Innovative sheet sensor saves money

Baumer Electric: The new ZDDM 050T sheet sensor from Baumer ensures the high quality of bound print products in collating machines. For this task, a 60 x 80 mm image is taken of every sheet at a specified point in rapid sequence and this image is compared to a previously taught reference image.

The fully integrated image analysis system activates a simple switching output (accept/reject). Based on this information, corrective actions may be initiated in the machine. The Accept/Reject signal is presented on a display together with additional information. If necessary, individual images or additional information for sheet recognition can be retrieved via Ethernet.

An intelligent teach-in process performed at the beginning of every print run ensures optimal recognition of the sheets. In Run mode, up to 10 sheets per second are analyzed at a speed of up to 3 m/s. The sheets, which may be printed either matte or glossy, may be between 110 and 500 mm in length and up to 5 mm thick. The sensor tolerates shifts in position of ± 10 mm in the x and the y direction as well as rotations of ± 3°.

Thanks to its compact housing (100 x 50 x 60 mm), the sensor can be mounted directly on the feeder. It is synchronized with the machine by means of the sheet start signal (external sensor), encoder pulses (CHA / CHB), or, as an alternative, via image trigger pulses from the control system. As the optics providing the image, the homogeneous white LED lighting, the electronics, the image analysis system and the interfaces (digital inputs/outputs, Ethernet) are integrated in the sensor, additional equipment is unnecessary.The sheet sensor combines complex image recognition with the simplicity of a switching sensor.