Conventional photoelectric sensors are great at detecting fast-moving reflective objects, which makes them ideal for packaging operations that must count and sort thousands of items a day. Depending on the target material and composition, detecting transparent objects like glass and plastic bottles may pose a challenge. This is because transparent objects absorb very little visible light, which can contribute to false signals when not using a photoelectric sensors suited to this particular type of target detection.
Recently, however, our distribution partner Contrinex released a new type of photoelectric sensor that offers an elegantly simple solution to this problem.
The new TRU-C23 photoelectric sensors use polarized UV light instead of visible light to detect the presence of transparent objects on assembly and packaging lines. Although transparent glass and plastics don’t absorb much visible light, they do absorb a great deal of polarized UV light. By using this quirk of the electromagnetic spectrum to their advantage, the engineers at Contrinex were able to create a photoelectric sensor that is perfectly suited for detecting transparent objects when partnered with the specially-designed reflector.
These sensors also offer an impressive operating range of about 1000 mm, as well as an industry standard IO-Link Interface. Their housings are also compatible with any of the sensors in the C23 series.
Locon also offers a solution in our Universal Heavy Duty Photoelectrics. These sensors function reliably particularly in environments that present the challenge of dust or moisture accumulating on the lens. There are special modifications we can suggest to meet the demands of specific application requirements.
Interested in learning more about these or any of the other specialized sensor solutions we offer at Locon? Give us a call or contact us online today to speak with a representative!