The world's first laser triangulation sensor to use blue laser technology

Micro-Epsilon has launched a world first in laser triangulation sensor technology with its innovative Blue Laser Sensor. The new sensor offers significant benefits for users who need to measure the position or displacement of red-hot glowing metals and also translucent targets.

Micro-Epsilon's optoNCDT 1700BL series of Blue Laser Sensors operate on the laser triangulation measuring principle and use blue (violet) laser technology. The sensors are ideal for measurements on hot, glowing metals, particularly in hot steel processing applications, as well as for measuring organic materials such as skin, foodstuffs, plastics, veneers and wood.

The wavelength of the blue laser offers significant technical advantages.

With red, glowing objects, a conventional red laser has a high signal interference from the object surface, because it emits the same or very near wavelengths of light as the red laser. However, the blue laser works at a wavelength of 405nm, which is far from the red part of the visible spectrum. This means it is easier to filter this type of emitted light from the object, which ensures very stable signals. The blue laser therefore measures extremely well on both glowing metals and ceramics. This is a unique advantage, for example, when it comes to measuring the wear or deformation of automotive brake discs under load.

In addition, there are significant benefits to be seen when measuring against translucent objects such as organic materials, paper, some plastics and wood veneers. Unlike a red laser, the blue laser light does not penetrate into the measuring object because it has a lower intensity laser spot and therefore offers more stable, precise measurements on targets that conventional red laser sensors have difficulty measuring.

Micro-Epsilon's Blue Laser Sensors are equipped with new high-end optical lenses, a new intelligent laser control and evaluation algorithms. The sensors are suitable for red glowing metals up to 1,600 deg C, and for silicon up to 1,150 deg C.

The optoNCDT 1700BL operates using the laser triangulation principle. A laser diode projects a visible point of light onto the surface of the target object. The light reflected from this point is then projected onto a CCD array. If the target changes position with respect to the sensor, the movement of the reflected light is projected on the CCD array and analysed to output the exact position of the target. The measurements are processed digitally in the integral controller. The data is output via analogue (I/U) and digital interface RS422 or USB.

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd comments: "As well as being the world's first laser triangulation sensor to use blue laser technology, the optoNCDT 1700BL also has an integral controller, which automatically compensates in real time for difficult-to-measure surfaces. The sensor's unique real-time surface compensation [RTSC] feature and patented high-speed evaluation algorithms dramatically reduce signal noise. When customers need to measure against hot glowing metals, they can adjust the laser on time of the sensor to give them the optimum exposure time on the CCD for that particular surface. This, in turn, provides a higher accuracy measurement due to lower noise level on the output signal."

Most suppliers can only offer sensors with a fixed measurement rate, which is selected by the manufacturer as a 'best case fits all'. This means that for most surfaces, the user then has to rely on averaging the output data to reduce the noise level or error on the output, which gives lower accuracy. However, using Micro-Epsilon's software algorithms, the measurement rate on the sensor can be slowed down for difficult surfaces. This means it can compensate in real time, and the exposure time of the laser light on the CCD can be optimised for the surface of the object to be measured, resulting in higher accuracy measurements.

The optoNCDT 1700BL series includes six sensor models with measuring ranges from 20mm up to 1,000mm. The measuring rate of the sensor can be adjusted up to 2.5 kHz and can be used as a freely programmable limit switch. Maximum linearity is 16mm. Maximum resolution is 1.5mm at 2.5 kHz (without any averaging). High flexibility cables can be provided for use with robots. A calibration certificate is included as standard.

Micro-Epsilon  inprofile
Micro-Epsilon is a major global manufacturer of sensors, headquartered in Germany. The company's range of displacement sensors measure everything from to distance, position, vibration, dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact measurement techniques. These techniques include 1D, 2D and even 3D laser-optical sensors and systems, eddy-current, capacitive, LVDT & inductive, potentiometric and draw-wire principles.  Additionally Micro Epsilon has developed its own range of non-contact infrared temperature sensors that can measure virtually any target temperature from -40 to +3,300^°C.

With more than 40 years' experience in the industry, Micro-Epsilon isn't just a sensor manufacturer. The company is highly innovative and understands the importance of providing complete solutions and support services for its customers. The firm is renowned for its expertise in consulting, development and application of industrial sensors to complex, customer-specific solutions for measurement, inspection and automation. The focus is on selling technical advantage to its customers. 

For further information, email: info@micro-epsilon.co.uk   Refer to page 61 

True color sensor BFS 33M: When things get really colorful

With their new BFS 33M color sensor Balluff introduces a true-color sensor of the highest class. No matter what kind of objects you show the sensor, it can discriminate them all with unerring accuracy. Even the slightest shades, smallest gray level differences or minimal changes to the surface properties are detected without effort. It precisely detects an object and switches the corresponding output with lightning speed. Up to seven objects can be signaled on the switching outputs in this way. In addition the L*a*b color values can also be directly output on a serial interface. Special compensation and individualized calibration means the sensor achieves extremely high accuracy over a long period.

