Optical properties help us make sense of our environment quickly. Registration sensors detect colours, glosses, patterns, light intensity, or contrasts and process them using optical properties to form a picture. In industrial applications, human eyes would be hopelessly overwhelmed, so registration sensors take over the work of object detection.
What are Registration Sensors?
Registration sensors, also called mark, contrast, or colour mark sensors, are a specialised version of photoelectric sensors used to automate the manufacturing and packaging processes. Their primary purpose is to detect specific marks or contrasts on a material web or moving object, offering precise timing and positioning information for various operations.
How Do Registration Sensors Function?
Registration sensors work based on the principle of detecting variations in light reflected from a surface. They typically consist of various key components to carry out tasks, such as precisely
- Light Source: An LED or laser that emits light onto the target surface.
- Photoelectric Receiver: Typically, a photodiode or phototransistor that detects the reflected light.
- Signal Processing Circuitry: This circuitry magnifies and processes the signal from the receiver to determine whether a mark or contrast has been detected.
When the sensor detects a change in light intensity or colour (caused by a registration mark), it activates an output signal. This signal is then utilised to synchronise or trigger other actions in the machine, including cutting, printing, labelling, or packaging.
Available Registration Sensor Types
- Colour Sensors: Identifies differences in colour.
- Contrast Sensors: Detect variations in light intensity or reflectivity.
- Luminescence Sensors: Detect fluorescent or phosphorescent marks.
- Fibre Optic Sensors: Use fibre optic cables to transmit or receive light, enabling sensing in hard-to-reach areas.
What are the Potential Advantages of Using Our Best-in-Class Registration Sensors?
- Can detect signs at very high speeds and with great accuracy, providing precise timing and positioning.
- Can detect different types of marks, such as color contrasts, printed lines, edges, and even luminescence.
- Built for reliable operation in harsh industrial environments.
- Many sensors offer simple "teach-in" functions to shape the sensor for specific marks easily.
Versatile Uses of Registration Sensors
- Packaging Machines: Provides accurate cutting, sealing, and labelling of packages.
- Printing Presses: Positioning printed images and text.
- Labelling Machines: Aligning labels accurately on products.
- Converting Machines: Controlling the cutting and converting of materials such as paper, film, and foil.
- Automated Assembly: Safe positioning of parts during assembly.
Top Manufacturers of Registration Sensors in the UK
Our registration sensors are sourced from industry-leading manufacturers, renowned names of which include SICK, Seeed Studios, Allen Bradley, Finder, and Ballauf. We provide innovative products from trusted brands to ensure top-notch quality, precision, and reliability for all your sensing needs.
Summary
Registration sensors are essential for various automated processes. They provide accurate timing, positioning, and synchronisation of machine operations. Their capacity to detect subtle contrasts and marks at high speeds makes them essential in modern manufacturing and packaging industries.
