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This section provides an overview for color sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 32 color sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked color sensor companies as of December, 2024: 1.Pepperl+Fuchs Inc., 2.SICK AG, 3.StellarNet, Inc..
Table of Contents
A color sensor is a specialized device designed to accurately distinguish the colors of objects.
It operates by detecting the wavelength and color of light reflected from or transmitted through objects, converting this optical information into electrical signals. Typically, color sensors are used to analyze reflected or transmitted light from a light source, providing precise color or light-related data.
Color sensors are renowned for their ability to deliver highly accurate color measurements. They excel at detecting even subtle color changes or anomalies, making them invaluable for quality control and optimizing manufacturing processes. Furthermore, their real-time color processing capabilities make them well-suited for high-speed production lines and various application systems.
An important advantage of color sensors is their non-contact operation. In industrial manufacturing, this feature minimizes the impact on product quality.
However, it's essential to note that ambient lighting conditions can significantly affect color sensor performance. Variations in lighting type and intensity can lead to fluctuations in measurement results, underscoring the importance of maintaining appropriate lighting conditions.
Color sensors find applications in diverse fields where precise color detection is essential. Here are some notable examples of how color sensors are utilized:
In the manufacturing industry, color sensors play a pivotal role in quality control. For products with painted surfaces, color sensors assess the color of the paint to ensure it matches the specified color. This consistency is crucial for delivering high-quality products that meet customer expectations.
Color sensors are also frequently employed in the production of molded plastic items to verify color consistency. Additionally, they are integral in the display manufacturing sector, where they analyze ambient light to correct display colors and enhance image quality on devices such as smartphones and tablets.
In the medical field, color sensors serve multiple purposes. They are used to measure skin color and blood oxygenation levels. Changes in skin color can be indicative of circulatory disorders or skin conditions, making color sensors valuable diagnostic tools.
Furthermore, in dentistry, color sensors are used to measure and match tooth color. This is particularly useful for aesthetic treatments and ensuring proper color matching for dental prosthetics.
The printing industry relies heavily on color sensors for quality control. These sensors are essential for maintaining color consistency in printed materials.
Color sensors integrated into printing presses continuously monitor the color of printed materials and make real-time color adjustments as needed. This process enhances color reproduction and ensures consistency across different print jobs.
The core principle behind color sensors involves illuminating objects with red, blue, and green light and detecting which wavelengths of light are absorbed and to what extent. When red, blue, and green light are directed at a red object, such as an apple, only the red light is reflected, while the blue and green light is absorbed.
Consequently, only the reflected red light reaches our eyes, causing the apple to appear red. Conversely, when all three colors of light strike a white object, all wavelengths are reflected, resulting in the object appearing white.
The internal structure of a color sensor can be broadly divided into three components: the light emitter, the light receiver, and the processing circuit. The light emitter emits light onto the object under examination to gauge the intensity of reflected light.
The ratio of red, blue, and green light detected by the light receiver is employed to determine the color. The light-receiving component converts this ratio into an electrical signal, which is then processed by the circuitry for color identification.
When choosing a color sensor, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure it suits the intended application. Key considerations include:
The detection distance of a color sensor represents the maximum range at which the sensor can accurately detect colors. Selection should align with the specific requirements of the application, with longer detection distances being necessary for covering larger areas.
Color sensors offer different output types, including analog and digital signals. Analog output provides continuous measurement data, while digital output switches signal when a predefined threshold is reached. Additionally, some color sensors offer serial communication outputs. The choice depends on the application's needs.
Consider the connection method between the color sensor and the control device. Common connection options include connectors, terminals, and others. Opt for a method that seamlessly integrates with the control device.
For environments with specific requirements, the protective structure of a color sensor is crucial. Factors like dustproof and waterproof capabilities are often indicated by IP codes, which consist of two numbers, with the first denoting dustproofness and the second indicating waterproofness.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Banner Engineering Corporation, established in 1966 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial automation products. They offer an extensive range of sensors, including proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, and limit switches, for detecting object presence, position, and speed. Additionally, Banner provides a different types of switches, such as pushbuttons, toggle switches, and rotary switches, to control electricity flow and offer system feedback. Their wide array of controls includes PLCs, HMIs, and motion controllers, enabling automation of industrial processes.
Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc., established in 1952 and headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, USA, is a manufacturer of advanced color measurement spectrophotometers, which are used for precision and optimal quality. The spectrophotometers provide numerous benefits, including accurate color measurement, ensuring product quality and consistency in industries such as textiles, plastics, paints, and cosmetics. These instruments play a vital role in color formulation, quality control, and color matching processes. The company’s products find application in a comprehensive array of industries, such as food, beverages, plastics, chemicals, and textiles, where color accuracy is needed for product development and manufacturing.
Wenglor Sensoric LLC is a supplier and manufacturer of smart sensor and image processing technologies and solutions. Established in 1983, the company is headquartered in Tettnang, Germany. The company's main activities encompass the design, manufacturing, and distribution of sensor solutions for automation and industrial applications such as Sensors, Machine Vision, Connection and Network Technology and Accessories. Wenglor Sensoric specializes in sensors for position, distance, color, and image recognition, catering to industries like automotive, packaging, and logistics. The company offers a range of services including technical support and consultation.
Valco Melton, established in 1952 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of adhesive dispensing and quality inspection equipment. The company's product range includes cold glue systems, hot melt dispensing systems, pattern controls and electronics, vision and quality assurance systems, and central adhesive supply | pot filling systems. These products are utilized in different applications, from simple hand-operated gluers to advanced camera inspection systems. They serve industries such as automotive, bag and sack manufacturing, and corrugated boxes. The company offers services including machinery manufacturing, design, and integration of precision metering, and mixing.
ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.
Sick AG, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, is a manufacturer of sensor and sensor solutions that aid in in production, logistics, and processes automation. The company’s expansive product portfolio includes industrial sensors, encoders, and analyzers. It has over 50 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as several agencies worldwide, and in the 2022 fiscal year, it generated around €2.2 billion. The company established the first subsidiary in France in 1972 and opened another subsidiary in USA in 1975. It changed to a joint stock company in 1996 and the first employee shares were issued in 1999.
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
StellarNet, Inc. is an American miniature spectrometer system products manufacturer and supplier that was established in Tampa, Florida, in 1991. The company’s product lineup includes portable and compact fiber optic spectrometers for near-infrared (NIR), visible (VIS), and UV measurements. It also offers various specialized light sources such as deuterium, tungsten halogen, and mercury argon. The company’s products are commonly used in academic and research institutions, as well as in the medical industry.
SEALS USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Japan’s Seals Co. Ltd., is based in Illinois, USA, and has been is a distributor of speed, torque, and force inspection instruments since 2009. The company stocks and markets various products from its parent company, including digital stroboscopes for measuring or testing speed, and digital force gauges for analyzing force or torque. It also offers onsite maintenance and repair services to customers requiring additional support. The company mainly markets to clients in the metalworking, industrial manufacturing, and industrial automation sectors.
TOKYO SENSOR CO., LTD., founded in 1983 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors, safety equipment, and automation systems. The company specializes in providing various products, such as industrial components, safety and explosion protection devices, switches and indicators, automation products, and Auto ID systems. Its ISO 9001 certification certifies that the products are precise, stable, and long-lasting, meeting strict quality standards. Its product line supports a broad range of industries, such as manufacturing, electronics, oil and gas, and industrial automation. It offers vital parts and solutions that support the effectiveness, security, and functionality of different processes and applications.
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.
Located in Austria and Germany, Ams-Osram is a sensor design and manufacturing company that specializes in compact form factors, low power, high sensitivity, and multi-sensor applications. They were established in 1981 and were formerly known as austriamicrosystems AG. In 2012 it changed its name to ams AG. They have a technology portfolio for sensing, lighting, and visualization, ranging from light emitters and optical components to micro-modules, integrated circuits, and related software. Their work develops technology for use in the consumer, industrial, medical, and automotive sectors.
