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Gloss Sensor Technology

Gloss sensors are able to detect the difference between glossy and matt surfaces. They use the reflected light to determine whether a test object has a glossy or matt appearance.

What Are Gloss Sensors?

Optical gloss sensors detect the gloss or surface reflection of materials by evaluating the light reflected from the surface. They are based on the principle of light reflection and enable precise distinction between matt and glossy surfaces.

This Is What Happens When Light Hits a Surface

Reflection

Reflection describes the process of light rays hitting a surface, which then bounces them back in the same direction. This often occurs with glossy materials such as metal or water. The degree of reflection depends on the gloss of the surface.

During total reflection, light is fully reflected from the surface under certain conditions without penetrating into the medium below. The angle of incidence of the light beam plays a key role here.

Examples of Reflection

Remission (Diffuse Reflection)

Remission describes the scattering of light rays in all directions when they hit non-reflective surfaces. This is above all common with matte, dull or uneven surfaces such as wood, paper and rubber.

Examples of Remission

How Gloss Sensor Work

Gloss sensors detect the degree of gloss of a surface, i.e. the proportion of light reflected by it. The mode of operation is based on the reflection and remission of light, in particular on the polarization of the light. The two photodiodes in the receiver evaluate the light conditions and thus determine the degree of gloss.

How Do Gloss Sensors Distinguish Between Glossy and Matt Surfaces?

Glossy Surfaces:

Glossy surfaces reflect light directly in a specific direction.
The polarization direction of the light is retained.

Matt Surfaces:

Matt surfaces diffuse the light, which means that it is scattered in many different directions.
No polarization direction identifiable.

What Materials Can Gloss Sensors Detect?

Paints

Coatings

Adhesive Tapes

Seal and Hologram Stickers

Installation Instructions for Installing Gloss Sensors

To achieve the most stable gloss detection possible, the following instruction must be observed when adjusting the sensor:

During installation, make sure that the alignment is perpendicular to the object and not sloped. Only then can the reflection be correctly detected by the receiver. An inclined position causes the reflection to be directed away from the receiver.

Tip: Mount the sensor perpendicular to the object

What Is the Difference Between Gloss and Contrast Sensors?

Gloss Sensors

Determine the degree of gloss of an object via the reflection and remission of a surface.

Allows you to distinguish between dark, shiny objects and light, matt objects.

Mainly used to check the surface finish of objects or to check for the presence of shiny films or labels.

Contrast Sensors

Detect the difference in brightness between objects and their background to identify contrasts.

Compare the total light intensity to distinguish between light and dark objects.

Commonly used in object positioning, color recognition and marking recognition on packaging or printed matter.

Sectors and Industries Which Use Gloss Sensors

Packaging Industry

Presence Check of Labels

In the packaging industry, labels are applied to cans in so-called hot glue labeling machines. To ensure a high quality standard, it is necessary to check that the labels have been correctly applied to the corresponding cans.

Consumer Goods Industry

Detection of Aluminum Lids for Coffee Capsules

When producing capsules for coffee machines, it is important to ensure that the pads are correctly sealed before the packaging process. The gloss sensors check whether different colored lids made of aluminum foil are correctly sealed on the coffee capsules.

FAQs

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