Also, the labels come in many shapes, sizes and colors. So, for each line change, the fiber-optic system would need to be physically repositioned to sense each new bottle size and shape, and the sensor amplifier would need to be recalibrated. Similar to the fiber-optic system, a photoelectric gate sensor detects the leading edge of bottles and triggers inspections. When a bottle is missing one or more labels, the PresencePlus activates a warning light and sounds an alarm. DPT now uses more than 20 of these sensors to inspect bottles for label presence.
Production lines run continuously, three eight-hour shifts per day.
DPT has more than 40 technicians making these line changes. While available, hand-held teaching pendants aren't needed for sensor operation, DPT's frequent product changes and its many technicians allow the pendants to remain connected. A security code allows only authorized technicians to teach the sensors new run-time parameters. DPT is so pleased with the practicality and reliability of the PresencePlus sensors that it is evaluating additional applications, including inspections of date code printing.