Detecting Notebook C-Covers with Atonm CL2 Color Sensor

In modern manufacturing, automation and sensors are essential for quality and efficiency. This article describes the use of the Atonm CL2 color sensor in a Taiwanese 3C product manufacturer for detecting the presence of a notebook C-cover protected by a pink foam pad.

1. Customer

The customer is a Taiwanese contract manufacturer with large OEM/ODM facilities across East and South China.

2. Requirement

During a line upgrade, the customer needed to detect whether the notebook C-cover existed on a green conveyor; a white label on the cover (over pink foam) became the detection target.

3. Challenges

Detecting irregular, fast-moving parts is difficult. Vision systems are costly and fiber/laser displacement sensors can mis-trigger on uneven surfaces.

4. Solution

Atonm engineers selected the CL2 color sensor. Key features:

1. Fast response (200μs) with multiple probe options.

2. Stores eight colors and recognizes up to four simultaneously.

3. High precision via triple 16-bit RGB computation for subtle color differences.

The CL2 supports intensity mode to avoid misreads on uneven surfaces; engineers used the white label as the detection target. The sensor outputs a digital signal to PLC for downstream handling.

5. Benefits

The customer achieved the goal within budget: improved line efficiency and detection accuracy. The CL2’s long lifetime and resistance to light decay ensure stable performance over time.