High-speed, high-precision colour mark detection
March 2013
Sensors & Transducers
ASSTech Electronics has introduced the Spectro-3-FIO colour mark detector that can detect colour like a human at a sample frequency up to 40 kHz. The use of reflected-light optical fibres allows this sensor to be employed in Ex areas.
A super-bright white light LED is directed onto the colour mark to be detected. Various optical fibres and attachment optics units are available to allow a high precision detection. For example, at a distance of approximately 10 mm from the object, the light spot can have a diameter as small as 0,5 mm.
An integrated three-fold receiver for the red, green and blue content of the light that is reflected from the object, or the light that is emitted by a self-luminous object, is used as a receiver. A special feature is that the gain of the receiver can be set up in eight steps making it possible to adjust the sensor to almost any surface. Using the Teach button on the Spectro-3-FIO housing, the sensor can be taught up to 31 colours.
All parameters and measurement values can be exchanged between a PC and the colour sensor through the serial RS232 interface. Once set, the sensor continues to operate with the current parameters in stand-alone mode without the PC.
For more information contact Anastas Schnippenkotter, ASSTech Process Electronics & Instrumentation, +27 (0)11 708 9200, [email protected], www.asstech.co.za
Further reading:
Inductive ring sensors monitor material flow in feeding technology
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
ifm’s inductive ring sensors detect metallic parts such as screws and nuts as they pass through tubes at speeds up to 35 m/s, enabling precise counting, flow control and blockage detection, with sensitivity and output functions configurable via IO-Link.
Read more...
Reliable 1D and 2D code reading made simple
SICK Automation Southern Africa
Sensors & Transducers
SICK’s new sensingCam SEC200 image-based code reader brings supermarket-checkout simplicity to logistics and industrial identification, reading 1D and 2D codes reliably with quick browser-based setup, rugged IP65 construction and CRA-compliant cybersecurity.
Read more...
Market opportunity for sensors in humanoid robots
Sensors & Transducers
A new IDTechEx report forecasts the market for sensors in humanoid robots will exceed $6,59 billion by 2037, driven by perception sensors, force/torque sensors, encoders and inertial measurement units across a growing range of commercial robot platforms.
Read more...
The wireless route to safer, more efficient mining operations
Emerson Automation Solutions
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Modern wireless level measurement technologies are helping mining operations improve process control, increase safety and reduce installation costs. Emerson’s Rosemount 3408 wireless non-contacting radar level transmitter uses 80 GHz frequency-modulated continuous wave radar with HART communication to reach remote assets where cabling is impractical.
Read more...
Telco sensors for harsh environments
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors are designed to operate where moisture, particulate contamination and surface fouling would disable conventional sensors, with a range including an adjustable five-metre infrared proximity sensor for harsh industrial environments.
Read more...
The data-driven path to sustainable manufacturing
ifm - South Africa
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.
Read more...
Expanding visibility in mining operations
Emerson Automation Solutions
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Advances in wireless communications, condition monitoring and sensing technologies are helping mining operators extend measurement into previously under-monitored areas, improving equipment reliability, process performance and water stewardship.
Read more...
Fiber-optic amplifiers for precise object detection
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The OCF fibre-optic amplifier detects even the smallest or most transparent objects in confined spaces, making proven fibre-optic technology easier and more user-friendly than before.
Read more...
The next era of measurement and instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
Smart sensors and non-contact radar are reshaping industrial measurement, feeding connected platforms that predict failures before they happen.
Read more...
Distance sensor for confined spaces
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.
Read more...