Detecting transparent objects without a reflector with new TranspaTect photoelectric sensor

The latest technologies from SICK enable the TranspaTect MultiTask photoelectric sensor to manage without any reflectors and instead utilize machine components as a reference surface when detecting transparent and semi-transparent trays and bottles. The TranspaTect reliably detects even extremely shiny, highly reflective, or uneven surfaces.

As reliable as detection of transparent objects is with the TranspaTect as easy it is to install and commission the photoelectric proximity sensor. When installing the device, the work required for mounting a reflector and for exactly aligning the sensor becomes redundant. A stable and dull background, e.g. a machine component, serves as a reference surface to which one can intuitively teach in the sensitivity required. Moreover, doing without the reflector saves room – a crucial factor when space is scarce in the machine.

Dust and dirt – yet the TranspaTect sees clearly
The TranspaTect provides a maximum amount of insensitivity to contaminations. In case of dust or product residues on the lens system, the sensor adapts its switching threshold time-controlled through the integrated AutoAdapt function. After cleaning, the original threshold value is reset automatically. In this way, one can delay cleaning intervals and minimize machine downtimes. Even in case of sudden contamination of the reference background, the TranspaTect guarantees utmost detection and operating reliability – and thus, machine availability.

Trouble-free packaging and filling processes assured
TranspaTect provides the best possible detection reliability and economic efficiency for packaging processes, e.g. in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.Featuring high resistance against cleaning and disinfecting agents, the rugged zinc die-cast housing, certified by ECOLAB, is also adapted in the optimum way to this operating environment.
Typical applications in facilities used for primary packaging are the monitoring of transparent trays in the infeed tunnel of tray sealers or detection of transparent food packages on conveyor belts. In the beverage industry, the TranspaTect is used, e.g., in the infeed area of filling machines.