In recent years, the sorting industry has witnessed remarkable advancements due to the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Among these, the application of visible and infrared light sorting technology has gained significant prominence. This article explores the different lights used in sorting applications, with a primary focus on Visible Light Sorting Technology, Short Infrared, and Near Infrared Sorting Technologies. These technologies revolutionize color sorting, shape sorting, and impurity removal, enabling industries to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and accuracy.
1. Visible Light Sorting Technology
Spectrum Range: 400-800nm
Camera Classification: Linear/Planar, Black and White/RGB, Resolutions: 2048 pixels
Applications: Color sorting, Shape sorting, AI-powered sorting.
Visible light sorting technology utilizes the electromagnetic spectrum range between 400 to 800 nanometers, which is within the human-visible range. It incorporates high-resolution cameras (2048 pixels) capable of linear or planar classifications, and they may come in black and white or RGB variants.
1.1 Color Sorting
This technology is ideal for color sorting, allowing industries to differentiate textures, sizes, and shapes with slight color differences. It finds extensive application in sorting materials and impurities that can be distinguished by the human eye. From agricultural produce to manufacturing processes, visible light sorting effectively identifies and segregates items based on their color properties.
1.2 Shape Sorting
Another remarkable application of visible light sorting is shape sorting. By leveraging AI-powered algorithms, the technology can accurately recognize and categorize objects based on their shapes, streamlining various industrial processes.
1.3 AI-Powered Sorting
Integrating artificial intelligence further enhances visible light sorting capabilities. Advanced algorithms empower the system to learn and adapt, making it capable of recognizing complex patterns and ensuring precise sorting across diverse industries.
2. Infrared Sorting Technology – Short Infrared
Spectrum Range: 900-1700nm
Camera Classification: Single Infrared, Dual Infrared, Composite Infrared, Multispectral, etc.
Applications: Material sorting based on moisture and oil content, Nut industry, Plastic sorting.
The Short Infrared sorting technology operates in the spectrum range of 900 to 1700 nanometers, beyond the human-visible range. It incorporates specialized cameras with varying infrared capabilities, such as single, dual, composite, or multispectral infrared.
2.1 Material Sorting based on Moisture and Oil Content
Short Infrared technology excels in material sorting based on their moisture and oil content. This capability makes it particularly valuable in the nut industry, where it is extensively used for separating walnut shell kernels, pumpkin seed shell kernels, raisin stems, and stones from coffee beans.
2.2 Plastic Sorting
Plastic sorting, especially when dealing with materials of the same color, benefits significantly from Short Infrared technology. It allows for precise separation of various plastic types, streamlining recycling processes and ensuring high-quality end products.
3. Infrared Sorting Technology – Near Infrared
Spectrum Range: 800-1000nm
Camera Classification: Resolutions with 1024 and 2048 pixels
Application: Impurity Sorting, Material Sorting.
The Near Infrared sorting technology operates in the spectrum range of 800 to 1000 nanometers, providing valuable insights beyond the human-visible range. It employs high-resolution cameras with either 1024 or 2048 pixels, enabling efficient and accurate sorting.
3.1 Impurity Sorting
Near Infrared technology is particularly effective in impurity sorting, making it an invaluable tool in various industries. For example, it can detect and remove belly white from rice, stones and mouse droppings from pumpkin seeds, and insects from tea leaves.
3.2 Material Sorting
The technology’s ability to analyze materials beyond the human-visible range allows for precise material sorting, streamlining manufacturing and production processes across multiple sectors.
Conclusion
The advancements in sorting technologies, particularly in visible and infrared light applications, have revolutionized various industries’ sorting capabilities. Visible light sorting technology enables efficient color and shape sorting with AI-powered algorithms. Short Infrared sorting excels in material sorting based on moisture and oil content, benefiting the nut industry and plastic sorting processes. Meanwhile, Near Infrared technology proves invaluable in impurity and material sorting. As these technologies continue to evolve, the future of sorting applications looks promising, promising enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability across industries worldwide.
Below are some applications of the combination of these technologies:
Ultra High Definition Visible Light+AI：Vegetables（sorting hair）
Visible light+X-ray+AI: Peanut sorting
Visible light+AI: Nut kernel sorting
Visible light+AI+four perspective cameras technology: Macadamia Sorting
Infrared+visible light: Rice sorting
Visible light+AI: Heat shrink film defect detection & spray code detection
Post time: Aug-01-2023