Sensor Instruments
Entwicklungs- und Vertriebs GmbH
Schlinding 15
D-94169 Thurmansbang
Telefon +49 8544 9719-0
Telefax +49 8544 9719-13
info@sensorinstruments.de

Reflex color sensors
SI-COLO Series




The color sensors of the SI-COLO3 and SI-COLO4 series operate with the 3-color-range method. As a light source they use pulsed white-light LEDs, the luminescence color sensors use UV LEDs. Modulation is done with 30 kHz or 100 kHz, respectively, and the lock-in-technology guarantees an extremely high insensitivity to outside light. A triple receiver for the RED, GREEN, and BLUE content of the light reflected from the target is used as a receiver.

The SI-COLO3 color sensor can be "taught" up to 15 colors, whereas the SI-COLO4 color sensor can be "taught" up to 31 colors. Tolerances can be set for every taught color. In X/Y INT or s/i M mode the tolerances represent a color cylinder in space. In X/Y/INT or s/i/M mode the tolerance represents a color sphere in space. Color evaluation according to s/i M and s/i/M uses the Lab calculation method.

Color detection either operates continuously or is started by means of an external SPC trigger signal. The respective detected color either is output as binary code at the 4 digital outputs (in case of SI-COLO3) or at the 5 digital outputs (in case of SI-COLO4), or it can be sent directly to the outputs, if only up to 4 colors (SI-COLO3) or 5 colors (SI-COLO4) are to be detected. Simultaneously the detected color code is visualised at the SI-COLO3 housing by means of 4 LEDs respectively at the SI-COLO4 housing by means of 5 LEDs. Furthermore, the colors can be taught by means of a TEACH button at the sensor housing.

Various types of color sensors were specifically designed for the respective applications, so that for example in case of high gloss objects the color also can be detected with highest reliability by using polarisation filters (type -POL). The compact optical-fiber versions with corresponding optical attachment units (type -FIO) are ideal for applications with limited available space for installation. If, on the other hand, the application requires an operating distance of 1000 mm, this can be covered by a version with integrated optical unit and super-bright ring lighting (type -FCL).

SI-COLO-GD: Special sensors for color gloss detection:

The SI-COLO-GD color gloss sensor detects both the color and the gloss of an object. The color and gloss information of an object hereinafter is referred to as a vector. A surface only is recognised if its vector data match a previously taught teach vector.

Parameterisation under Windows® PC software
Information on the range of types
Measuring principle SI-COLO3 with SI-COLO3-Scope
Measuring principle SI-COLO4 with SI-COLO4-Scope




Parametrisation under Windows® PC software


With the SI-COLO3-Scope or SI-COLO4-Scope Windows® user interface, different evaluation modes can be easily selected for the color sensors of the SI-COLO3 or SI-COLO4 series. Both the raw data and the calculated color values are displayed in graphical and numerical form. Teaching can be performed with the software, with the PLC, or directly with the button that is integrated in the sensor.



Information on the range of types


–d... (integrated optics with various light spot diameter sizes)
High-speed color detection of small objects

The color sensors of SI-COLO3-d… or SI-COLO4-d… series project a white-light spot with a diameter of approx. 1.5 mm to 50 mm (depends on sensor type) onto the object to be detected. The transmitter optics unit is located at the center of the receiver optics unit, which results in a highly compact design. This allows a high-precision and high-speed detection of small objects such as e.g. color markings or wires at a great distance.
 
–DIL (diffuse light with surface diffusor)
Color inspection of structured and inhomogeneous surfaces
 
With many objects requiring color inspection an inhomogeneous surface causes problems in color determination. A structured surface, for example, leads to gloss rate fluctuations that cause difficulties for conventional color sensors because depending on the gloss rate the color is sometimes detected more intensively and sometimes less intensively.
The actual color is brightened or "softened" by direct reflection that depends on the respective gloss rate of the surface. With the color sensors of the SI-COLO-...-DIL series diffuse illumination considerably reduces this gloss effect. Furthermore, the large detection range allows an optical integration of structural fluctuations, and the color is thus reliably detected with great stability.

–FCL (focused light beam due by means of a clear glass plate)
Reliable high-speed color detection at a large distance
 
The SI-COLO-...-FCL series allows the color differentiation of objects at a large distance. Depending on the version and on the object, a distance of up to 400 mm can be realised. Among others the FCL series features super-bright white-light LEDs. The sensors of this series ideally can be employed for distinguishing between glossy and non-glossy objects of the same color (e.g. objects without and with transparent foil).

–LUMI (with UV LEDs)
Quick color detection of fluorescent objects

With the luminescence color sensor SI-COLO-LUMI-30 series there is a sensor that apart from brightness differentiation (grey scale evaluation) also can perform color differentiation. The fluorescent objects can either be taught via the Windows® PC software SI-COLO3-Scope or via the push button that is integrated in the sensor or via the digital input IN0.
 
–POL (polarised light by means of polarisation filter)
Color inspection of glossy objects

In practice, the reliable detection of the color of glossy objects usually is extremely difficult because the actual color information is mixed with direct reflection resulting from the gloss effect. Rich colors thus are turned into "soft" colors. The polarisation filters that are integrated in the SI-COLO-...-POL color sensor prevent such direct reflexion, the actual color thus can be clearly recognized and reliably detected.
Reflecting surfaces such as e.g. the high-gloss paints on automotive components can thus be clearly recognized.
 
