Color Sensor works without external light source.

Balluff, Inc. Apr 25, 2002

Press Release Summary:

BFS-26K measures red/green/blue component of reflected light and shades of gray in single processing step. It uses integrated, pulsed white light source that eliminates need for external illumination and makes it insensitive to ambient light. Each of its three digital outputs can be calibrated using five color resolution tolerance levels. It can be programmed through control line or using teach-in buttons. Working distance is 12 to 32 mm for diffused light.

Original Press Release:

New Compact Color Sensor Offers True Three-Channel Color Recognition Without the Need for an External Light Source

One of the smallest self-contained color sensors available today, the Balluff BFS-26K uses an integrated, pulsed white light source, leaving no color undetected

FLORENCE, KY (April 4, 2002) - The application possibilities for the new Balluff BFS-26K span the rainbow. The optoelectronic sensor's unique receiver measures the red/green/blue component of the reflected light in a single processing step. Its integrated, pulsed white light source eliminates the need for external illumination and makes it insensitive to ambient light. It can even distinguish shades of gray.

The sensor can be used for many applications including selecting assembly parts or package contents, positioning objects based on applied color markings, inspecting quality in the production process, checking mechanical or chemical processes such as polishing, plating or gluing, and identifying products based on color.

With dimensions of just 50 x 50 x 17 mm and a 270 deg rotatable connector, the self-contained BFS-26K fits in the smallest spaces and can be programmed either through the control line or using two teach-in buttons. Each of the three digital outputs can be calibrated using five color resolution tolerance levels. The housing is made of impact-resistant ABS.

Working distance is 12 - 32 mm for diffused light use and 50 - 200 mm with a reflector. Numerous special functions such as color scanning, pulse expansion and blanking input provide additional application flexibility.

Balluff Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Balluff GmbH & Co., Neuhausen, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of a wide variety of inductive, optical, capacitive and magnetic sensors as well as linear position transducers and ID systems. Balluff products are used to control, regulate, automate, position and monitor manufacturing and packaging sequences for a number of industries, including metalworking, automotive, plastics, aerospace, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, electrical and electronics.

For more information about the BFS-26K color sensor, contact Thurston Horton, Product Line Manager, Balluff Inc., 8125 Holton Drive, Florence, KY 41042. Phone: 800-543-8390. Fax: 859-727-7752. www.balluff.com.