The BFS 33M is more than a simple color sensor. As a True Color sensor it precisely detects every color in the technical color space, making it ideal for use in a variety of demanding applications including robotics, automated assembly, in the packaging industry or wood processing industry. The rugged aluminum sensor
housing is not only attractive and modern, but also meets the special needs of machine and systems builders. The sensor is always used in conjunction with a fiber optic cable, so that applications under especially harsh conditions and tight mounting spaces can be handled.

Together with an optional lens from Balluff even ranges of up to 400mm and beyond are easily within reach. Metal parts in finishing processes can be monitored, or various material qualities selected. The high switching frequency of 1.5 kHz makes it possible to monitor even fast processes such as in the printing industry. All the sensor settings can be conveniently made and displayed using user-friendly software. This means the sensor will not only be up and running in no time, but the user will also always know its status. The BFS 33 is the ideal tool for automated quality control in running processes.

For further information, view website: http://www.balluff.co.uk or e-mail: sales@balluff.co.uk  Refer to page 174 

New inline infrared temperature
sensors measure flame-heated objects
and combustible gases up to 1,450°C

A new range of non-contact, infrared temperature sensors is now available that accurately measures the temperature of flame-heated workpieces inside industrial furnaces and ovens, as well as CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CO (carbon monoxide) flame gases in different types of combustion processes.

Micro-Epsilon's new thermoMETER CTLaserCOMBUSTION is a range of non-contact, inline (fixed) infrared sensors that can measure target temperatures through flames and temperatures of combustible gases from +200°C up to +1,450°C. The thermoMETER CTLaserCOMBUSTION series includes 3 models: the C2, C4 and C6.

The C2, with detector wavelength of 4.24µm, is designed to measure the temperature of flame gases that contain CO2. Typical applications include flame gases in the burning of waste products or garbage, combustion chambers and processes inside chemical reactors.

The C4 is for measuring the temperature of workpieces or objects through flames. The detector wavelength of 3.9µm allows the sensor to 'see through' the flame, as at this wavelength the combustion gases are transmissive to the detector. In this way, users can safely monitor the temperature of the workpiece inside a chemical reactor, industrial oven or furnace, or to observe the brick temperature in combustion chambers. 

The C6 model, with detector wavelength of 4.64µm, is for measuring the temperature of flame gases that contain carbon monoxide (CO). Application examples include chemical reactors, burning of waste and combustion chambers. 

For all temperature measurements between 200°C and 1,450°C, the 3 sensor models measure at short wavelengths (3.9µm-4.64µm), which minimises temperature measurement errors on surfaces with either low or unknown emissivity. The sensors have a precision double laser sighting system, combined with an optical resolution of 45:1 and with selectable close focus optics, a minimum spot size of 1.6mm, all of which offers an attractive price/performance ratio.

The double laser sighting system has two laser beams, which precisely follow the infrared optical path, marking at any distance the real spot size. Most common pyrometers use a central laser beam, through-lens sighting system or video sighting, which simply mark the centre and estimate the spot size. Fast signal processing and quantum detector enable fast response times of just 10ms.

The thermoMETER CTLaserCOMBUSTION is protected to IP65 and can be used in ambient temperatures from -20°C to +85°C without any cooling required. The sensors have an automatic laser switch off at 50°C. A range of accessories and optional extras are available, which help to protect the sensor in harsh operating environments. These include Furnace Wall Mounts, air and water cooling jackets and sighting tubes. The sensors are offered with analogue outputs (0-10V, 4-20mA), K or J type thermocouples outputs as standard, with a range of integrated digital communications interfaces, including Profibus DP, CANopen, USB, RS232, RS485 and Ethernet available as options.

Glenn Wedgbrow, Sales Manager at Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd comments: "To be able to measure the real target temperature whilst still in the flame furnace is extremely valuable to the user, where having the right material temperature is crucial in achieving the correct properties of the material for further steps in the manufacturing process. It also offers the ability for operators to control the furnace more efficiently."

Micro-Epsilon in profile
Micro-Epsilon is a major global manufacturer of sensors, headquartered in Germany. The company's range of displacement sensors measure everything from to distance, position, vibration, dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact measurement techniques. These techniques include 1D, 2D and even 3D laser-optical sensors and systems, eddy-current, capacitive, LVDT & inductive, potentiometric and draw-wire principles.  Additionally Micro Epsilon has developed its own range of non-contact infrared temperature sensors that can measure virtually any target temperature from -40 to +3,300^°C.

With more than 40 years' experience in the industry, Micro-Epsilon isn't just a sensor manufacturer. The company is highly innovative and understands the importance of providing complete solutions and support services for its customers. The firm is renowned for its expertise in consulting, development and application of industrial sensors to complex, customer-specific solutions for measurement, inspection and automation. The focus is on selling technical advantage to its customers.       

For further information on Micro-Epsilon's thermoMETER CTLaserCOMBUSTION, email: info@micro-epsilon.co.uk  Refer to page 65