How to Tell If Your Manufacturing Application is Suitable for UV Sensing

Most automation engineers are familiar with infrared and other photoelectric sensors, but many forget about sensors on the other end of the spectrum.  One reason that they don’t consider UV light sensors for their application is because they don’t think of their targets as having UV properties. Actually many substances are naturally fluorescent, and almost anything can be made UV-responsive.

For example, grease, adhesives, and starches usually respond nicely to UV light, so it’s possible for a UV luminescence sensor to detect them just as they are. For things that do not naturally glow under UV light, it’s possible to add fluorescent pigments, paints, or inks.

The markers can be applied on the surface of the target, or they can be inside it.  For example, UV luminescent pigments can be added to the formula of plastics, synthetic greases, fungicides and other materials with minimal effect on their properties. Usually the supplier does this, before their product gets to your factory.

If it is not possible or practical to put the UV marker inside the target material, then the UV marker can be applied to the target before it enters the production line. In the simplest approach, a technician marks the targets with a UV crayon, chalk, or pen, while the targets are still on the pallet. For an automated application, the markers are usually sprayed on, as part of a moving production line. The more coverage, the easier the detection.

Because some of these markers are totally clear under visible light, they can be used to put invisible markings on transparent objects. Alternatively, some marking materials are designed to be washed off.  The experts in this field are the suppliers of UV luminescence sensors and of inks and pigments.  Contact them for help with a specific application.

Suppliers of UV luminescent materials