SICK Color Vision Sensors Have Arrived...
Including the first true OCR sensor!
The SICK CVS family of vision sensors includes four color vision sensor solutions: the CVS1 Easy, CVS2, CVS3, and the CVS4 – the industry's first true optical character recognition (OCR) sensor. These new sensors offer an affordable solution for vision applications that would otherwise require more complicated vision systems. These color-based vision sensors are ideal for a variety of application, including measuring area of a learned color, presence/absence detection, and identifying products based on color and color sorting.
The CVS1 Easy allows the user to detect and distinguish between up to 8 customer- selected colors. The teaching procedure is simple, making it very customer friendly. The CVS1 Easy has very fast response times, monitoring larger areas from longer ranges than standard color sensors. - The CVS2 extends the capability of the CVS1 Easy. The CVS2 allows the user to detect and sort between 15 customer-defined colors. With the RS232 interface, the CVS2 can be used to sort between all colors stored in the sensor as well as use a PC to upload and download settings to the sensor.
- The CVS3 is an affordable solution for shape checking applications. The CVS3 searches the field of view for the shape or contour (Contour Vision Sensor) that the user teaches, such as verifying the logo is printed in the correct position on a label.
- The CVS4 is the first true OCR sensor. It provides detection and verification of date codes and lot codes (serial codes) using a sensor. The sensor can read up to 60 characters on 6 lines, making it very flexible.
Call us at 1.800.888.3644 to schedule a demo of this revolutionary product.
2-in-1: Optical Displacement Sensors
The OD-MAX is new addition to the SICK line of laser distance measurement sensors; it's able to connect two separate sensors into one common controller – reducing costs and making it easier to install – all while maintaining the level of performance you've come to expect from SICK.
The new OD-MAX sensor system is ideal for applications where distance measurement is required in the micron scale rather than in millimeters. The OD-MAX utilizes CMOS technology versus CCD or PSD methods. This vastly superior technology has significant advantages when targets are highly reflective or are dark in reflectivity.
The sensors feature a tough, IP 67-rated enclosure to withstand nearly any industrial automation environment. The sensors simply plug into the ports on the controller, which recognizes the sensor type.
The OD-MAX is available in three variants for operating distances of 30 mm, 85 mm and 350 mm. Each device offers two analog outputs in addition to five switching outputs adjustable via teach-in. Two status indicators per sensor provide information on the current operating state.
For more information, contact your Doig sales team here.
Automation Light Grids for Assembly and Bin Picking Applications
The Pick2Light light grids have a unique, external mounting feature that requires less parts and reduces costs. SICK's Pick2Light line offers reliable hand detection and a 360-degree visible job LED. The product's single-sided retro-reflective light grid design cuts parts and labor costs in half due to its external t-slot frame mounting feature. Each bin only requires one light grid. The external mounting configuration doesn't restrict bin size and cuts down on damage caused by removing parts and installing new bins. In addition, the Pick2Light Sensor has a rugged metal housing and is simple to install and easy to adjust. Additional features include five different available detection heights – from 120 mm to 420 mm, for maximum flexibility.
For more information on how to incorporate the Pick2Light light grids in your assembly and bin picking applications, contact your Doig sales team here.
2D Bar Code Reader for DataMatrix Codes
The ICR840 from SICK is a 2D-area imager that is ideal for directly marked part identification applications, enabling better traceability. It is a good solution for applications in which directly marked stationary objects (e.g. electronic components or parts supplied to automotive or aerospace industries) require identification.
The ICR840 offers a high resolution - 1.3 mega-pixels (1280 x 1024,) and integrated LED illumination for 1D and 2D DataMatrix decoding. It also has an image repeat rate that can be adapted for the particular task. Whether it is reading ink jet or dot-peening, the ICR840 is an effective solution for direct part marking identification in a variety of industries such as, production and logistics, pharmaceutical, electronics, and automotive.
