Containers, crates of drinks and packaging are typical examples of objects that are identified, transported or sorted in industrial applications on the basis of their colour. Color sensors that operate with point-based detection are mostly used here, as the colour is relatively evenly distributed over the object and the sensor's light spot thus always detects the 'correct' area. On the other hand, tasks such as checking the degree of browning of meatballs, or the presence of bottle tops and seals, the detection of logos, or checking the design of labels, are examples where color sensors come up against their limits. The reasons: the colour information required is not always located in an easily evaluated colour point; the sensor's light spot does not always detect the decision-relevant area of an object. And if the colour also has to be detected over longer distances then color vision sensors, that detect and evaluate a roughly postcard-sized rectangular light field, are the right choice.

SICK has developed new sensor solutions, characterised by improved performance data and even simpler operation, for both types of colour detection.

CS 8: colours brought to a point
The new CS 8 is the top-of-the-range of the CS series. For the first time, a choice of up to four colours can be signalled via the switching outputs - with a short response time that also permits rapid machine cycle times. The high colour resolution and fine adjustment of sensitivity and detection tolerance even allow differentiation of very similar colours. Operation of the CS 8 also sets a new standard. The LED indicators, separated according to reception channels, show which channel is activated. The bar display provides machine operators with information on settings such as colour quality, colour tolerance and detection reliability. Connection compatibility with the CS 1 and CS 3 series allows simple conversion to the CS 8.

CVS 2: the far-sighted 2-D colour sorter
Area colour detection is the strength of the new CVS 2. This color vision sensor, in its photoelectric-switch-sized IP 67 camera housing, is capable of detecting and sorting up to 15 colours over scanning distances of up to 270 mm within its large field of view (40 x 40 mm to 100 x 115 mm). Digital video signals, and important operating data and parameters, supplied by the CMOS chip are displayed directly on the colour monitor of the CVS 2. Together with programming of the colours to be detected (via an interactive, easily understood teach-in menu) this all makes commissioning particularly easy. The CVS 2 also offers many opportunities on the outputs side. In addition to two switching outputs, the sensor can exchange entire data strings (for colour detection) with the connected controller via the serial interface. Moreover, as many parameter sets as required, for example, can be downloaded to the device from a PC.

Whether CS 8 or CVS 2 - the same applies to both: on your colours, get set, go!