Vision sensors offer unlimited inspection possibilities
is defect-free with correctly positioned labeling, claims their
manufacturer.
US-based Banner Engineering claims its two-piece PresencePlus Pro and the one-piece P4 Omni both use a 752 x 480 pixel resolution colour complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imager, which allows unlimited inspection possibilities. Vision systems are used in the food industry to ensure product and packaging quality and that the production line is running at optimum speed. They provide a second pair of eyes for sorting, identifying and monitoring products. By highlighting packaging problems early in the process, firms can avoid the problems defective items could cause, such as leaky products or jams on the production line. The new sensors are suitable for confectionary and packaging analysis as well as bottling cap and fill inspections and come with a range of tools that can be tailored to detect specific colours, patterns and shapes, the company claims. The Pro comes with a camera with separate DIN-mountable controller, while the P4 is available in both in-line and right angle configuration. For environments requiring washdowns, sealed cameras are available that can withstand the cleaning processes. Dan Holste, director for Banner vision sensors, said systems can be programmed to detect a specific colour and unlimited colour variations in the camera's field of view. "The sensor can combine shape and color data to identify minute variations, and it can also monitor colour consistency within the taught range of acceptable colour," he said. The Pro Color and P4 Color OMNI feature universal software with three-step point-and-click setup, which enables operators with only basic skills, the manufacturer claims. Operating software is available in nine languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish. Sensors can be connected to EtherNet/IP and ModbusTCP networks allowing results to be transmitted to remote locations. Live video can also be streamed off each sensor without the need for a computer. A range of sensor accessories, including lenses and brackets, which allows custom setups to suit specific needs is also available from Banner. Banner manufacturers a range of vision sensors, ultrasonic and photoelectric sensors, electronic machine guarding systems, fiber optic assemblies and precision measurement systems.