–FIO (for use with fiber optics and optical frontend of the FIO series)
Color control even at difficult tasks through flexible integration
 
The FIO series is the color sensor series with the most flexible application possibilities. In addition to more than 50 different sensor head variants each for transmitted-light and reflected-light operation there also are nearly 70 optical frontends available. With the help of an external light source the dynamic range can be considerably increased. Due to the use of optical fibers this series also is well suited for use in Ex areas.

Color measurement of self-luminous objects with the SI-COLO-..3-FIO:
In combination with a reflected-light optical fibre and a neutral-absorber attachment unit the SI-COLO-...-FIO makes it possible to perform color inspection of different self-luminous objects.



Measuring principle SI-COLO3
with SI-COLO3-Scope (Windows® PC software)


The SI-COLO3 color sensor detects the radiation that is diffusely reflected by the target. The SI-COLO3 color sensor uses a white-light LED with adjustable power as a light source. A triple receiver for the RED, GREEN, and BLUE content of the light reflected from the target is used as a receiver. With the stepless adjustment of the integrated light source and the selectable gain of the receiver signal the sensor can be set to almost any surface.

The SI-COLO3 color sensor can be "taught" up to 15 colors. Tolerances can be set for every taught color. In X/Y INT or s/i M mode the tolerances represent a color cylinder in space. In X/Y/INT or s/i/M mode the tolerance represents a color sphere in space. Color evaluation according to s/i M and s/i/M uses the Lab calculation method. All the modes can be used in combination with various operating modes, among others "FIRST HIT" and "BEST HIT".

The raw data are represented with 12 bit resolution. Color detection either operates continuously or is started by means of an external SPC trigger signal. The respective detected color either is output as binary code at the 4 digital outputs, or it can be sent directly to the outputs, if only up to 4 colors are to be detected. Simultaneously the detected color code is visualised at the SI-COLO3 housing by means of 4 LEDs.

With the TEACH button at the sensor housing the sensor can be taught up to 15 colors. For this purpose the corresponding evaluation mode must be set with the software. The TEACH button is connected in parallel to the input IN0 (green wire of cable cab-las8/SPS).

Through the RS232 interface parameters and measured values can be exchanged between the PC and the SI-COLO3 color sensor. All the parameters for color detection can be stored in the non-volatile EEPROM of the SI-COLO3 color sensor. When parameterization is finished the color sensor continues to operate with the current parameters in "stand alone" mode without a PC.

The sensors of the SI-COLO3 V6.4 series can be calibrated (white light balancing). Balancing can be performed to any white surface. A ColorCheckerTM table with 24 color fields according to CIE standard is available as an alternative, and white light balancing or calibration can then be performed to one of the white fields.



Measuring principle SI-COLO4
with SI-COLO4-Scope (Windows® PC software)


The SI-COLO4 color sensor detects the radiation that is diffusely reflected by the target. The SI-COLO4 color sensor uses a white-light LED with adjustable power as a light source. A triple receiver for the RED, GREEN, and BLUE content of the light reflected from the target is used as a receiver. With the stepless adjustment of the integrated light source and the selectable gain of the receiver signal the sensor can be set to almost any surface.

The SI-COLO4 color sensor can be "taught" up to 31 colors. Tolerances can be set for every taught color. In X/Y INT or s/i M mode the tolerances represent a color cylinder in space. In X/Y/INT or s/i/M mode the tolerance represents a color sphere in space. Color evaluation according to s/i M and s/i/M uses the Lab calculation method. All the modes can be used in combination with various operating modes, among others "FIRST HIT" and "BEST HIT".

The raw data are represented with 12 bit resolution. Color detection either operates continuously or is started by means of an external SPC trigger signal. The respective detected color either is output as binary code at the 5 digital outputs, or it can be sent directly to the outputs, if only up to 5 colors are to be detected. Simultaneously the detected color code is visualised at the SI-COLO4 housing by means of 5 LEDs.

With the TEACH button at the sensor housing the sensor can be taught up to 31 colors. For this purpose the corresponding evaluation mode must be set with the software. The TEACH button is connected in parallel to the input IN0 (green wire of cable cab-las8/SPS).

Through the RS232 interface parameters and measured values can be exchanged between the PC and the SI-COLO4 color sensor. All the parameters for color detection can be stored in the non-volatile EEPROM of the SI-COLO4 color sensor. When parameterization is finished the color sensor continues to operate with the current parameters in "stand alone" mode without a PC.

The sensors of the SI-COLO4 V6.4 series can be calibrated (white light balancing). Balancing can be performed to any white surface. A ColorCheckerTM table with 24 color fields according to CIE standard is available as an alternative, and white light balancing or calibration can then be performed to one of the white fields.


NEWS

Participation at trade fairs:

 •   AIMEX Automation World 2024
 •   IFAT Munich 2024
 •   FIP 2024
 •   PRS Europe 2024
 •   SKZ Innovation Day Recycling
 
•   SKZ Network Day
 •   SKZ Technology Day
 •   PRS Middle East & Africa 2024
 •   Plastics Recycling World Expo
     
Europe 2024
 •   Plastics Recycling World Expo
     
North America 2024
 •   PRS Asia 2024
 •   PRS India 2024

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Press releases:

Inline color calibration with respect to plastic recyclate
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Test report on Inline color measurement of recyclates
(Inline color measurement system)

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Whitepapers:

Sensor systems for recyclate control in the plastics industry for laboratory and inline use
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A
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Detection of dents and bumps on metal punching strips
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(N° 802)
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(N° 803)

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