Colour sensor operates at long range

EMX Industries' ColorMax-1000 Super Range allows the controller to make minor in-process adjustments without reprogramming or operator intervention.

EMX Industries has released the ColorMax-1000 Super Range, its newest colour sensor with a 150mm operating range and a 25mm illuminated spot.

The long range sensing capability allows the sensor to be mounted away from moving machinery parts, protecting it from potential mechanical damage.

The large illuminated spot generates a large data sample that provides more information about the colour the sensor is analysing.

More information provides higher accuracy and speed.

The long-range feature will initially be available in the full RGB analogue and the HEX 15 colour models.

Primary applications for the ColorMax-1000 Super Range sensor include carpet, paper and plastic sheet manufacturing processes and converting.

The ColorMax-1000 Super Range colour sensor is the newest member of the ColorMax-1000 series of sensors.

These sensors can be used in applications that require sophisticated colour-sensing equipment.

Colour variations detected by the sensor are used as input by an automated system to take corrective action.

With this approach, the controller can make minor in-process adjustments without reprogramming or operator intervention.

In addition, instead of the sensor making the match decision, a controller now can perform this function.

For the first time, process engineers have the option of developing their own algorithms for colour control.

Using colour-intensity data from the sensor, a controller can store and make matching decisions on a virtually unlimited number of colours.

Like other sensors in the ColorMax product family, the ColorMax-1000 Super Range sensor incorporates patented technology and innovative design features, including sample speed two to five times faster than that of competing sensors, an M30 threaded enclosure that simplifies adjustment and installation, and the industry's highest resolution and repeatability.

The ColorMax-1000 Super Range colour sensor has a high-intensity white LED that projects modulated light on a target.

The sensor analyses the reflected light for its constituent RGB values and intensities.

High accuracy, stability, and sophisticated software algorithms enable the ColorMax-1000 Super Range sensor to meet the resolution and speed requirements of advanced manufacturing processes.

ColorMax-1000 sensors are the only colour sensors available in an M30 threaded enclosure.

Installation is fast and easy, and distance can be adjusted up to three inches simply by turning the sensor.

In contrast, all other colour sensors require users to install a special mounting bracket.

By employing low-noise technology in the ColorMax-1000 sensor family, EMX reduced colour variation to 0.5% - the best specification in the industry.

High resolution is especially important for detecting colour variations at high speeds.

In addition, the 5kHz sample speed of ColorMax-1000 sensors is two to five times faster than that of other colour sensors - fast enough to keep up with demanding high-speed manufacturing processes.

For operational security, a supervisor can lock the unit's settings, either remotely or directly on the unit.

This feature prevents operators from changing sensor settings to avoid having to report manufacturing quality issues.

Most colour sensors do not offer this level of assurance.

Because colour sensing is based on a measurement of reflected light, colour sensors can be fooled by the lustre of shiny surfaces.

ColorMax-1000 sensors overcome this challenge by using sophisticated software algorithms that ignore lustre.

Few colour sensors offer this capability.

ColorMax-1000 sensors are the only colour sensors that can be programmed via a PC, simplifying sensor installation.

If additional sensors are added or if a sensor is replaced, the technician can copy and paste the colour profiles stored in the PC software.

Colour profiles will not be lost if a sensor stops working.

In addition, ColorMax-1000 sensors are the only colour sensors that automatically detect the PLC connection for PNP or NPN configuration during setup.

This feature simplifies ordering and reduces stocking requirements by 75%, because users and distributors no longer need to stock different versions of the sensor.

Unlike some competing sensors, the ColorMax-1000 sensor line includes both auto-teach and manual calibration.

This makes the sensors easy for low-skill operators to calibrate; yet it provides the ability to be finely tuned.

LED indicators for power, programming, and detection functions aid in setup and troubleshooting.

ColorMax-1000 sensors feature an IP67-rated nickel-plated brass housing suitable for a wide range of manufacturing environments, plus short-circuit, over-current, and reverse polarity protection.

Connections are made via a circular 12-pin connector.

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