroreflective sensor from Banner Engineering

Typical applications

Applications include food and beverage bottling and packaging, detection and verification of clear plastic bags containing pharmaceutical and other products, semiconductor wafer handling and quality control for flat panel LCD glass.

Each sensor has three selectable thresholds to optimise performance for a wide range of objects being detected. Setup is easy, only requiring aligning the sensor with its target and pushing a button on the sensor or using a remote wire control to set the switch point. Settings are retained through power-down periods and only need to be changed if the sensor or reflector are moved. An automatic algorithm compensates for dust, contamination and ambient temperature changes. The compact housing has a large, easily visible bar-graph display for easy configuration and monitoring of signal strength during operation. Power, output state and configuration are indicated by bright LEDs. Units can be side-mounted, using integral mounting holes, or front-mounted, using the 30 mm threaded barrel. Two types of reflectors are included with each sensor.

Designed for use in harsh environments, the sensor housings are rated IP67 (NEMA 6) and can withstand 1,200 psi washdown per NEMA PW12.

The QS30ELVC Series is part of Banner’s WORLD-BEAM^® family of universal housing sensors in multiple designs and modes to fit almost any application or mounting requirement.