A photocell for food & beverage

With the help of a few food sector leaders, Omron has developed a new photocell for applications scanning various types of transparent packaging (glass or PET bottles, trays, films...). Called E3S-DB, it is extremely precise: a narrow web with a spot of just a few mm (2... 200 mm distance) detects even minute spaces and gaps between objects on conveyor belts.

Called E3S-DB, it is extremely precise: a narrow web with a spot of just a few mm (2... 200 mm distance) detects even minute spaces and gaps between objects on conveyor belts.
E3S-DB boasts an exclusive optic system that operates at low hysteresis and therefore registers a 3% attenuation of the light’s intensity at a distance of 4 m from the object.

Furthermore, it enhances the stability and thus continuity of the process, thanks to the complete elimination of the “lens effect” caused by the transparent material.
This photocell guarantees optimal performance even on PET bottles, thanks to the use of “P-Opaquing” technology (opaquing polarization) and the corresponding filter dedicated to this material.

Easy to use. The E3S-DB line includes models equipped with multi-cycle trimmer and models with “Smart Teach” function: an innovative setup method developed by Omron that combines the functionality and speed of the teach button with regulation of the optimal threshold through the trimmer.
The teach button automatically regulates sensitivity and brightness of the light emitted according to the distance of detection between the sensor and the reflecting surface, and according to the optimal threshold selected using the trimmer.

This mode of configuration supplies precise information on sensor settings and enables quickly replicating the setting of a photocell on all sensors present in a production line or in case of maintenance.  The practicality of the smart teach model is also due to the monitoring device which, thanks to dedicated software, enables visualizing and analyzing the behavior of the sensor directly on the screen of a PC, facilitating with speed and clarity the definition of the optimal brightness threshold.