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Detecting Dark Objects
Dark objects, such as solar wafers or automotive parts, absorb a large amount of light, especially red light. Due to the low reflectivity of these targets, it can be challenging for LED- and laser-based sensors to reliably detect the presence of very dark objects—especially against a similarly dark background.
In spite of the challenges, there are both photoelectric and laser sensors that can reliably solve these applications. Keep reading to learn how to identify a solution for dark object detection.
There are several options for detecting dark objects. A through-beam or retro-reflective photoelectric sensor is an obvious choice since the sensor can easily detect when a dark object passes between the emitter and reciever unit, or when the beam of light between the emitter and a reflector is interrupted. However, in many applications, mounting devices on both sides of the application is impractical, if not impossible.
In these cases, a diffuse sensor (emitter and receiver in the same housing) is required. However, diffuse sensors rely on the target to act as a reflector, and targets must return enough light back to the sensor to verify the object's presence. If a target aborbs the majority of the light, as in the case of dark objects, the sensor may fail to reliably detect the target. To solve these challenges, a sensor with high excess gain, or blue light instead of red, can help ensure reliable detection.
In many of these applications, not only must the sensor detect the dark object, but it must do so against an equally dark background (for example, detecting dark parts on a dark auto body panel). The lack of contrast between target and background is also challenging for many photoelectric sensors to detect. For these applications, a distance-based laser sensor is a must. Keep reading to learn why.
Excess gain is an important metric for any application, but it is especially important when detecting dark objects. Excess gain is a measure of the minumum light energy needed for reliable sensor operation. A high excess gain helps the sensor overcome a weaker signal reflected by a dark object.
The amount of excess gain you need, over and above what you might need for a "typical" target, will depend on how dark your target is as well as the environment of your application. Pristine environments with little dust will require less excess gain than a dirty environment with debris that can cloud the sensor lens and further reduce signal strength.
Fortunately, determining the amount of gain you need doesn't have to be a manual process. Smart sensors can recognize if very little light is returning to the receiver and automatically adjust exposure settings for additional gain and a stronger signal.
Sensors that rely solely on contrast will struggle to detect very dark objects against a similarly dark background; however, these applications are common, especially in the automotive industry. For example, in the application pictured to the right, verifying that foam and other components are present on automotive door panels is extremely important. If any part is missing, the quality of the final door assembly is adversely affected.
Since door panels are often dark colors such as black or gray, and the foam used to eliminate rattles and provide stiffness is generally black, it can be difficult for standard sensors to differentiate between foam presence and absence due to poor contrast. A laser measurement sensor can reliably detect these parts by detecting changes in distance instead of color.
Some targets are designed specifically to absorb red light. For example, solar wafers are designed to absorb as much sunlight as possible and are covered in anti-reflective coating. This makes solar wafers very difficult for traditional photoelectric sensors to detect.
In these applications, a photoelectric sensor with a blue LED light can be a cost-effective solution. Blue light is not absorbed by dark objects to the same extent as red light. Since more light is remitted back to the sensor, a sensor with blue light will be able to detect extremely dark objects with greater reliability.
Laser Distance Sensor, 25-610 mm
Versatile, rugged laser distance sensors offering superior performance and capable of detecting sub-millimeter changes in distance.
- Discrete, analog (0 to 10 V or 4 to 20 mA), clear object, and IO-Link models available
- Reliable sensing range from as close as 25 mm and as far as 610 mm
- Detects across a variety of target colors, materials and surfaces based on distance
- Dual teach mode (intensity + distance) is ideal for error-proofing applications and enables clear object detection with no retro-reflector required
- Robust housing rated to IP69K with FDA-grade stainless steel
Laser Distance Sensor, 9.5 cm - 2 m Range
The Q5X background suppression laser is a powerful, problem-solving sensor in a cost-effective device with industry-standard rectangular housing.
- Range from 9.5 cm (4 inches) to 2 m (6 ft. 6 inches)
- Exceptionally high excess gain enables the sensor to reliably detect the darkest objects (<6% reflective black targets)
- Reliably detects black targets against a black background, black targets against a shiny metal background, clear and reflective objects, multicolor packaging, and targets of all colors
- Dual teach mode measures both distance plus light intensity to solve the most challenging applications
Photoelectric Sensor with Blue LED
- Miniature sensor for installation in the smallest of spaces
- Red laser models provide bright, precise laser light spot for optimum small part detection
- Models with a blue LED reliably detect challenging targets, including dark, reflective, and transparent objects without requiring a reflector
- High switching frequency for detection in even the fastest processes
- User-friendly operation using electronic push button or remote input provides reliable and precise detection
- Red laser, Red LED, and Blue LED types available to match sensing beam to application
- Robust, glass-fiber-reinforced plastic housing
- PNP or NPN output, depending on model
