What Is the Circular Economy?
The circular economy is a consumer model of production and consumption. Existing materials and products are reused, reprocessed, repaired and recycled for as long as possible. This extends the product lifecycle and reduces waste to a minimum.
0 Raw materials | 1 Design | 2 Production | 3 Sale | 4 Use & repair
5 Collection | 6 Recycling | 7 Residual waste
What Is a Deposit Return System (DRS)?
Deposit return system (DRS) is a collective term for special recovery processes. A small charge is added to beverage products in particular when they are sold, which is refunded when the empties are returned. The aim is to recycle used materials and reuse them as often as possible. In many countries, this process is regulated by law.
What Is a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)?
Reverse vending machines are compact systems for fully automated acceptance, processing and collection of recyclable materials such as plastic or glass. They check, identify, compact and sort inserted objects such as PET bottles, glass bottles or metal cans in defined process steps. Users receive an automatic voucher deposit payment for the returned containers.
Smart Return Systems: Automated Applications from A to Z
Detection for Professionals: The Biggest Challenges in Reverse Vending Machines
RVM Challenge 1: Materials and Textures
RVM Challenge 2: High Degree of Contamination
RVM Challenge 3: Colors and Shading
RVM Automation: Physical Functional Principles at a Glance
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Functional principle
Ultrasonic distance sensors
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Functional principle
Retro-reflex sensors for transparent objects
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Functional principle
Through-beam sensors
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Functional principle
Reflex sensors with background suppression
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Functional principle
Inductive Sensors with selective performance
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Functional principle
Sensors for roller conveyor systems
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Functional principle
Safety guards
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RVM DNA Inside: Sensors Made for Reverse Vending Machine Systems
The PET Professional: Through-Beam Sensor for PET Selection OSR/OER
- Dynamic adjustment of the switching threshold for high system availability
- High dynamic range for detecting dark objects
- Compact 1R housing design (56.5 × 26 × 24 mm) with M18 threaded connection for high robustness and easy installation
- Reliable differentiation between PET, glass and metal – in one sensor!
The Transparency Expert: Retro-Reflex Sensor for Transparent Objects K1R87PCT2
- Dynamic adjustment of the switching threshold for high system availability
- Compact 1R housing design (56.5 × 26 × 24 mm) with M18 threaded connection for high robustness and easy installation
- Detection of clear objects with single-lens optics
- Remote maintenance and condition monitoring thanks to IO-Link 1.1
- External teach-in
The All-Rounder: Ultrasonic Distance Sensor U1RT004
- No contamination thanks to ultrasonic waves
- Compact 1R housing design (56.5 × 26 × 24 mm) with M18 threaded connection for high robustness and easy installation
- Wide sonic cone for detecting all objects
- Remote maintenance and condition monitoring thanks to IO-Link 1.1
- External teach-in
Reverse Vending Machine Check: Essential Requirements
High Machine Availability
In order for the RVM systems to be used around the clock and completely autonomously, the installed sensors must be able to handle different object types. A wide range of functional principles, intelligent additional functions and the excellent communication capabilities of the sensor meet this requirement.
Reliability for All Material Types
PET as well as glass and metal must be reliably detected in reverse vending machines – ideally with just one sensor. Thanks to their single-lens optics, our specially developed photoelectronic sensors for transparent objects detect even translucent, highly transparent objects reliably and reproducibly.
Remote Access: Condition Monitoring and Data Storage
Modern communication standards are a must to be able to adjust, configure and diagnose reverse vending machines remotely. Many wenglor sensors are equipped with integrated interfaces such as RS-232 or IO-Link 1.1.
Reliable Protection Against Manipulation
Temperature Stability
Reverse vending machine systems must function reliably in both indoor and covered outdoor areas. This means that the sensors must also switch reliably even in constantly changing temperatures. This is made possible, among other things, by specially designed reflectors with an anti-fog coating.
High Variety of Functions and Design
When planning reverse vending machines, plant engineers rely on a high level of functional diversity, but only have limited space available for installation. wenglor’s compact 1K and 1R designs are ideal for use in confined spaces – and offer numerous different functional principles.
