Sensors & Transducers


Detecting transparent objects without a reflector

March 2015 Sensors & Transducers

The latest technologies from SICK Automation enable the TranspaTect MultiTask photoelectric sensor to manage without any reflectors and instead utilise machine components as a reference surface when detecting transparent and semi-transparent trays and bottles. The TranspaTect reliably detects even extremely shiny, highly reflective, or uneven surfaces.

As reliable as detection of transparent objects is with the TranspaTect as easy it is to install and commission the photoelectric proximity sensor. When installing the device, the work required for mounting a reflector and for exactly aligning the sensor becomes redundant. A stable and dull background, e.g. a machine component, serves as a reference surface to which one can intuitively teach in the sensitivity required. Moreover, doing without the reflector saves room – a critical factor when space is scarce in the machine.

Dust and dirt – yet the TranspaTect sees clearly

The TranspaTect provides a maximum amount of insensitivity to contaminations. In case of dust or product residues on the lens system, the sensor adapts its switching threshold time-controlled through the integrated AutoAdapt function. After cleaning, the original threshold value is reset automatically. In this way, one can delay cleaning intervals and minimise machine downtimes. Even in case of sudden contamination of the reference background, the TranspaTect guarantees utmost detection and operating reliability – and thus, machine availability.

Trouble-free packaging and filling processes assured

TranspaTect provides the best possible detection reliability and economic efficiency for packaging processes, e.g. in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Featuring high resistance against cleaning and disinfecting agents, the rugged zinc die-cast housing is also adapted to this operating environment.

Typical applications in facilities used for primary packaging are the monitoring of transparent trays in the in-feed tunnel of tray sealers or detection of transparent food packages on conveyor belts. In the beverage industry, the TranspaTect is used in the in-feed area of filling machines.



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