Application Spotlight

Color Shade Recognition

Detecting small differences in color shades on objects with a varying color pattern, uneven or textured surface, and in tight quarters can be a daunting task. When the object is composite decking with varying grains of different heights the challenge is made even more difficult. In some cases, there is little room for mounting these sensors on the conveyer or manufacturing process to keep them out of harms way. Many sensors can only detect a small number of colors and often cannot detect the slight differences in shades, which means multiple sensors or reprogramming is required between jobs. Balluffs BFS 33M color sensor solves these difficult problems. Not only can the BFS 33M reliably detect multiple color shades on a various surfaces, but the BFS 33M is also easily mounted in small places.
Benefits of using Balluff BFS Photoelectric Sensors:

n Detects small differences in color shades n Greater mounting flexibility n Not affected by surface variations

Configuration software makes setup and tolerance adjustment quick, easy, and precise.

Deck Color Monitoring In this application, the BFS 33M was used to detect a color variation on an extruded composite decking board in order to maintain color uniformity. This sensor was located at the exit end of the extruder, to determine if the color was within a given color tolerance, which was specified in the configuration software. If the color of the boards exceeded the given tolerance, the process line would be halted and the color mix corrected by personnel. In the application above, the optional lens was used that allowed the fiber optic cable to be mounted farther away at 220 mm and a 22 degree angle. No external lighting of any kind was required to get a reliable output. Four of the seven output channels were programmed for the different colored boards that could run down the line. In addition to the three digital (binary) outputs, the sensor also offers a serial output that would allow infinite color variations to be programmed and detected.
PS_071 Color Monitoring Feedback 2012-10

Ordercode BFS000L BFO00C4 BAM01PA

Part Number BFS 33M-GSS-F01-PU-02 BAM LS-FO-001-M6-L

Description 3xPush-pull NO/NC color sensor Focusing lens (long range) 1 2 3

1 3 2

BFO D22-XB-LB-EAK-15-SA1-02 Plastic fiber optic, diffuse

Balluff, Inc. n 8125 Holton Drive Florence, KY 41042 n 1-800-543-8390 n www.balluff.com