Pulsotronic GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Niederdorf, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of sensors and sensor systems for the automotive, industrial, and medical sectors. Their ISO 9001:2015 certified products include distance sensors for measuring object distance in parking assist systems and robotics, speed sensors for applications like engine control and cruise control systems, pressure sensors for tire pressure monitoring and medical devices, temperature sensors for thermostats and climate control, and Hall sensors for proximity switches and automotive ignition systems.
ASTECH Angewandte Sensortechnik GmbH, a company founded in 1990, and based in Rostock, Germany, is a manufacturer of non-contact measurement and automation equipment. The company’s products include the standard VLM, LDM, CROMLAVIEW series, and OEM products manufactured according to customer requirements. More items from the company include microcontroller, FPGAs, and CCD sensors. The company earned its ISO 9001 certification in 2015 and is a member of IHK zu Rostock and BG ETEM.
Premosys GmbH, established in 2000 and headquartered in Kalenborn-Scheuern, Germany, is a manufacturer of optoelectronic systems for industrial color detection and color measurement. Its product line includes inline color measurement systems, LED analyzers, color and spectral sensors, electronic assemblies, and related accessories. These are utilized in industrial production and quality assurance processes. Its offerings cover single to multi-sensor measurement systems, catering to various optical variables. The company has received the Wirtschaftsmagnet award and has earned a place in the Technology Council of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Panasonic Industry Europe is the European branch of Panasonic, a global manufacturer of electronics and houseware, originally founded in 1918. Panasonic Industry Europe manufactures in 4 categories: components, devices, energy & building, and automation devices & solutions. Components include relays, capacitors, resistors, sensors, switches, connectors, couplers. Devices include wireless connectivity, e-bike systems, motors, compressors, thermal solutions, GPS antennas, as well as electronic materials. Energy & building includes batteries, fuel cells, solar sells, power tools, and home IoT. Automation devices & solutions include sensors for factory automation, industrial motors, laser welding, and more.
Datalogic was founded in 1972 along the outskirts of Bologna, Italy. The company is a manufacturer of scanning and optical devices for industries such as retail, manufacturing, transportation & logistics, and healthcare. The company’s product lines include fixed and handheld scanners for retail and industrial purposes, vehicle-mounted computers and handheld computers, laser marking systems, and other industrial scanners and data-sensing machines. The company offers aftercare services including ease of care service.
Anton Paar, founded in 1933 and headquartered in Graz, Austria, is a manufacturer and supplier of analytical instruments Their product range includes density meters for measuring liquid and solid density, concentration meters for analyzing solution concentration, viscosity meters for assessing liquid viscosity, particle size analyzers for measuring particle size in liquids or solids, and chromatography systems for substance separation and identification in mixtures. Anton Paar's products cater to a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical, providing analytical solutions for diverse applications.
Festo Corporation, established in 1925 and headquartered in Esslingen, Germany, is a supplier of automation technology and technical education and is ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and ISO14001 certified. It has around 33,000 catalog products, customized components, and ready-to-install solutions, including grippers, motors, and sensors used in industrial and process automation. The company won the German Future Award in 2010 and serves 300,000 customers worldwide, while its education division provides training solutions for 56,000 industrial companies and educational institutions. It registered €3.81 billion in the 2022 financial year and is available in around 60 countries, with 2,600 patents worldwide.
Capella Microsystems, located in New Taipei, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of optical electronic products, founded in 2002. Their product line includes smart sensors used for light, color, proximity, and gesture sensing. They also provide IrDA devices for wireless communication, optical encoders for precise position and velocity measurement, and PDICs specifically designed for photodiode array applications. Capella Microsystems' products have wide-ranging applications, serving industries such as consumer electronics, industrial automation, robotics, and medical devices.
