OMRON Uses Intelligent Sensing Technology to Release New Laser Sensor for Conyer Operations

OMRON is a global leader in the manufacture and sale of automation components, systems, and equipment. The company’s portfolio of products and systems cater to a variety of markets including medical, automotive, and consumer electronics. 

 

OMRON’s E3AS-HL CMOS Laser Sensor. Image courtesy of OMRON.

 

OMRON’s new laser sensor incorporates a particular type of sensor known as a CMOS sensor (Class 1). This reflective photoelectric sensor has a laser emitter and CMOS image sensor receiver and operates using a triangulation principle. 

This is what makes the device an industry first. Photoelectric sensors detect objects by passing light over them and sensing a change in the disrupted light being received back. 

 

OMRON’s E3AS-HL CMOS Laser Sensor

The E3AS-HL sensor enables the detection of object material, color, and shape through a receiver that has its lens position calibrated to the micrometer level.

The integrated algorithm allows for high-speed sampling (10,000 times per second) and the faintest amount of light that bounces off object targets is amplified to increase the sensitivity of detection. 

This means that the sensor can be mounted at a wide-angle to make the design of specialized and complex equipment much simpler. The design of the E3AS-HL sensor eliminates the need for reflectors to detect objects like cans and plastic bottles. This cuts set up costs and allows multi-lane conveyor lines to be constructed. 

 

The Laser’s Detection Capabilities 

A variety of tricky-to-detect parts can be honed in on including automotive parts that are curved, irregular in shape, and glossy to food and packages that are multicolored and glossy. The added benefit of this detection is the ability to reduce equipment design and time spent on commissioning. 

 

The capabilities of OMRON’s E3AS-HL CMOS laser sensor. Image courtesy of OMRON. 

 

Another feature of the E3AS-HL laser sensor is the presence of an industry-first antifouling coating on the sensing surface. The coating helps to prevent fogging over the lens and settling of water droplets, dust particles, and oil on the sensing surface. This reduces the need for cleaning in dusty, oil mist, and steamy environments, and reducing the number of falsely detected objects. 
 

OLED Display 

Users can optimize settings for their desired application through the Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display. A horizontal and vertical viewing angle of 150 degrees allows for the reading of the display.

Users can view the detected value and threshold level at a glance and access the single teach button to prevent inconsistent settings. 

OMRON’s E3AS-HL laser sensor aims to benefit manufacturers from a wide range of industries that require exceptional object detection. It also aims to ensure worker safety during COVID-19 by limiting contact and enabling remote operability.