The microsonic esf- sensor belongs to a series of ultrasonic sensors used for sticker and/or seal seam detection and to detect splices. The microsonic esf- sensor is a fork sensor that can distinguish a label from its backing material. The backing material is also known as the product or the carrier material which is the material on which the label is fixed. In addition, the sensor is also capable of detecting seal seams of packaging materials or foils. Lastly, the sensor can be used to detect the seal between two backing materials. This is called a splice. Because the detection is performed performed with ultrasonic sound, the sensor is insusceptible to color, shape or transparency of the material.
The teach-in procedure of the esf- sensor
The teach-in procedure for teaching in the microsonic esf- sensor can be done with the button on top of the fork housing or via pin 5 of the sensor cable. Of course it is also possible to configure the sensor via the lca-2 Linkcontrol , which allows access to the most advanced functionality of the sensor.
esf- method 1: Teaching backing material and label dynamically
esf- method 2: Teaching backing material and label separately
esf- method 3: Only teach the web or conveyor belt material
During the teach-in process, the carrier material with labels is supplied at a constant speed through the fork. The esf-1 sensor automatically learns the signal level for the labels and the empty spaces between these. This method is the standard for use with standard labels. This includes the production of labels that are attached to boxes in the package delivery of postal companies.
The signal level for the backing material and labels can be very close to each other. This can make it harder to distinguish between the two. The signal level of the backing material is taught in before that of the labels to be able to detect the labels as well. The switching threshold lays in between both signal levels. This threshold is the point in which the signal level of the backing material transitions into that of the label and vice versa.
Track material, as a rule of thumb, is processed from the roll. The seam that has to be detected is situated in an unreachable point in the roll. Therefore, a completely different teach-in method has been made available: only teaching in the track material. The sensor knows what the values are of the track material and can decide whether there is a seam present or not through the difference in signals.