Takex Europe Ltd. is based in Basingstoke, England, UK, and is a manufacturer of anti-intruder sensors and photo sensors that was established in 1999 as the European subsidiary of Japan’s Takenaka Sensor Group. The company’s product lineup includes passive infrared (IR) sensors for motion detection applications, IR beams for detecting gasses that absorb IR light, and beam towers for disguising the position and number of beams in a space. The company mainly serves clients in the security, transportation, and automation industries.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
SensoPart, Inc. was founded in 1994 and headquartered in Germany with US operations based out of Bingham Farms, Michigan. The ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing company serves the automotive, robotics, plastics, solar, and other industries with photoelectric sensors and image processing products. The company’s products include optical sensors, vision sensors, ultrasonic sensors, inductive sensors, and accessories. Together they are used in manufacturing detection & inspection, product identification, a diverse array of measuring tasks, product positioning, and color detection.
Micro-Epsilon was originally founded in Osaka and Micro-Epsilon America was founded in 1998, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Micro-Epsilon develops, manufactures, and distributes sensors to aerospace, battery production, glass production, wind power, precision optics, medical technology, transportation, semiconductor, and other industries. Micro-Epsilon’s sensor product categories include inductive, capacitive, laser, confocal, laser distance, magneto-inductive, draw-wire, rotation speed, color, paint thickness measurement, and fiber optic sensors in addition to interferometers and other sensor equipment.
Jenoptik AG, established in 1992 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, is an optical technology developer, manufacturer, and supplier. The company's products include imaging solutions, laser technologies, and custom LiDAR optical modules for 3D spatial applications. It also develops systems for optical testing and measurement solutions for manufacturers, custom optoelectronic reader devices, and customer-specific optoelectronic machine vision systems. On a larger scale, the company offers municipalities custom-designed intelligent camera solutions for public safety.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Milwakee, WI. Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions around the world. Rockwell Automation operates through their intelligent devices, software & control, and lifecycle services segments with both hardware and software products and services. The Intelligent Devices segment offers drives, motion, safety, sensing, industrial components, and configured-to-order products. The Software & Control segment provides control and visualization software and hardware, information software, and network and security infrastructure solutions. The Lifecycle Services segment provides consulting, professional services and solutions, and connected and maintenance services through independent distributors.
Autosen, located in Essen, Germany, is a supplier of a large selection of sensors, automation technology, and Internet of Things solutions. The company provides position sensors, process sensors, motion control products, and control and signaling devices. It also offers mounting accessories, Internet of Things gateways, and sensor cables. The variants of its process sensors, inductive sensors, have noise immunity and can withstand extremely harsh environments. It has 250,000 devices in stock and over 20,000 customers are satisfied with its products.
Ramco Innovations, founded in the United States in 1972, is an automation supplier. It offers a wide range of products, including motion control, safety products, a complete line of precision displacement laser measurement sensors, background (BGS) and foreground (FGS) LED and laser sensors, and Panasonic fiber optic cables. The company also offers a range of value-added services, including application engineering, kitting and assembly, connectorizing and cabling, panel building, and shipping and receiving services.
AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. |
9.5%
|
| 2 | SICK AG |
8.5%
|
| 3 | StellarNet, Inc. |
5.5%
|
| 4 | SensoPart Inc. |
5.0%
|
| 5 | Datalogic S.p.A. |
5.0%
|
| 6 | IDEC Corporation |
4.5%
|
| 7 | Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc. |
4.5%
|
| 8 | Banner Engineering Corporation |
4.5%
|
| 9 | wenglor sensoric LLC |
4.0%
|
| 10 | Valco Melton |
4.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the color sensor page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
9 | 45.0% |
|
Germany
|
5 | 25.0% |
|
Japan
|
2 | 10.0% |
|
Austria
|
2 | 10.0% |
|
Italy
|
1 | 5.0% |
China
|
1 | 5.0% |
31 products are listed.
F.C.R. & Bio Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
■Features ・[Function] Specialized in color measurement function. ・Measurement values of L×a×b can be obtained, but color difference measurement...
Nippon Director
700+ people viewing
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ZE 7700 is an all -in -one color and color difference that can measure high accuracy with excellent stability. This one can measure reflection and ...
Ihara Electronics Industry Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
Features ■Color graphic LCD ・Measure by displaying the approximate color of the measurement location ・Possible to visually check the location ■H...
