Views
4 years ago

WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 5/2019

WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 5/2019

Another functional

Another functional principle is applied by color measurement systems such as the colorControl ACS7000 from Micro-Epsilon Eltrotec. This divides the spectrum of the incident light via a refraction on a grid into 256 parts, which are imaged behind the grid onto a CCD sensor line. This is how the complete visible spectrum can be accurately measured with a spectral resolution of 5 nm. The color measurement system not only compares the colors to reference values, but also identifies and outputs these as coordinates in the color space. As well as the sensor system, the white light LED is incorporated into the housing of the system, enabling different sensor heads to be connected via optical-fiber cables. In the ACS1 standard sensor for conventional measurement tasks, illumination and receiver are either arranged at an angle of 30°×:0° or 45°×:0°. This leads to observation distances of 50 mm or 38 mm respectively. For more complex measurement tasks e. g. with structured, highly reflective or shiny metallic surfaces, the ACS2 circular sensor with 24 circular arranged lighting optics at a measuring angle of 45°c:0° is used. This ensures continuous, homogeneous lighting for measurements, regardless of the angular position of the target object. Even with smaller measurement objects or on curved surfaces, reliable color measurements are possible. For color measurements of transparent objects such as film or glass, the ACS3 transmission sensor is required where illumination and receiver are arranged at an angle of 180°:0° to each other. This receiver sensor also measures colors of self-luminous objects. No lighting unit is required. Ease of use AUTOMATION 02 The L*a*b color space has established itself in industrial color inspection tasks and comprises all colors perceptible to the human eye 03 The CFO100 color sensor can be easily configured using the teach-in function divide the light into long-wave (X), medium-wave (Y) and shortwave (Z) parts. The individual signals are then transformed into L*a*b* color values. This is how measurement values are generated which enables the assignment of colors according to the color perception of the human eye. Therefore, we refer to these as perceptive color sensors or True Color sensors. They are ideal for recognition of color deviations. A teach-in function enables the user to program the desired color on the sensor and to determine the maximum permissible color deviation. Next, the sensor compares the color of the products during operation and can e. g. send a signal via a digital output if the color of the specimen is within the tolerance limits. Identification of colors as coordinates in the color space Although “color measurement” is a complex issue, color sensors and color measurement systems from Micro-Epsilon Eltrotec are easy to use. Color teaching is carried out using a teach-in button, LEDs on the color sensor or the measurement system signify the mode of operation. In most cases, configuration is performed via an integrated web server. Settings such as illumination and measurement frequency for perfect color recognition and measurements can be set up easily. The output signals are also set up directly using the web interface. Measurement of color in numerous industrial applications In order to ensure high quality standards, measurement of color is an invaluable technique in numerous industrial applications. A typical example is the automotive industry: most bumpers, door handles and exterior mirrors are painted the same color as the car chassis. Furthermore, distance sensors and headlight cleaning systems are integrated in the bumpers. These components are painted separately but must precisely match the color of the body. During the assembly process, the measurement system verifies if these colors are identical because the human eye recognizes even the smallest of deviations. Also, in the passenger compartment, the colors must be correct. Here, structured, curved and reflecting surfaces are additional challenges for color measurement technology. Another example is in the production of facade panels made from zinc whose surface color can change after being coated. During production, the color must be inspected continuously in order to ensure early recognition of any deviations. Otherwise, facade panels with slightly deviating colors would stand out, particularly in large facade areas. In tablet production, the slightest color deviations must be detected. In transparent blister packs, different color shades would give a poor impression. For the above examples and in many other applications, Micro- Epsilon Eltrotec offers the optimum solution in terms of perceptive color sensors and color measurement systems. Depending on the requirements, the user can also solve difficult color measurement tasks. The products for color recognition and measurement enable very small Delta-E values, high measurement frequencies and inline (in-process) measurements. The user benefits from a measurement system that easily integrates into their industrial control systems and simple configuration and handling via the integrated web server. Photographs: Micro Epsilon www.micro-epsilon.com 26 WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 5/2019

Perfectly prepared for internationalization Jörg Paulus is General Manager – Europe at Posital Fraba GmbH in Cologne, Germany From your point of view, how has the international market developed both in general and for Fraba over the last ten years? What trends are you currently observing, where are we heading in terms of countries, markets, products and solutions over the next ten years? We are growing much more quickly internationally than in the German market. Asia in particular – with China as a driver – is providing much of the momentum. Chinese companies are growing rapidly, and a lot is being tried out there. Asia is especially important in our newest business area, integrated motor feedback. By now, almost all motor manufacturers are producing motors in the Far East. Beyond the well established players, local companies are also playing a key role in the field of stepper and servo motors. They often use incremental rotary encoders from local manufacturers, while we score with innovations in absolute multiturn encoders. Our multi-turn measurement systems, which make use of Wiegand energy-harvesting technology to eliminate any need for backup batteries or complex gear systems, set the pace. Our feedback portfolio ranges from kit encoders for servo and stepper motors to hollow shaft kits for the hollow shaft segment. When it comes to conventional self-contained rotary encoders, we see automation everywhere. Not only in China, but also in India, America and Europe, automation is no longer the wave of the future, but a present reality. There has also been a trend towards the use of absolute multiturn encoders here for some time now, accelerated by declining prices. Fraba is perfectly positioned for internationalization. For 25 years now, English has been the company language. We have product decisionmakers in Asia and America – not just in Germany. Our cloudbased Open Book information approach helps us to quickly provide support to our customers around the globe. Our teams work together worldwide to find the right solution. The trend towards integrated feedback systems will continue to increase. This technology is also being used for simpler motors. Lower prices for assembly kits are accelerating this trend. We foresee that self-contained rotary encoders will eventually become superfluous. We have been preparing ourselves specifically for this change for some time now. However, one should not one write off self-contained rotary encoders in the retrofit or MRO segment. They have been installed in machines and plants for over 50 years. Even the best encoders fail at some point or need to be replaced during upgrades. We have been preparing for this growing MRO market for a long time. At our encodermatch.com website, you can find the right replacement for an old device within seconds. Our database currently comprises over 1.5 million types of encoders from a wide range of manufacturers and is growing every month. A user-friendly product finder tool allows you to quickly configure a suitable replacement product. Production takes place in our digital factory – from batch size one to large-volume. For express orders we can offer in many cases same day delivery. Photo: Posital www.posital.com WORLD OF OF INDUSTRIES 5/2019 27

E-PAPER KIOSK: