Compact Luminescence Sensors Earn High Marks for Detecting the Invisible

“Because color and contrast sensors do not operate on the visible light that luminescent targets emit, they are unable to detect many luminescent materials,” says Tom Corbett, Product Manager. “Another advantage of the DK50-UV is it can differentiate between multiple luminescent targets. For example, the protective luminescent seal over an aspirin bottle can be distinguished from the white luminescent cap.”

DK50-UV luminescence sensors have up to four automatic teach modes and one manual teach mode, allowing you to customize the sensor to the application (detecting targets or distinguishing between targets), and to the user (hands-on or hands-off). Additionally, the DK50-UV features a graphical, user-friendly 8-segment LED display. This display indicates luminescent signal strength, uses an output mode toggle for quick adjustments, and comes with an integral timer that allows slower controllers to react to sensor output.

They also deliver the industry’s best sensing range for their size. While there are some smaller competitive models, their sensing range is shorter and their functionality is more limited than what you get with the DK50-UV.

DK50-UV luminescence sensors are well suited for use in any number of industries and applications, including packaging, with potential applications that include:

• verifying the presence of tamperproof seals
• aligning bottle sleeves to labels
• sensing labels on cartons
• measuring the amount of glue on a carton flap
• confirming the presence of a packing slip in a carton

“Another market where the DK50-UV could be used is print and paper, specifically to detect anticounterfeiting invisible marks or marks on mass mailing envelopes. Luminescence sensors could also be used by automotive and tier-one suppliers to determine the amount of thread-locking compound or to measure the amount of grease or oil present on a gasket or bearing,” says Corbett.

Additional potential markets of interest include carpet and textiles, lumber, and error proofing, for applications that include:

• detecting fluorescent threading stitched in a web of carpet or cloth
• identifying lumber grades by chalk markings
• checking the integrity of weld seams via a luminescent test liquid