Precise and reliable object detection plays a central role in automated palletizing systems. Different materials such as wooden pallets, cardboard boxes or containers as well as demanding surfaces ranging from glossy to transparent pose special challenges for the sensors used. Sensors with IO-Link support reliable detection and enable seamless integration into digitized production environments.
Reflex sensors with background suppression are used to detect pallets, boxes or crates on roller conveyors. These work independently of the color or surface of the test object and are insensitive to interfering influences such as dust, vibrations or changing light conditions. They ensure stable detection in conveyor technology and contribute to process reliability in the material flow.
Shiny, metallic or very dark materials can push conventional sensors to their limits. Miniature sensors with blue light and background suppression enable reliable detection in such cases. The short-wave blue laser light is better reflected by reflective and dark surfaces, meaning that even critical objects can be reliably detected. Parameterization and diagnosis functions are also available with IO-Link.
Retro-reflex sensors are used for longer ranges. Miniature sensors with red light and M12 connection lines enable shiny or dark objects to be detected over distances of up to five meters. They are therefore suitable for applications where greater distances between the sensor and the conveyor line are required.
A special field of application is the detection of pallets wrapped in transparent, glossy or colored film. Here, Laser Distance Sensors Time of Flight with wintec technology guarantee reliable results. Thanks to the long range of up to three meters and the insensitivity to interfering light, pallets can be reliably detected even under difficult conditions.
The choice of a suitable sensor depends on the properties of the objects to be detected and the respective conveyor line. Sensors with background suppression are universally suitable for presence detection. Blue light sensors offer advantages for demanding surfaces, while retro-reflex sensors are used for long distances. ToF sensors with wintec technology are the optimum solution for pallet detection in challenging packaging conditions.
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