Laser Measurement Systems ensure dependable beer supplies

Are the beer crates OK? At Krombacher, this question is answered by
several LMS400 Laser Measurement Systems. They ensure that off-
licences or beer aficionados never have to do without “nature’s pearl”
(as advertised).

>> Pure, fresh spring water that is low in minerals, together with high-quality ingredients are the secret of the unique taste of Krombacher Pils. A compact housing, 3 m range and 0.1° angular resolution – these are the ingredients of the LMS400 Laser Measurement Systems with which system integrator Novatec Lösungen has implemented pallet inspection at Krombacher.

Meeting demands not mounting demands

Staff at Krombacher are proud that their brewing meets the demanding tastes of many beer drinkers. On the other hand, mounting demands, in the form of complicated camera and illumination technology, were to be avoided for the pallet inspection. Instead of this, the laser measurement technology of the LMS400 is employed to detect the height of the pallet load and the number of crates on it. One device is mounted about 2 m above the conveyor belt of each pallet line. As the pallet passes below the LMS400, the sensor measures the height while simultaneously detecting any missing cases in the topmost layer. The data are transferred from the machine controller to the operating data registration system, where they are compared with the current customer or commissioning order.

Integration during multi-shift operation

The solution with the LMS400 was developed and optimised on an automation system parallel to plant operation, making subsequent integration rapid and simple. In addition, the compact housing permitted a very much quicker
and more space-saving installation than would have been possible for a camera solution with separate lighting gear. Finally, the laser solution is characterised by great user-friendliness and easy service: Krombacher can use their own maintenance staff to check and correct any error messages that may crop up, without requiring any expensive specialists. The LMS400 is a versatile automation solution for inspection tasks, or for palletising & depalletising applications – especially as it provides flexible connection to external evaluation systems via Ethernet, RS 422, RS 232, and digital inputs and outputs.

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