In-line detection of protective film on PVC window frames

Company „Schüco“ manufactures PVC window frames. The PVC profiles are provided with a protective film after they are extruded. This film protects the frames from scratches and dirt. The colorCONTROL ACS7000 color measurement system checks if the protective film has been applied correctly.

Sensor technology applied

Color detection of kitchen fronts

Kitchens are available in many different colors. In order to guarantee that the customer receives the desired color, the colorSENSOR OT-3-MA-30-16 inspects the color of the kitchen fronts in the painting plant.

Sensor technology applied

Color recognition for seams in automotive interiors

A well-known German car manufacturer relies on poka-yoke mechanisms for assembling interior components. The poka-yoke process prevents product defects due to random human errors and ensures that all parts are assembled correctly. However, similar types of component often have different colored seams, which is why error prevention is critical. Previously, these checks were performed manually - experts inspected the seams visually. Micro-Epsilon’s colorSENSOR LT-3-HE color sensors are now used to automate this process and to make it more efficient.

Sensor technology applied

Color measurement of the floorboards

Plastic floorboards are made of colored granules and shaped by deep-drawing. After the production process, it must be guaranteed that the color of the floorboards is homogenous and that there are no color differences.

Sensor technology applied

Color measurement of liquid paint

Measuring the color of liquid paint is extremely complex. To date, paints have been typically applied on a test area first and then measured only after the drying process in order to achieve reliable measurement results. If the measurement results reveal that the paints are faulty, the paint con­tainers must be mixed again or even disposed of which partly involves long waiting times until a new measurement process can be started. In order to accelerate this process, Micro­Epsilon has developed a sys­tem that enables the measurement of liquid paint during the production process.

This application therefore includes the colorCONTROL ACS7000 color spectrometer for color measurements and the optoNCDT 1420­50 laser triangulation sensor for distance measurements. The latter is ideally sui­ted to this application due to its compact size and excellent performance. A linear unit offers automatic readjustments.

Sensor technology applied

Color measurement of LED panels (RGB)

When RGB LED panels are produced, the challenge is to create a uniform, completely homogenous surface. Therefore, a diffuser layer is used, which enables a regular scattering of the otherwise point-shaped LED light. In order to avoid defects in the material and during production, the inline colorCONTROL ACS7000 color measurement system is used with the ACS3-TR receiver unit. Errors can therefore be recognized during the production process itself rather than the previous method of manual final inspection, which is no longer necessary.

Sensor technology applied

Color measurement of tablets in pharmaceutical production

In pharmaceutical tablet production different ingredients are used. Changing the concentration of these ingredients affects the color of the tablet. The color gradient varies from white and beige to yellow.

Sensor technology applied

Color and intensity tests of vehicle lights

At the end of their production process, vehicle lights must be 100% inspected. Color and intensity of the finished lights are the primary inspection criteria. Homogenous distribution of light should also be guaranteed with fluctuating LED batches. The LED colorCONTROL MFA Analyzer performs this color inspection. The lights are positioned via a corresponding form so that the optical fiber can test at different points simultaneously, which ensures that every single LED is controlled. State-of-the-art 3D printing technology enables the adaption to the vehicle light.

Sensor technology applied

Color comparison between parking sensor and body shell

Car attachments such as parking sensors are painted separately. However, during assembly there must be no difference in color between the parking sensor and the bumper, which means the two colors must be identical. The colorSENSOR LT-2-DU sensor from Micro-Epsilon enables a direct color comparison between the parking sensor and the rear bumper.

Sensor technology applied

Inline color measurement of plastic injection-moulded parts

In plastic injection moulding, the exact color shade of the products is important, as the color changes during cooling. To date, it has only been possible to measure random samples of cooled pieces. However, the colorCONTROL ACS inline color measurement system from Micro-Epsilon can 100% inspect the products as they are extracted from the mould.

Sensor technology applied

Inline color measurement of transparent film

In non-contact monitoring of continuously produced transparent strips of film, each millimetre of strip produced must be identical in color. As well as color fluctuations, streaks can occur during production. As these films are translucent, the color is measured in transmission using the high speed, high precision colorCONTROL ACS7000 inline color measurement system, which is connected to a transmission sensor head (ACS3) comprising a transmitter unit (TT) and a receiver unit (TR).

Sensor technology applied

Measurement of the zinc strip color in the production plant

In the production of high-quality material strips and boards made out of titanium zinc, the surfaces receive specific treatment. Therefore, the coloring of the zinc products is already determined during the production process.

Sensor technology applied

Damage prevention during production of locking cylinder

The company Aumat (Germany) develops and produces complex production systems for locking cylinders. In order to prevent any damage occurring, the operator must feed the correct blank into the production programme of the control system. This safety measure requires that a high number of components are detected and identified clearly and reliably in terms of both length and color.

Sensor technology applied