Sensor Improves Clear Label Detection Without Programming

Sensor Improves Clear Label Detection Without Programming
A new "hands-off" label sensor from Banner Engineering (Minneapolis, MN) incorporates high-precision label sensing capabilities without the need for programming or adjustments.

The SLC1 Series Label Sensor is designed to provide accurate detection of labels on web backing and has the capability of sensing the difference between extremely low-contrast materials, including either clear or opaque labels on opaque or clear backing. The SLC1 is particularly well suited for label-registering applications and label-counting tasks in slitting or rewinding applications.

The SLC1 utilizes Adaptive Digital Logic (ADL), a patent-pending new digital logic system, to sense the difference between very low-contrast label materials reliably. The ADL system enables the SLC1's microprocessor to "learn" label characteristics and provide continuous automatic adjustment of sensing threshold and drift compensation for maximum sensing precision. Users simply align the label web in the slot location marked "sensing area" and allow the labels to run through the sensor, which handles the rest.

The high-speed SLC1 has a maximum label counting speed of 40,000 labels per minute and handles web speeds at up to 3,660 m (144,000 in.) per minute. Its minimum sensing speed is 1 label per minute, and a web speed of 90 mm (3.5 in.) per minute. The sensor provides a typical registration accuracy of ±0.3 mm (0.012 in.) at speeds to 1,000 labels per minute.

The sensor is equipped with green and yellow LEDs that indicate "Power On" and "Output On" statuses. Located on top of the sensor, the LEDs flash to alert the user of "overloaded output" or "incorrect detection."

Integral circuitry protects the SLC1 sensor against reverse polarity, transient voltages, overload, shorted load and low voltage. The output configuration is bipolar, one sourcing (PNP) and one sinking (NPN) open collector transistor. Each output is capable of switching up to 150 milliamps.

This self-contained 10 to 30V dc sensor is compact and features a heavy-duty machined aluminum housing with a 1 mm (0.04 in.) slot and black anodized finish. The SLC1 has environmental ratings of IP67 and NEMA 6 and operates in temperatures of 5°C to 50°C (41°F to 122°F). The sensor is available with a 2 m (6.5 ft.) or 9 m (30 ft.) attached cable, or an integral 5-pin Euro-style quick disconnect fitting.

For more information: Banner Engineering Corp., P.O. Box 9414, Minneapolis, MN 55441, Tel: 888-373-6767 or 001-612-544-3164 (Int'l.), Fax: 612-544-3213.

Edited by Bill Noone