Purchase now: Wenglor GM04VC2 Gloss Sensor
Purchase now: Atlantech Drives provides you the Wenglor GM04VC2, a specialized Gloss Sensor designed to distinguish objects based on their surface properties (shiny vs. matte) rather than their color. This technology is indispensable in packaging and quality control applications where standard photoelectric sensors fail. For example, it can detect a transparent label on a transparent bottle, check for the presence of glue beads, or verify if a protective foil has been applied to a product.
Technical Specifications and Glare Detection
The GM04VC2 emits a directed light beam and measures the intensity of the direct reflection (specular reflection). A matte surface scatters light, returning low intensity, while a glossy surface acts like a mirror, returning high intensity. The sensor provides both a Digital Switching Output (for Pass/Fail) and an Analog Output (0…10 V or 4…20 mA depending on config), allowing the PLC to measure the *degree* of glossiness. It features a Teach-In function for easy setup.
- Part Number: GM04VC2.
- Type: Gloss Sensor (Glanzsensor).
- Working Range: 30 … 40 mm (Optimal).
- Light Source: Red Light / Infrared (Model dependent).
- Output 1: Switching (PNP/NPN).
- Output 2: Analog (Voltage/Current).
- Response Time: < 1 ms.
- Setting: Teach-In Button.
- Housing: Metal / Plastic hybrid.
Expert Installation Advice: The «Mirror Angle»
Physics is key. Expert Tip: To detect gloss, the sensor must be mounted perpendicular (90°) to the surface if it uses coaxial optics, or at the «angle of incidence = angle of reflection» if it’s a V-beam sensor. The GM04VC2 typically requires a specific working distance and angle to maximize the specular reflection. Unlike other sensors where you want to *avoid* glare, here you must aim for the glare. Ensure the object is stable; vibration can change the reflection angle and cause measurement noise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can it detect clear labels?
A: Yes. A clear label usually has a higher gloss (shine) than the matte paper backing. The GM04VC2 is perfect for «Label-on-Label» or «Splice detection» applications.
Q: Does color affect the reading?
A: Minimally. Since it looks for surface texture (reflection quality), it is much more color-independent than standard contrast sensors.
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