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Fork sensor is first to combine optical and ultrasonic sensing
The German sensor-maker Leuze electronic says it has developed the world's first combined fork sensor, which combines the advantages of light-based and ultrasonic sensors, and is aimed at the labelling machine applications in the packaging industry. The GSX214 sensor can detect a wide variety of labels reliably, quickly, and precisely, regardless of their material or surface characteristics. Leuze says this will increase machine throughput and avoid downtime.
For labels to be positioned precisely, they need to be detected safely and reliably, even at high conveyor speeds. This is done using forked sensors, which house a transmitter and receiver in one device, making them easy to mount and avoiding the need for alignment. Until now, forked sensors were available in either optical or ultrasonic versions. The new sensor combines the two, and is particularly suitable for applications in which different types of label need to be detected. Previously, this often needed several different sensors.
The new sensor will save space, as well as installation time and costs. It can be set up quickly and easily via a teach button. Only one mounting position is needed for any object. It can reliably detect labels made of inhomogeneous cavitated BOPP materials.
The forked sensor has an IO-Link interface, making it quick and easy to configure. The interface allows remote teaching, and can be used to lock the sensor buttons remotely. Recipe management allows easy format changeovers when replacing rolls, avoiding the need to re-teach the sensor when changing to a new label format.
Leuze claims to have invented the first label fork sensor (its GS05 model) and the first ultrasonic forked sensor (the GSU14).
