|
"EMX Announces a UV Luminescence Sensor That Offers
Longest Range and Fastest Speed in the Industry"
New Sensor Offers A Range of Technology "Firsts" at
1/10th the Cost of Traditional Vision Systems
Cleveland, November 13, 2003 - EMX Industries Inc.,
a manufacturer of sensors for automation and gate/door
control, introduces the UVX 300, a UV luminescence
sensor that detects targets more reliably than vision
systems that typically cost ten times more. In addition,
new patented technology and an innovative design
qualify the UVX 300 luminescence sensor for several
industry "firsts," including long-range sensing capability,
smallest UV sensor size, fastest response time/sensitivity
specs, and a solution for the longstanding difficulty
of tuning the sensor to a light that is invisible
to the operator.
Not as widely known as other sensors, UV (ultraviolet
light) sensors detect the application of seals, grease,
adhesives, paper labels, and other materials, for
quality assurance and manufacturing process feedback.
Because UV sensors can easily discriminate targets
in any orientation from similarly colored backgrounds,
they are often more reliable than vision systems
costing $6000 and more.
Longest Range, Fastest Speed
The UVX 300 extends the useful operating distance
of UV sensors to 350 mm - three to six times the
distance of competing sensors - so the sensor will
not get bumped or dirtied by passing targets. In
addition, for optimal machine control, its feedback
response time (6 kHz) is at least three times faster
than any other UV luminescence sensor. The faster
speed enables engineers to apply UV sensing to more
applications, such as high-speed sampling, which
was not possible before.
Most Sensitive
The UVX 300 uses adjustable light projection and
high resolution to deliver pin-head sensitivity.
An optional 50 mm lens will concentrate the spot
of projected UV light into a tiny 5 mm spot that
is much smaller than those of some competing systems.
The sensor is capable of detecting targets as small
as a single stitch in fabric, and it can precisely
measure the amount of applied glue and other materials
as part of a control system.
Unique Numerical Display
With this introduction, EMX has solved a longstanding
problem associated with UV sensors. Because UV luminescent
materials and pigments are invisible under a normal
light spectrum, UV sensors are difficult to tune
without some indication of what they are reading.
Up to now, the approach has been to use simple LEDs
that indicate luminescence or that the set point
has been reached. The UVX 300 is the first UV sensor
to numerically display the intensity of each reading
(relative reflection and threshold.) This feature
makes it easy for the operator to tune the sensor
and saves valuable engineering time compared to competing
sensors, because it eliminates the need to blindly
adjust sensor intensity and check the results over
multiple test runs.
In addition, the UVX 300 allows for user control
of hysteresis for even further precision tuning,
a feature not available on all sensors.
Fast and convenient integration
Unlike any competing sensor, the UVX 300 includes
both auto-teach and manual calibration. This makes
the sensor easy for low-skill operators to calibrate,
yet it provides the ability to be finely tuned. In
addition, in one sensor users get both analog and
discrete output, plus auto-detect for PNP/NPN, a
unique feature that simplifies integration compared
to competing units. The advantages of analog output
include the ability to "measure" the intensity of
returned signal, the ability to track process variations
for SPC and SQC applications, and easier sensor setup.
Finally, integration is made easier by low power
consumption; the UVX 300 requires less than 60 mA
- lower operating current some other sensors in its
class.
LED indicators for power, programming, and detection
functions aid in setup and troubleshooting. The UVX
300 sensor features an IP67-rated housing suitable
for a wide range of manufacturing environments, plus
short-circuit and overload/reverse polarity protection.
Connections are made via a standard M12 5-pin connector.
Superior Operation
For operational security, a supervisor may lock
the unit's settings, either remotely or directly
on the unit. This unique feature prevents operators
from changing the sensor settings in order to avoid
reporting manufacturing quality issues. No competing
sensor offers this level of assurance.
For uninterrupted service, the source of the UV
light is a long-life LED, providing 100,000 hours
of service.
Smallest Size
Measuring only 3 x 2.3 x .75-inches, the UVX 300
is also the smallest UV sensor in its class, which
eases retrofit and minimizes machine size.
Applications
Many engineers fail to consider UV light sensing
technology when designing manufacturing equipment,
production lines, and test cells. In fact, UV light
sensing is often superior to vision testing in some
applications, and sometimes it is the only practical
solution. Materials that are not naturally luminescent
can be made UV light responsive by marking them with
special materials or additives, without affecting
the manufactured product's appearance.
Sample applications of the UVX 300 sensor include:
- Furniture Making - detecting the presence of
excess glue, in a joint of wood furniture.
- Automotive - inspecting a muffler pipe for the
presence of a copper fitting.
- Adhesive Tape - measuring the amount of adhesive
sprayed on a roll of tape. When a nozzle gets clogged,
the sensor provides feedback leading to an alarm
condition.
- Fungicide - inspecting lumber for the proper
coating of clear fungicide.
- Food Packaging - On ring-tab cans, detecting
a transparent seal that prevents the seam from
rusting.
To request a datasheet on the UVX 300, or to talk
to an applications engineer about how UV sensors
can reduce manufacturing costs and improve processes,
call EMX at 800-426-9912, send email to salessupport@emxinc.com,
or visit the EMX web site at www.emxinc.com.
|
