The ML20 markless sensors from SICK function as pressure mark scanners without requiring pressure marks in demanding filling and packaging applications.
Some of the advantages of SICK’s ML20 markless sensors include greater flexibility and shorter equipping times for varying labels and formats, greater freedom of design in the structuring of packaging systems, and prevention of unnecessary material use and rejects.
Material is conserved because no optically unfriendly marks need to be covered by overlapping the material, freeing up the entire area required for the mark, and making the ML20 an economical and sustainable solution.
Used like a pressure mark scanner, the sensors detect a taught-in pattern instead of pressure marks. The technological core of the ML20 is a process for contrast pattern detection specially adapted for use in packaging systems.
With this system, the sensor is taught-in a target pattern of up to 1,000mm long, which is then detected in the process with a scanning speed of 7 m/s, and leads to the transmission of a switching signal.
SICK’s ML20 markless sensors offer an impressive performance even with complex designs, tolerances in the path of the continuous material and high machine speeds, through their reproducibility of 0.6mm and extremely precise and stable detection of almost any pattern.
Key benefits of SICK’s ML20 markless sensors:
- No optically disruptive marks need to be integrated in the design of the packaging
- Packaging focus can be entirely on the design and efficient use of space for information
- Sensor’s metal housing offers a high level of robustness
- 90-degree rotatable plug allows the cable outlet to be ideally arranged for the installation location
- Visible light spot and directional notches on the housing simplify the sensor’s rapid and precise alignment during commissioning
- Pattern to be detected can be taught-in, stored or called up via the sensor’s control panel via the control cable or Ethernet
- Allows flexible and rapid conversion of packaging machines for changing labels and formats
- Stable and process-tolerant detection of complex image patterns ensures high availability and minimised downtimes
- Equipping times and time required for format changes are very low resulting in reduced costs
- Detection is immediately active when the label or foil is changed