BST Eltromat Japan Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Inline color control, XRGA standard ■Summary BST's fully automatic in-line color measurement system strictly adheres to color specifications and p...
Konica Minolta Japan Co., Ltd.
310+ people viewing
Last viewed: 20 hours ago
■Summary -Uses easy-to-understand button names for settings such as color difference reference color settings and calibration, allowing smooth meas...
Konica Minolta Japan Co., Ltd.
260+ people viewing
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■All-in-one color difference meter CR-5 with all functions such as display and operation buttons integrated "Color" is now measured not only in aut...
Tetsutani
470+ people viewing
Last viewed: 23 hours ago
SPECTRO 2 Guide (spectroscopic colored meter / color difference) is a measuring device that has a total solution that combines a color meter, fluor...
Yitoa Micro Technology Corporation
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 16 hours ago
CPS333AT is a color sensor that has three photodiodes in one package that are sensitive to red, green, and blue bands. The dot type 12 x 12 array a...
Nippon Director
490+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
For the PF 7000 type, the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm is measured at 10 nm interval output and the "paper / board paper and pulp ISO white...
Yagyu Shokai Co., Ltd.
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 7 hours ago
■Features -A color difference meter weighing only 90g that fits in one hand. - Can be connected to PC and smartphone. ■Specifications ・Illuminati...
Yagyu Shokai Co., Ltd.
10+ people viewing
■Features ・A high-performance color difference meter with high reproducibility that also has the function of a colorimeter. - The combination of a...
Yagyu Shokai Co., Ltd.
10+ people viewing
■Features - Comes with automatic power off function. - Can be used on non-luminescent materials such as textiles, leather, and plastics. ・Inspecti...
Nippon Director
310+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
For the PF 7000 type, the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm is measured at 10 nm interval output and the "paper / board paper and pulp ISO white...
X -Light
300+ people viewing
Portable Imaging Descent Color Different RM200QC measure the color difference between the material and the product. Easy to hold and elegant design...
Nippon Director
990+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
NR-12A: Measuring device equipped with a substantial color difference type (⊿E*AB) NR-12B: Color value, color difference, and concentration measure...
Nippon Director
760+ people viewing
Last viewed: 13 hours ago
NF555: 400Nm to 700nm, 20nm, can be measured at intervals NR555: Color difference (⊿E*AB), white color (W), yellow level (Yi), mansel (HV/c), etc. ...
Nippon Director
530+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
It is a variable global meter (GC 5000) for the purpose of measuring the reflection rate and transmittance of the sample that changes depending on ...
Mysec Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
A device that converts the wavelength of light (380-780nm) into color (L*a*b*) and digitizes it, then measures the difference from the standard col...
HATTORI SEISAKUSHO CO.,LTD.
230+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
This is a black tea machine developed to remove only the stems from tea leaves, including the white buds (chips). The flat chute significantly incr...
KODENSHI CORP.
250+ people viewing
A color sensor is an optical sensor that distinguishes and distinguishes the colors of LED backlights, LED lighting, etc. This sensor consists of t...
Micro-Epsilon JAPAN K.K.
270+ people viewing
For precision True Color Color Sensor and Automation ■ Characteristics ･ Non -contact color measurement for industrial applications ･ High -speed ...
Micro-Epsilon JAPAN K.K.
230+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
CFS sensor integrated with optical fiber compatible with ColorSensor CFO controllers ■ Characteristics ･ Non -contact color measurement for indust...
Micro-Epsilon JAPAN K.K.
210+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
Color sensor with fixed lenses corresponding to a wide measurement distance ■ Characteristics ･ Non -contact color measurement for industrial appl...
Micro-Epsilon JAPAN K.K.
260+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
Inline color measurement system for non -contact color measurement ■ Characteristics ･ Non -contact color measurement for industrial applications ...
Micro-Epsilon JAPAN K.K.
140+ people viewing
LED test sensation system ■ Characteristics ･ Non -contact color measurement for industrial applications ･ High -speed measurement with high accur...
