The functional principle

Labels are guided through the fork. An ultrasonic transmitter in the lower leg of the fork beams a fast sequence of pulses through the backing material. The sound pulses cause the backing material to vibrate such that a greatly attenuated sound save is beamed from the opposite side. The receiver in the upper leg of the fork receives this sound wave.

The backing material transmits a different signal level from the label. This signal difference is evaluated by the esf-1. The signal difference between the backing material and the label can be very slight. To ensure a reliable distinction, the esf-1 has to learn the label.

Backing material with a label provides an attenuated signal level

The esf-1

can reliably detect high-transparency, reflective materials as well as metallised labels and labels of any colour. The measurement cycle time automatically self-adjusts to the sound power required. For thin labels and backing materials, the esf-1 can work at its maximum speed, with a response time of < 300 µs.

To be able to detect special labels, for example labels with punches or perforations, there are three different Teach-in methods available.

A) Learn both backing material and label dynamically

During the Teach-in process, the backing material and its labels are guided through the fork at a constant speed. The esf-1 sensor automatically learns the signal level for the labels and for the gaps between the labels. This is the standard Teach-in for labels.

esf-1 as label sensor

B) Separate Teach-in for backing material and labels

The signal level difference for the backing material and labels might be very slight. In order to still scan labels with very little difference in signals, Teach-in for the signal levels is done separately: Teach-in is first done for the backing material and then for the label on it. The switching threshold then lies between these two signal levels.

C) Learn web material only

Web material is generally processed from a roll. The splice to be detected is hidden somewhere in the roll. There is a separate Teach-in method available for this purpose, in which only the sheeting is learned. The esf-1 detects the level difference at the splice and sets its output.

esf-1 as splice sensor

The Teach-in procedure

can optionally be carried out with the button on the top of the housing or with pin 5 on the unit's connector.

For QuickTeach

the esf-1 learns the material for the duration that the button is pushed or pin 5 is controlled.

With LinkControl

the esf-1 can optionally be parameterised. Measured values can also be shown graphically.

Labels are guided through the fork. The esf-1 reacts to the signal difference between the backing material and the label.

IO-Link

esf-1 ultrasonic label and splice sensorshave a Push-Pull switching output and support IO-Link in version 1.0.