Leuze DRT 25C dynamic reference diffuse sensor

Sensors must detect a wide range of products and films on the conveyor belts of primary and secondary packaging machines for confectionery and baked goods. Leuze has developed the DRT 25C dynamic reference diffuse sensor for this area of application.

The sensor works with three light spots and uses reference technology. The latter references the conveyor belt instead of the product. In the first step, the surface characteristics of the belt are taught in. This enables the sensor to subsequently detect all objects that do not correspond to the belt surface as ‘deviations’, even if the conveyor belt is dirty or vibrating. With this approach, the surface properties of the products, such as the colour, gloss or transparency, do not influence the detection. The DRT 25C uses its three light spots to detect the entire spectrum: small, flat, or also tall and spherical products. Even irregular shapes and contours or products with openings are detected. Due to the wide scanning range, these are also detected as a continuous piece.

No realignment of the sensor is needed when products or packaging materials are changed over. This reduces the set-up time required and enables higher product volumes. The DRT 25C is quickly set up due to automatic teaching by means of the teach button. Additional functions can be conveniently integrated into the machine control via IO-Link: for example a warning for excessive debris, use of the counter built into the sensor or locking the teach button.