ConfocalDT 2451 and 2471 are the latest high performance controllers in Micro-Epsilon’s confocal measurement range. Due to excellent signal-to-noise ratio, measurement rates of 10kHz are achieved using an ...
The new gapCONTROL laser scanner from Micro Epsilon has been developed specifically for non-contact gap measurement. The sensor is based on laser light section technology, though it makes ...
The new eddyNCDT 3100 series includes a special, compact controller and corresponding new sensors. Sensors and cables are equipped with an integrated EEPROM chip, which includes all critical ...
Showing Robot Assistants the Way
Assistance systems and surgical robots are being used increasingly in a variety of medical applications. Relieable displacement measurement is paramount for these devices. The Micro-Epsilon solution using draw-wire sensors is safe and simple to use.
published in MEDengineering
ConfocalDT 2451 and 2471 are the latest high performance controllers in Micro-Epsilon’s confocal measurement range. Due to excellent signal-to-noise ratio, measurement rates of 10kHz are achieved using an LED and 70kHz using a xenon light source. For the first time, a high performance CCD array is installed as the sensor element in the controller, developed by Micro-Epsilon in a robust industrial housing. The unique active exposure regulation of a laser line enables rapid, precise surface compensation in dynamic measuring processes on a range of different target surfaces. ConfocalDT is the first controller that offers Ethernet, EtherCAT, RS422 and analogue output interfaces. The sensors are therefore extremely flexible and can be easily integrated to existing systems.
The user can remotely configure measurement channels using the intuitive, web-based software via Ethernet. This means it is not necessary for the user to install any other measurement software. Also unique is that the controller offers specific calibration options during thickness measurements. As a result, significant improvements in measurement results can be achieved. The confocalDT controller operates using a passive cooling system that minimises fan noise and interference.
The systems belonging to the TGI 8302.LLT family are equipped with three application-specific triangulation laser scanner. They reliably detect the radial and axial unbalance as well as bulges and constrictions on the tire. Therefore, they make an important contribution regarding reliability and quality during the production of the tire, one component of the vehicle which is relevant to high safety in the automotive and commercial vehicles production.
Three laser line scanner are integrated in the TGI 8302.LLT. Using those profile sensors, the whole surface is scanned, bulges and constrictions are detected in angles, lateral size and depth. Efficient signal processing algorithms ensure reliably letter elimination. Additionally, the radial and lateral unbalance of the tire subject for inspection is detected. This value is evaluated as average value, peak-to-peak value. Furthermore, the vibration behaviour is shown.
The mechanical basis of TGI 8302.LLT is a C-frame in which the upper and lower flange as well as the tread sensor are controlled according to the tire size due to full-automatic controlling methods. The actuators can be alternatively operated by servo or step motors. The controlling parameter can be stored in the database.
Using laser line triangulation sensors which are optimised regarding the installing situation for the application in measuring system for tire geometry, the systems can be applied in various existing TU machines. Due to the special arrangement of optics, they have an excellent ratio of line length and measurement range to installation space.
Got the first article published in Slovakia. The editorial is about pros and cons of the eddy current measurement principle.
Title: Porovnanie snímačov posunu (1)
Download: pub-cz-2011-06–Porovnanie-eddyNCDT
The new eddyNCDT 3100 series includes a special, compact controller and corresponding new sensors. Sensors and cables are equipped with an integrated EEPROM chip, which includes all critical characteristics. In the case of a sensor needing to be replaced, only a simple 3-point calibration is required. All important configuration and set up parameters are automatically transmitted from the sensor to the controller. All sensors are factory calibrated to adjust to ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials. Therefore, a precise definition of the measuring object is not required in advance. The controller housing, including mounting rail, is made from aluminium and protected to IP65. The device itself does not have any viewable operational functions. All settings are carried out via a web browser independently of the operating system. Therefore, no additional software is required. The sensors are securely connected using a PTFE cable of 3m or 9m in length and protected to IP67. Seven sensor models are currently available, covering all common applications. Further sensor models will follow. The new series presents a high-end device that is delivered from stock, including appropriate sensors. A simplified sensor changeover is important for each application, where different sensors are being used, such as in universities, laboratories or other academic institutions.
