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Detection of Transparent Objects

The detection of transparent objects can often be a real challenge due to their light transmission. Different technologies may work better under certain conditions or may prove more effective for specific materials. An overview of possible sensor solutions is provided here.

The Biggest Challenges in Detecting Transparent Objects

Transparent glass container in the pharmaceutical industry

Transmission Rate of Transparent Objects

Challenge: Transparent objects have a high degree of transmission, which causes the light emitted by the sensor to pass through objects. This minimal absorption of the light intensity makes detection more difficult for the sensor.

Solution:
Filled bottles in the brewery

Resistance to Contamination

Challenge: Dust and contamination affect sensor reliability in industrial production environments. This results in recurring maintenance intervals and the sensors having to be taught in again.

Solution: 
Medical ampoules in a pharmaceutical factory

Interference Effects with Irregularly Shaped Objects

Challenge: Irregular shapes and surfaces can cause interference, especially with moving objects with shiny surfaces, curves or edges. This can lead to uncontrolled light reflection and transmission and can impair the sensor system.

Solution: 
Discover our portfolio of reflectors, including those with recommended microstructure for detecting transparent objects!

Sensor Solutions at a Glance

Ultrasonic sensor emits sound waves

Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic sensors use high-frequency sound waves. They determine the time interval between the emitted and received signal of ultrasonic pulses to calculate the distance to the target object. They can reliably detect objects, from dark to transparent, thanks to color-independent sound reflection. This makes them versatile, especially for applications that require precise object detection.

Wide Range of Applications for All Challenges

Note: Simply click the relevant icon to learn more about the application.
Pizza and pizza slice
Food industry
Medication
Pharmaceuticals industry
Two sales packages
Packaging technology
Cosmetic products
Cosmetics industry
Transport crane in logistics
Logistics
Deposit bottles
Deposit return machines
Glass bottle
Beverages industry
Electric Mobility

Functional Principles for Detecting Transparent Objects

Functional principle Benefits Products
Ultrasonic distance sensors Ultrasonic distance sensors
  • Adjustable sonic cone width for detecting transparent objects with complex shapes
  • Material and color independent
  • Resistant to contamination
Ultrasonic fork sensor for label detection Ultrasonic fork sensor for label detection
  • The emitter and receiver are in the same housing
  • Material and color independent
  • Resistant to contamination
Retro-reflex sensors for transparent objects Retro-reflex sensors for transparent objects
  • Reliable detection of transparent objects 
  • Reliable process thanks to dynamic readjustment of the switching threshold
Fork sensors Fork sensors
  • The emitter and receiver are in the same housing
  • Reliable detection of even the smallest objects and clear glass
  • Ideally aligned transmitter-receiver axis at the factory
Through-beam sensor for PET selection Through-beam sensor for PET selection
  • Distinguishing clear PET from other transparent materials and opaque objects
  • Two switching outputs for outputting the relevant switching states

Functional Principles for Detecting Semi-Transparent Objects

Functional principle Benefits Products
Reflex light barriers Reflex light barriers
  • Saves time and costs during installation as no reflector is required
  • Enables applications where reflector mounting is not possible for process-related reasons
  • Reliable process thanks to dynamic readjustment of the switching threshold
Laser distance sensors time-of-flight Laser distance sensors ToF
  • For applications with a large working range
  • Precise edge and object detection using a compact laser light spot
  • Bright laser light spot for simplified alignment and initial start-up
  • Saves time and costs during installation as no reflector is required
Fiber-optic sensors
  • Flexible adaptation through combination with different fiber-optic cables
  • Independent of batch change due to jump detection
  • Reliable process thanks to dynamic readjustment of the switching threshold
  • Easy adjustment via NFC and display

Downloads for Transparent Object Detection

Ultrasonic Sensors Product Flyer
Ultrasonic Sensors Product Flyer (995 KB)

This document contains the product flyer for the ultrasonic sensors.

der wintec. Brochure
der wintec. Brochure (1 MB)

This document contains the brochure on long-range laser distance sensors with wintec (wenglor interference-free technology).

PNG//smart Product Flyer
PNG//smart Product Flyer (1 MB)

This document contains the PNG//smart sensors product flyer. Photoelectronic Next Generation stands for a new age of smart photoelectronic sensors.

P1XD Product Flyer
P1XD Product Flyer (902 KB)

This document provides an overview of the P1XD series fiber-optic amplifiers.

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