Optimized colorCONTROL color sensor range from Eltrotec

No-compromise color detection

Not only the color itself, but the intensity and saturation also need to be detected − for 25 years, the color sensors from Eltrotec have used the comparative tristimulus method. The tried-and-tested WLCS-M 40 series from the colorCONTROL color sensor range has been optimized with a new, higher performance LED light source which covers a wider spectrum of colors, thus allowing checks of passing items with larger ranges and distance tolerances.

The functions from the colorCONTROL range that are actually used depend on the application. Teach-in or modern graphical user interfaces, fiber optic technology or fixed optics and RGB, Lab, truecolour or HSI for color analysis are just a few examples of the selection criteria available.

In a lot of factories today, batches are changed many times every shift. Therefore it must be possible to adapt the sensor quickly and reliably via teach-in functions. Using the system control unit, the same sensor is also capable of learning the most subtle nuances of color and intensity with a pre-selectable tolerance or a switching hysteresis. All color and intensity values (R, G, B and I) are reported to the host computer via a series interface (RS 232). If more than four colors have to be differentiated between with very high resolution (gray/gray or poorly reflecting surfaces) and across large distances, the colorCONTROL-S truecolour analysis concept comes into its own. It is available as a fixed optics version for up to 1200 mm or as a fiber optic model up to a distance of 100 mm. 4 to 255 colors can be stored for the customer's tasks, depending on the application.

With the Color Scope operating software, colors are perceived as with the human eye, using the truecolor principle. Lab, RGB-I and DIN 99 provide the physical basis for the analysis. The resolution is
E = higher than 1 and is therefore better than the human eye. These color sensors facilitate analyses with 100 % reliability within industrial systems. RGB colors, visible to humans as well as laboratory values, are shown and parameterized together with all the tolerances. This also facilitates differentiation, such as blue-from-blue or gray-from-gray, based only on different surface structures of the particular color. The only pre-requisite is that the distance tolerance is kept to tight limits within the production process.

Typical applications are quality control for monochrome, often gray, leather, plastic or fabric interior fittings in vehicles. Analysis of achromatic color places demanding requirements on the color sensors. The software for the truecolour analysis uses the hue, the saturation and the luminosity for this process. With fiber optic technology, variable light spot geometries with diameters of 1 - 30 mm can be generated at operating distances from a few millimeters up to 70 mm. A comprehensive range of additional lenses is available which ensures that the color sensors can be adapted in line with any application. This has the significant advantage that the relatively large sensor and its analysis electronics can be positioned physically separately from the small fiber optic sensor head. This sensor configuration can also perform scanning tasks in areas where there is an explosion risk as no energy at all is conducted into the scanning zone by the fiber optics. For shiny surfaces, typically found in the packaging sector, transmitter lenses are available which illuminate the surface from various angles so that the receiver only ever sees the color to be detected and not the shine; a color sensor module for every application.

Providing sophisticated technology without charging excessive prices is a key Issue for Eltrotec, as is ease of operation and excellent functionality.