ICR850 2D Line Imager
SICK also offers the ICR850 series CCD line imagers, for 1D and 2D bar code reading of moving directly marked parts. With a scanning frequency up to 45kHz, the SICK ICR850 series offers a revolutionary design that allows you to decode even the smallest or fastest moving 2D codes with the ease of a standard code reader.
Click here for literature and detailed product info.
Advanced Material Handling Solution
The FSR600 is the first proximity light grid of its kind, offering unparalleled benefits to the material handling market. It detects objects moving at high rates of speed on a conveyor and can detect side-by-side objects. The SICK FSR600 is easily customized to unique customer requirements. It is the most advanced and cost-effective solution of its kind for the material handling market. FSR600 Applications
- Hole recognition
- 2D (l x w) object reporting
- Side-by-side object detection
- Dimensioning (when used as a system)
- Detection of very thin or semi-transparent objects
- Object positioning recognition (including skew angle determination)
Click here for literature and detailed product info.
Difference Sensors Detect, Even When Things Are Rocking!
Do you need to detect small components on a wobbling conveyor belt? Do you need to examine the true running of different sized discs without having to equalize before each measurement? Are you looking for a simple “Yes or No” as your output information? The five new OBDM 12 series difference sensors from Baumer Electric can help.
Two positions can be taught within the operating range of 16 to 120 mm and the difference between them is then calculated and saved to the sensor as the setpoint. This differential value is compared with the actual value and, depending on the type of sensor, is analyzed in different ways. The output is then set based on the result.
Thus, edges can be detected if the distance change is recorded within a time window and compared to the setpoint, with the learned setpoint representing the height of the edge to be detected. In this, the distance between the sensor and the object is irrelevant. This allows small components traveling on a wobbling conveyor belt to be detected and counted.
Another application for this sensor is the true running of a disc; it's examined by determining the minimum and maximum values during a measuring sequence started and stopped via the sync input, and then comparing the difference with the learned setpoint. Since it is only the differential values that are used, here again the distance between the sensor and the object is irrelevant.
The five diverse difference sensors provide the easiest possible means of solving innumerable monitoring and detection tasks in the automation and handling industries. Up until now, this has been difficult to resolve or -for financial reasons- are utterly unsolvable.
Click here to see more Baumer difference sensors.
More Great News from Baumer…
RoHS Compliant For Over A Year!
Have you heard of “RoHS”?
The RoHS Directive aims to Restrict the use of certain Hazardous Substances, such as heavy metals and materials that are dangerous to human health and the environment. The Directive applies to electric and electronic equipment - including the automation products!
Baumer's has been compliant with RoHS for over a year now! Make the switch from your non-compliant manufacturers/products.
Baumer Website Now Has 3D CAD Files
Baumer products now have online 3D CAD files that can be downloaded from the Baumer website! The CAD applications supported include: IGS, STEP and PARASOLIDS. This new feature will have a huge impact on the design-in and buying decision! We anticipate that this new feature will be a helpful tool. Click here to see a sample.
Measure and switch with a parallel light beam-
Watch our website for upcoming info on Baumer's new ParCon!
Contrinex introduces ConIdent®, a radio frequency identification system. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is used in numerous automation and logistics domains. It allows objects to be identified by means of electronic labels (transponders or tags.)
The transponder memory contains a unique preset number as well as a zone in which complementary data relative to the object can be inscribed by means of a read/write module. The relative data can be either for tracing its history or for programming the parameters of the operations to which it will be subjected.
The advantages of RFID technology compared to classic systems, such as bar codes or laser marking:
- the transponder information can be read or written even if there is no direct line of vision between it and the read/write module
- transponder information can be supplemented, modified or deleted.
Contrinex RFID Highlights
- Transponders with 2 kbit of read/write memory
- Impervious transponders in all-metal housings
- Compact read/write modules
- Read/write modules in all-metal housings
- Interface devices for connection to Profibus, DeviceNet and RS485
- Possibility to connect up to 4 read/write modules per interface device
- User-friendly software
Contact your Doig sales team for literature.
