Laser sensor technology optimizes photo book production

Photos, snapshots and texts in a customized layout, professionally printed and finished to a high standard - with photo books, happy moments and beautiful memories are quickly at hand at all times. Based on regional sales figures, experts estimate that around 60 to 70 million photo books are produced worldwide every year. Europe accounts for around a third of this - and a significant proportion of these are produced on Imaging Solutions machines. "Since 2003, our company has specialized in modular systems for the automated production of LayFlat photo books and other high-quality print-on-demand products," says Chiara Bianchi, responsible for Marketing & Video Production at Imaging Solutions. "Professionals from the photography, printing and graphics industries around the world value us as a competent partner and supplier of innovative print finishing technology."

The automated workflow systems from Imaging Solutions enable high-quality and efficient print processing of books, photo books, photo calendars, postcards and posters in single runs and small series. "Providers of photo books and other customers in the image finishing industry rely on trouble-free and downtime-free processes in our photo book machines - from single-sheet processing to sorting and feeding processes to book binding," explains CPO Patrick Häni, responsible for the entire production at Imaging Solutions. "Wherever sensors are used in the machines, we have relied on Sick's expertise and products for many years. The most recent example is the OD200 laser distance sensor, which will be used in various demanding applications."

Glossy paper and dark prints

Many people who design their photo book online and then order it from photo service and online printing providers opt for glossy photo papers - primarily because they show off the photo motifs with maximum color impact, depth and brilliance. At the same time, gloss is a challenge for the automation of the photo book machine, especially where maximum precision is required - specifically at Imaging Solutions when capturing and measuring high-gloss photo paper with a thickness of just 130 µm. "Gloss means reflections and random glare, which is a problem for many optical sensors," explains Michael Kiss, Strategic Product Manager at Sick. "But dark prints can also be a challenge due to a lack of reflectivity." With the OD200, he was able to offer Patrick Häni and Imaging Solutions a reliable solution for both scenarios.

The OD200 is a measuring laser distance sensor for short ranges in a miniature design that has enriched Sick's portfolio of displacement sensors since mid-2025. With its newly developed measuring core with high-resolution receiver line and optimized optical system, the OD200 miniature displacement sensor achieves a level of precision, linearity and repeatability that is otherwise only offered by high-end devices. As a result, this sensor guarantees high measured value stability and reliable, reproducible detection and switching behavior. "Even on shiny surfaces," says Patrick Häni.