Insystems Release Enhanced Pick To Light Sensor
InSystems has announced a new Pick to Light Sensor, the P2L, which has the advantages of both being field-bus compatible and being especially designed for an improved workplace.
Used in the assembly process to guide employees through complex operations, pick to light systems significantly reduce overall assembly times whilst increasing process reliability. They signal to employees the correct pick order of parts, as well as containing sensors that detect when an employee has made a wrong pick. Signalling of a correct or incorrect pick can be achieved through lights, audio signals or even pausing the entire process, preventing further errors.
The P2L sensor is particularly interesting because it has been designed to be smaller than existing models - with a height of just 25 mm. This means it can be installed into systems which use smaller component trays, for example the commonly used Bosch trays. Because of this, the trays of the workstation can be built up in shallower shelves, which then benefits employees who do not have to reach as far for each pick. The operating distance of the sensor is adjustable, meaning it can be used in a huge variety of part containers.
Pick to Light systems can also record information about the assembly process, which can play an integral part in quality assurance and part traceability. The CAN-Bus variation of P2L can be easily connected to a PLC as well as be integrated into existing systems. A huge advantage of this is that the sensor can be connected to the controller in a group of up to 100 even without the complex wiring of individual sensors. Assembly orders can be managed by using a material flow computer.
As the P2L sensor is capable of being installed into existing systems, it is available as a single part. It can also be sold as part of a complete pick to light system, or as sensors with control. Technical data, video and more information can be found on the P2L website: www.pick-2-light.com.