Surface control sensors
Sensor Partners supplies sensors for inline detection and measurement of color, contrast, gloss and structure of products and surfaces. By using advanced techniques, integrated light sources and special optics and filters, a stable measurement environment is created to obtain the most accurate measurement possible. Our color sensors measure “True Color”, as how humans interpret the color. The gloss and sctructure sensors measure completely color-independent and therefore do not influence the structure- and gloss measurement by color changes in the object. All sensors have been developed to fully integrate into the production process. Therefore, customers can quickly anticipate on changes in the process. 100% control over your product and process, instead of random sampling in a static laboratory setups.
Product marking
With sensor solution for product marking or product tracking it is possible to provide (recycled) products with an identity (code). Not only can products be separated by colour or raw material, but also by earlier use. With the TagTec technology this is possible.The TagTec STAR readers of Sensor Instruments are suitable for reading chemical markers on (recycled) products (a.o. plastic, wood, metal). The TagTec TAU readers are suitable for monitoring whether the correct TagTec marker has been used and whether the correct concentration of TagTec particles has been incorporated into the recycled plastic products. All scanned information is then monitored INLINE or via smartphone throughout the process.Using product marking or product tracking, it is thus possible to ensure the quality and safety of (recycled) products throughout the production cycle.
Contrast
In optical sensors, "contrast" means the difference in brightness between two objects. The value of brightness can be expressed in gray values. Our contrast sensors determine the gray value of the object over the entire color spectrum and is therefore color-neutral. Contrast measurements can be performed on both active objects such as light sources, as well as passive objects. In the latter case, the surface to be detected is illuminated with an integrated light source to create a stable measurement environment. For more information, please Contact contact one of our advisors or the knowledge base article: "Contrast measurement with contrast sensors" read.
Gloss
Sensor Instruments' inline gloss sensors operate to the same measurement standards as portable gloss devices. Consideration is given to the robustness required for inline use, the non-contact and external light-insensitive measurement, and the provision of the associated signals (analog and digital) that provide information about the gloss level. Furthermore, inline gloss measurement must take into account that measurements must be made at multiple object positions simultaneously.The gloss of a surface is the direct reflection of light in the visible spectrum. Our GLOSS series of gloss measurement sensors determine the gloss values of surfaces independent of the color of the object. Whereas the "predecessors" of the RLS-GD series distinguished themselves primarily on the basis of large detection range and extreme insensitivity to external light, the gloss measurement sensors of the new GLOSS series focus primarily on a smaller detection range, resulting in greater sensitivity to small measurement differences. Furthermore, this increases the speed of measurement and the housing of the GLOSS sensors is a lot more compact! There are 5 versions of the GLOSS series with standard opening angles 20°, 60° and 85° and the 45° and 75°, which are mainly used in the paper industry (TAPPI standard).Learn more here how a gloss measurement with a GLOSS sensor works..
Color
SPECTRO color sensors, also called a color measurement system, from Sensor Instruments measure and/or detect the color of an object's surface and compare it to a learned reference value. Within a freely adjustable tolerance, the color is recognized and a digital output is activated. The SPECTRO color detection sensors are available with different option types and integrated illuminations. The choice is made based on the application and the material, color and texture to be recognized.To learn more about color sensors or the different optics and when to use them, please read the following articles:Everything about the operation of a color sensor The optics of SPECTRO color sensorsSensor Instruments has developed a system suitable for doing accurate color measurements of samples with plastic pellets in addition to its regular color sensors. This is a complete color measurement system including PC panel in a stainless steel housing and supplied with accessories.More information about the color measurement system can be found in the knowledge base article; Measuring recycled plastic: Accurately automated control due to LAB color measurement system
Structure
COAST series sensors are hybrid sensors consisting of two types of integrated sensors that are synchronized only by the LED ring light but otherwise operate independently of each other. Both sensors can be connected to a PLC or PC.One of the two sensors (color sensor) provides information about the color and gloss of the object being inspected, while the other sensor (texture sensor) checks the structure of the surface.Some object surfaces are very difficult to distinguish if only backward scattering is used. However, if forward scattering is used in addition, surfaces with very similar colors but slightly different structures can be differentiated quite well. The light is focused on the surface at an angle of -30° and + 30° from normal (vertical). Only one light source is active at a time, allowing independent evaluation of forward and backward scattering.
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