Customer Profile: Charter Steel, Inc.
Application: accurate distance measuring in a harsh environment
Charter Steel, Inc. is a member of Charter Manufacturing, a privately owned family of companies that has adhered to a simple, successful formula for four generations: Do something different and do it right to achieve the highest quality product.
With a rich family history full of engineers and entrepreneurs, Charter Steel worked its way into the mainstream of the American steel industry. Located in Saukville , Wisconsin , Charter Steel is a leading American supplier of carbon and alloy steel bar, rod, and wire products. They are an integrated steelmaker with manufacturing and distribution facilities in Wisconsin , Michigan , and Ohio . Their capabilities include steel melting, bar and rod rolling, coil processing, and wire drawing. Sister companies consist of Charter Steel Specialty, Charter Wire, and Milwaukee Wire.
The Situation
Charter Steel faced the challenge of tracking the precise position of a crane bridge and trolley. The crane is responsible for picking and placing various scrap metals to a scrap bucket similar to how a cook would add cake ingredients to a mixing bowl. Steel billets are created by melting down scraps of various metals such as busheling, coils, auto shreddings, railroad material and more. Just like a chocolate cake recipe would require different ingredients than angel food cake, each steel recipe requires different scrap ingredients. The difficulty in this crane-tracking application was the distance of position measuring (300 feet!) and the harsh environment of the steel melt shop.
Brian Mayer, Charter Steel's automation engineer, was involved in the original design and continued enhancements. Other engineer members involved were Joe Ohme , Wes Palmer, and Toby Vorpahl. The team considered many distance measurement devices, but according to Mayer, it was “not economically feasible to use other distance measurement devices. They're not mill-duty. The sensor needed to deal with a wide range of temperatures, vibrations, and the harsh environment.”
The Solution
Charter Steel resolved the dilemma with Doig's recommendation: the SICK DME 3000. The DME sensor gives continuous position feedback throughout the length of the crane's 300ft path and does so with extreme accuracy (±5mm.) The DME 3000 has a measuring range of up to 500m, handles temperature ranges of – 38°C to +140°C with options, and isn't susceptible to harsh environments. Another reason Charter selected the SICK product over others was its profibus capabilities which enabled the SICK sensor to easily link to the Charter Steel computer system. When electro magnetic interference (EMI) issues surfaced, Doig and SICK offered immediate technical support. John Donald , sales engineer for Doig, helped minimize down time by bringing all the players to the table without more ado. He included Mike Edminster , Doig engineering manager, and Russ Nikodem, SICK regional sales manager, to discuss the exposed application challenges. From there, SICK took the product, evaluated it with Charter's application parameters, and changed it for the better. Mayer said Doig's technical support was key. “When this was initially installed, there were wiring issues and EMI. I was able to call up Doig and get more help and solutions. With Doig, I get quick answers. I don't have to wait days for a response.” Best of all, after the immediate technical powwow, Mayer says, “we haven't had any problems since.”
When asked why Charter Steel continues to work with Doig instead of other competitors, Mayer candidly responds, “Doig customer support. John [Donald] is out here letting us know what is available. Like most engineers, I don't have a lot of extra time. John looks ahead and thinks of products we may use 6 months down the road.” Cheers to Doig for always looking ahead to our customers needs!
Every month, Baumer creates application notes that briefly summarize real life solutions. Mike Edminster , Doig's engineering manager, picked these two out especially for you:
Shock Resistant Encoders
Customer Profile
Manufacturer of metal stamping and press machines, including punch presses, forging presses and progressive die presses.
The Challenge
The customer was facing a high failure rate of encoders due to significant shock and vibration loads. Additionally, component size was a consideration since space within the machine was limited.
