Sick ML20 markless sensor

The ML20 markless sensor from Sick offers greater flexibility and shorter equipping times for varying labels and formats, more freedom of design in the structuring of packaging systems and prevention of unnecessary material use and rejects.

Used as a pressure mark scanner without requiring pressure marks, the markless sensor detects a taught-in pattern leading to the transmission of a switching signal. The robust sensors are suitable for demanding and economical solutions in filling and packaging systems.

Material is conserved because no optically unfriendly marks need to be covered by overlapping the material, freeing up the area required for the mark, Sick claims.

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 1000 mm 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.

The markless sensor offers reproducibility of 0.6 mm and precise and stable detection of most patterns even with complex designs, tolerances in the path of the continuous material and high machine speeds.

Other features include robust metal housing and a 90° rotatable plug that allows the cable outlet to be arranged to suit the installation location. The pattern to be detected can be taught-in, stored or called up via the sensor’s control panel, control cable or ethernet.

Detection is activated immediately when the label or foil is changed.