Sensors offer more stable, reliable colour recognition

With its new colorSENSOR series, Micro-Epsilon is now able to offer UK customers one of the widest ranges of colour recognition sensors in the world from a single source. This range includes the colorSENSOR LT, sensors that operate using optical fibres. Here, the sensor is connected to an optical fibre that is guided to the measurement target. Colour detection therefore takes place very close to the object, which reduces any environmental effects that could adversely affect the reliability of measurements. More than 2,000 different types of fibre optic cable are available to choose from, as well as a large number of lenses. These provide customers with an almost unlimited number of combinations of sensor and optical fibre to suit any application. The colorSENSOR LT range includes low cost, entry-level sensors through to high precision, multi-channel colour recognition systems. Micro-Epsilon's colorSENSOR OT series of colour recognition sensors operates by using fixed optical systems. These sensors are able to recognise the colour of objects from longer distances. Different models are available to suit different surfaces and materials, including shiny, reflective and structured surfaces, as well as versions for recognising UV markings. OT sensors can even recognise colour variations along or between target objects and materials. This is particularly beneficial to manufacturers of vehicle interiors, leather, embossed film, fabrics, wood veneers and large painted components, where the smallest colour variation is deemed unacceptable by the customer. All sensors in Micro-Epsilon's colorSENSOR range benefit from a 'teach-in' function. This enables the sensor to learn and adapt to the application by using samples of the correct colour. Following this process, the sensor is able to compare the colour samples it has been taught with the target object, then operating independently. The new colorSENSOR range offers UK customers an unrivalled combination of high resolution and high reliability with a very attractive price tag starting from less than £500.