The Contrast sensors are primarily used in packaging or printing machines for the detection of printed or control marks. SICK's line of KT contrast sensors detects even the smallest contrasts at the highest speeds, such as print marks on foils or packaging. They detect minute grayscale variations between the mark and the background on matte, shiny or transparent surfaces. A variety of device types with different contrast resolution methods and teach in versions are available to meet wide ranging requirements.

The Contrast sensors from OLS family is the sensor for optical line guidance. The OLS is a line guidance sensor based on luminescence technology. It detects conventional luminescent adhesive tape regardless of the background, contamination or surface defects and reliably outputs the deviation from the centre of the lane. Lane shifts can be made flexibly with adhesive tape and are also possible in small curve radii of up to 0.5 m. In addition, the OLS offers the option of reading 1D codes and thus transmitting various pieces of route information and drive commands in the event of an overrun. A CANopen, RS-485 or IO-Link interface enable simple installation and commissioning. The OLS is therefore the most cost effective solution for line guidance with a focus on ruggedness and flexibility.

Detection of luminescent adhesive tape
Very high signal-to-noise ratio (∼1:1,000)
180 mm reading field (up to 3 lanes can be read)
Output of deviation from lane centre point, lane width and read-out of barcodes
Able to withstand ambient light, contamination and gloss
Compensation for surface defects
Measurement accuracy: ± 1 mm
CANopen, RS-485 or IO-Link

Rugged and accurate, insensitive to ambient light, contamination or surface defects
Independent of base material or color
Simple line shifts and route changes by attaching conventional adhesive tape
Small curve radii of up to 0.5 m possible
Large reading field enables flexible line shifts (branches, junctions)
Reading bar codes makes it possible to transmit distance information or drive commands and simplifies vehicle control
Cost efficient compared to camera solutions
Low installation costs

Detection of luminescent adhesive tape
Very high signal-to-noise ratio (∼1:1,000)
180 mm reading field (up to 3 lanes can be read)
Output of deviation from lane centre point and read-out of barcodes
Able to withstand ambient light, contamination and gloss