OMRON E3MC-MX41 Color Mark Sensor

製品タイプ：RGB Fiber-Optic Color/Color-Mark Sensor (Amplifier Unit), 生産終了 (EOL)

-Must be used with dedicated fiber-optic head; no sensing head built-in. 4-channel PNP output, capable of storing 4 sets of color profiles (Bank).

電源: 12-24 VDC

出力: 4-channel PNP open-collector

Profiles: 4 stored color profiles (Bank1-4), profile switching via external terminals

Nominal Sensing Distance: 20±4 mm (with original fiber-optic head)

Spot Size: φ3 mm

応答時間: Standard 3 ms / High-speed 1 ms

動作温度: -20℃～+55℃

保護等級: IP66

コネクタ: M12, standard 2 m cable E39-C1

光源: RGB LED

特徴: FAO multi-layer optical coating, resistance to gloss and angular offset, tolerates ±4 mm positional deviation

E3MC-MX41 is purely an amplifier unit and must pair with dedicated X-series fiber-optic probes; ordinary E32 fiber heads cannot be directly connected.

Original fiber-optic probe is integrated with amplifier and non-detachable.

The E3MC-MY41 (Y-type variant) supports external general-purpose E32 fiber heads.

1. Imported Brands (Performance-matched, for high-speed / subtle-color-difference applications)
2. KEYENCE CZ-V22AP (Closest import alternative)

コア: RGB fiber-optic amplifier, 4-channel PNP output, multi-color-profile storage, external input for Bank switching, compatible with general-purpose M3/M4 reflective fiber heads.

力: 12-24 VDC; 応答時間: 100 μs ~ 10 ms adjustable.

違い:

1. Original E3MC-MX41 integrated fiber head cannot be reused; complete KEYENCE fiber-optic probe set required.
2. Terminal-block type instead of M12-8 connector. Wiring logic and Bank-switching timing differ; PLC adaptation is necessary.

Suitable for high-speed production lines with minor color differences and high-reliability requirements.

Typical Application Scenarios of E3MC-MX41

-Core capabilities: RGB fiber-optic color detection, 4 independent PNP outputs, PLC-controlled external Bank switching, φ3 mm small light spot, tolerates ±4 mm angular and positional offset, slim fiber-optic probe for confined-space mounting.

-Highlight: 4-channel outputs plus external Bank switching allow one sensor to handle multiple product variants. Color recipes can be switched automatically by PLC without manual on-site teach-in.

1. 包装 & 印刷業 (Primary Use-case)
2. Multi-color-mark positioning & register correction

For flexible packaging and label machines: detect multiple color register marks. PLC switches Bank profiles for different product specifications. Four outputs distinguish different marks and deliver signals to web-guiding systems.

2. Packaging color verification & mistake-proofing

Verify correct color of pouches and cartons; distinguish multiple packaging revisions. Four outputs identify qualified parts and multiple failure modes.

3. Cap / rubber plug color sorting

Sort caps of different colors on production lines. Call up different Bank profiles for different production batches.

2. プラスチック & Injection-molded-part Inspection
3. Part color sorting & mixing-error prevention

Differentiate black / 白 / grey / colored plastic housings and buttons. Four outputs correspond to four colors and directly drive sorting solenoid valves. PLC switches Banks for product change-overs without manual re-teach-in.

2. Front-/back-side discrimination via color difference

Detect subtle color differences on printed marks to judge workpiece orientation. Output NG-reject trigger signal to PLC.

-アドバンテージ: Slim fiber-optic probe fits into narrow gaps inside tooling fixtures.

3. Lithium-battery & New-energy Industry
4. Color recognition for cell insulating sheets / separators

Detect presence and position of colored insulating films inside cells; distinguish different-version separator sheets.

2. Color-mark positioning on electrode sheets

Locate colored alignment marks on electrode sheets to trigger cutting and taping mechanisms.

-Amplifier can be mounted away from dusty zones while fiber head stays on-process.

4. Electronic Components & Semiconductor Assembly
5. Component color discrimination & mistake-proofing

Identify color-coded resistors and parts with colored dot marks; distinguish different auxiliary-material revisions.

2. Color-ink-mark detection on FPC / PCB substrates

Read printed color marks on circuit boards to identify material versions and prevent mixed-version assembly.

-φ3 mm spot suits small target mark areas.

5. 食べ物 & Pharmaceutical Machinery
6. Tablet / capsule color sorting

Separate tablets / capsules by color and reject wrong-color items. PLC switches among four Bank profiles for different drug variants in multi-product production.

2. Blister-pack color verification

Check for missing or incomplete printed color blocks on pharmaceutical blister packs.

6. General Non-standard Automation Equipment
7. Work-piece version identification: One production line handles up to four color variants. Four pre-stored color parameter sets are selected via PLC IO Bank-switching for automatic product-change-over without manual adjustment.
8. Label presence & color validation: Verify label attachment status and correct label background color.

Suitable Working Conditions for this Type of Sensor (4-出力 + External Bank Switching)

✅ Well-suited:

Production line cyclically manufactures 2-4 color variants, PLC must auto-switch color recipes without manual keypad teach-in.

Installation space is limited; only slim fiber-optic probe can be fitted.

Discrete switch-level outputs are required to differentiate up to four colors without heavy-duty PLC computation.

Minor workpiece jitter and positional fluctuation (±4 mm offset) are expected while stable detection must be maintained.

❌ Not suitable:

Extremely subtle color differences requiring quantitative color-value measurement: vision systems or analog-output color sensors are recommended instead.

Large fluctuation in sensing distance or strong specular reflection on curved surfaces.

More than four colors need to be distinguished.

Fast Recommendation by Application Scenario

1. 包装 / injection-molding lines requiring PLC-driven Bank switching (majority of E3MC-MX41 retrofits)

輸入品: KEYENCE CZ-V22AP; Budget domestic: JINGJIAKE CFS-4P.

2. Single-product production, のみ 1-2 colors detected, no external Bank switching: BOYIJINGKE BS-801-4P for lowest cost.
3. Minimize program modification by staying with original brand: オムロン E3-MC2F fiber-optic color sensor.