Page 88 - MTW JANUARY 2022 Digital Magazine

TECH INNOVATION

the scanner to detect a number of different gaps in the interior
in static mode within fractions of a second. The sensor evaluates
these measurement values and sends a signal to the control
system if the values measured lie within the tolerances defined by
the customer. Other gap inspections also concern the car body, e.g.
when measuring gaps in doors or when assembling body trims.

Strengths of laser line triangulation
The strengths of scanCONTROL laser scanners include its
compact design, which enables its integration in restricted
installation spaces. The entire electronics is housed in the sensor
head, which simplifies installation of the sensor on the robot.
Robot-suitable cabling enables extreme twists and torsion
movements on the robot arm. In addition, the laser scanners are
equipped with an integrated, highly sensitive receiving matrix
that enables measurements on almost all industrial materials,
largely independent of the surface reflection. The laser scanner
recognizes large measuring ranges in a single operation. One
relative movement between sensor and measurement object
enables the scanner to fully detect even three-dimensional profiles
or images of surfaces down to the micrometer range. Real-time Important parameters of quality are homogeneous gap sizes
quality control enables immediate intervention in production of cockpit elements and the center console. Depending on the
control. Micro-Epsilon offers laser scanners with either red or blue inspection scenario, a single scanner applied on a robot arm
laser diode, which is usually only used when the red laser light is can measure different gaps in static or dynamic mode.
operating at its limits, e.g. with organic materials, wood, semi-
transparent materials or red-hot glowing metals. An Ethernet interface with GigE Vision enables connection to
The blue laser light can be more sharply focused on certain a PC. In order to simplify the integration into a customer’s own
surfaces where it provides high precision measurement results. software, Micro-Epsilon offers libraries for C, C++ and C#, as well
Set up and configuration of the laser scanner is carried out via the as LabVIEW drivers. Integration into Linux environments is not
Configuration Tools PC software, which enables, for example, the a problem either due to corresponding libraries. For applications
measurement of steps, angles and grooves. Parameter sets are in harsh environments, Micro-Epsilon offers special accessories
recorded in the sensor. It is possible to output OK/NOK signals to protect the scanner. For example, a special housing with
and to directly feed the measured values into the PLC. If the user exchangeable windows is available for welding applications.
wishes to evaluate the profile data externally, the laser profile A special compressed-air purge system protects the optical
scanner can also output all raw profiles of the sensor matrix. components from dust. The laser scanner can be inserted into a
cooling jacket for use in high ambient temperatures.
In addition to the sensor technology, the customer’s application
is also a decisive factor when selecting the appropriate sensor.
Micro-Epsilon offers specialist advice and industry expertise based
on 50 years of technology experience. From the initial discussions
to the installation of the sensors, the customer is always supported
by a strong partner when solving individual measurement tasks.
Micro-Epsilon concentrates on the development of customer-
specific solutions while offering a broad range of innovative
Considered one of the best in their class, products that also allow for standard sensors to be adapted to
these laser point sensors are used in customer-specific requirements.
displacement, distance and thickness
measurements. Due to the RTSC real- For more information,
time surface compensation feature, the Email: info@micro-epsilon.com
laser-optical measuring system operates
almost regardless of material and color. Website: www.micro-epsilon.com

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