The new gapCONTROL laser scanner from Micro Epsilon has been developed specifically for non-contact gap measurement. The sensor is based on laser light section technology, though it makes use of a totally new evaluation procedure. Known as gapCONTROL 2711, three different models can measure different types of gaps up to 300 mm deep and 50 mm wide. The sensor supports the user in welding processes, measuring flushness, overlaps, proximity and height discrepancies, etc. The data is then used for the robot control or quality assurance purposes. All the electronic features are integrated in the sensor, making it quick and easy to mount. Using the gapCONTROL setup software tool, the sensor can be quickly prepared for its measurement task. Depending on the nature of the gap, only those parameters are provided that are necessary, in order to keep the settings as simple as possible. The software can also be tested fully without a scanner. The sensor’s standard outputs are FireWire, Ethernet or RS422. Other output formats are available via the Output Unit.
Micro-Epsilon presents at first a triangulation sensor that utilise Blue Laser technology. In numerous applications, Blue Laser sensors are superior to standard sensors that use a red laser diode. When measuring on red glowing metals (up to 1600°C) and organic materials such as wood, skin, foodstuffs, veneers, etc., the wavelength of the blue-purple laser offers significant benefits. In contrast to a red laser, the reduced wavelength of the blue laser light does not penetrate the measuring object. The blue laser generates a minimal laser point on the surface and therefore offers stable, precise results on measuring objects that are normally considered as critical. The design of triangulation sensors with Blue Laser technology is a complete re-design. The sensors are equipped with new high-end lenses, new intelligent laser control and evaluation algorithms. Laser sensors with Blue Laser illustrate the ongoing development of numerous standard commercially available laser sensors.
For example, the optoNCDT 1700 industrial standard laser sensor provides this new Blue Laser technology. Depending on the measuring object and measuring range, the appropriate sensor can be selected with either red or blue laser light.
The new optoNCDT ILR 1030 complements Micro-Epsilon’s existing range of economical, low cost distance measurement sensors. The new sensor offers a measuring range between 0.2m and 8m on diffuse reflective surfaces, even as high as 50m when using a reflector plate. Special features of this model include its high measurement speed of 100Hz, which also enables length measurements with different objects in the measuring range, as well as the high reliability of measurements on different target materials.
The optoNCDT ILR 1030 is the smallest laser distance sensor in its class. The sensor operates on the time-of-flight principle. It is also insensitive to external light influences and can even measure under artificial lighting. The sensor provides a constant resolution over the entire measuring range. The sensor operates at temperatures between -30°C and 50°C. The full benefits of the optoNCDT ILR 1030′s price advantage become clear with small to large OEM orders. The sensor measures with a visible, class II laser pulse, enabling easy alignment on the target. The sensor can be set up and configured directly using the keypad on the housing. The software provided enables the user to make additional adjustments.
To record surface topographies, Certiga – Engineering Solutions GbR uses optoNCDT 2401 confocal sensors for high precision measurements.
The KF-30 automatic measurement system is designed to detect the surfaces of different materials using the confocal, non-contact measuring technique, and then displays the results three-dimensionally. A typical application for the KF-30 is in dental research, where system is used to measure the biting surfaces of dental implants and to analyse the resulting abrasions. The system is already doing this at the Munich polyclinic.
The surface to be measured is displayed visually by a CCD camera. The desired area is marked directly in the live image. Up to eight surfaces can be measured automatically
. The software supplied with the sensor displays the data as a three-dimensional surface. Up to 0.12µm resolution is achieved using the confocal sensor technique. The system can be used on surfaces ranging from plastic, to paper, fibre matting, glass and metal.
Micro-Epsilon’s new high-end laser triangulation sensor is known as the optoNCDT 2300. The new series offers a measuring rate that can be set up to 50kHz. The sensor will be offered initially as a set of 5 models with measuring ranges between 2mm and 100mm. The entire electronics is integrated in the extremely compact (80mm x 75mm) sensor. The optoNCDT 2300 offers a resolution of up to 0.1µm and a linearity of up to + 0.4µm. The new A-RTSC (Advanced Real Time Surface Compensation) feature is a development of the company’s already proven RTSC technology and, with its improved dynamic range, enables a more precise real time surface compensation during the measuring process. This works by adjusting the automatic exposure regulation to customer requirements to an even greater extent than before. Data output is via Ethernet, RS422 or EtherCAT (2nd Quarter 2011). The entire sensor configuration is made possible by means of an ergonomically designed Web interface. With transparent objects, the change from displacement measurement to thickness measurement can also be made. A sensor records the first and second reflection from the target surface. This means there is no need for a second sensor during the process monitoring of transparent plastics.
The optoNCDT 2300 is used for extremely high speed applications. The sensor can be used to monitor vibrations or on difficult, uneven surfaces.
More information at: optoNCDT