What Is an Optical Sorter?

An optical sorter is a device that automatically sorts objects based on visual criteria. Also known as sorting machines, optical sorters are often found in manufacturing and food processing facilities.

One of the primary uses of an optical sorter is to find blemishes in products, and remove unsatisfactory items from the manufacturing process.

An optical sorter can detect the defect, and remove the improperly sized part before it is released from the factory. In addition to controlling the quality of manufactured products, optical sorters are also used to keep different types of items separate. This capability is particularly important for food processing applications.

In facilities where consumable products are being packaged, optical sorters are able to identify and prevent foreign objects from accidentally being processed. This helps keep packaged food pure, and prevents dangerous and inedible items from being introduced into the food supply.

Because dark objects absorb light, an optical sorter with a photodetector can categorize items based on color contrast.

Some sorting machines use infrared light sensors to sort objects with optical differences that are unnoticeable to human workers.

Other optical sorting machines combine laser beams with high-sensitivity detectors to detect very small variations or cracks in a product too small for the human eye to see. In addition to categorizing items based on color and light absorption, some optical sorters are also able to tell the shape of an object.