The Solution
MAGRES BMMH 58S1G24C12/00B2A (Absolute multi-turn)
Product Features
- Robust multi-turn encoder with up to: 12 Bit single turn resolution, 13 Bit multi-turn resolution
- SSI interface
- Zero setting input
Benefits to the Customer
- Low mounting depth of only 32 mm allows for use in the very small space between the turning axis and the machine casing.
- With any punch press, massive shock and vibration loads are generated. These forces are a massive endurance test for any optical encoder. In this application the MAGRES performed flawlessly.
Industry Opportunities
- Punch presses for production of deep-drawn aluminum lids (e.g., yogurt cups)
- Possible applications exist on other types of punch presses and press machines
- Machine building
Sensors That Detect Liquid Level while in Direct Contact with Liquid
Customer Profile
Companies who manufacture machines for detection of different liquids.
The Challenge
The customer needs a way to detect the liquid level in a container with a sensor. The sensor is sometimes in direct contact with the liquid.
The Solution
Capacitive fill level sensor CFAK 12P1103
Product Features
- Soiling and condensation on the sensor's face do not cause false triggers
- Various housing materials available: PBT, PVDF, PA12 and PP plastic
- EMI immunity
- High repeatability
- Self contained
- IP 67 rating
Benefits to the Customer
- Sensor can contact the liquid without damage
- Easy installation
- Custom solutions
- All-in-one device
Industry Opportunities
- Graphic industry
- Liquid level monitoring
- Rubber and plastics industry
- Food industry
- Drug industry
- Chemical industry
- Medical industry
Find other application notes on Doig's website:
- Analog outut inductive sensors for stamping press operations
- Ultrasonic sensors in web processing and clear film detection
- OADM Sensor for accurate and reliable surface measurement
- MagRes Series for position feedback of rotating components
Welcome Michelle and Stephanie!
As Doig continues to grow, so has its need to expand its staff. On October 2nd, Michelle Sorenson and Stephanie Edminster joined the Doig sales team.
Michelle Sorenson, Doig's newest customer service representative, brings to Doig over 17 years experience in administrative and customer service. She has lived all over the world (her dad was career Army,) and currently resides in Port Washington , Wisconsin . Michelle looks forward to bringing her accumulation of work and personal experiences to the table. On a personal note, she enjoys walking her dogs, roller-blading, traveling, reading, and staying in touch with friends. As Michelle is a very results-oriented person, one of her favorite quotes is “Git-R-Done.” Thank goodness for Larry the Cable Guy!
Stephanie Edminster joins Doig in a newly created position: associate customer service representative. She lives in Grafton , Wisconsin and has two adorable nephews. Stephanie has numerous college business and accounting courses under her belt and now attends MATC part time for her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Fun fact: this little spit-fire is also a talented manicurist! Steph loves to laugh, read, work-out, kickbox, and have fun wherever she goes. She is excited to join her dad, Doig's engineering manager Mike Edminster , and looks forward to achieving goals, overcoming obstacles, and assisting in Doig's growth.
Ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes
With love and grace, our Doig family grows…
Sergey Xavier Danger is welcomed with love by proud parents Bill and Olya Finnegan, big brother Damien, and the rest of Doig. He was born on September 17, 2006 at 10:50am weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces and stretching 21 inches long.
Sing With Us! Happy Anniversary…
Congrats to Doig employees celebrating anniversaries
in 2006's 4th quarter!
13 years Randy Jung, Sales Engineer
13 years Kevin Timm , Safety Application Technician
11 years Chris Karnitz , Sales Engineer
6 years Mike Timm , Warehouse
3 years Betsy Hensel , Inside Sales
Congratulations to Mindy Donald, 2006 Homecoming Queen for Ozaukee High School
Mindy, Doig marketing intern, proudly displays her crown with her father, Doig sales engineer, John Donald.
The Monster Mash
Doig employees having some Halloween fun!
Everyone at Doig Corporation would like to thank you for your continued business and support this past year. As we look forward to a new year, we want to wish you and your families all the best.
