Medical technology, health care

Distance control in 3D printing

Micro laser sintering technology is an additive production technology based on digital 3D design data, whereby a component is constructed layer-by-layer from metal powders using a laser beam. This procedure is also known as industrial 3D printing. The exact positioning of the squeegee to the base surface (distance and tilt angle) requires an exact control method. Four CSE05(01) capacitive displacement sensors are used here. The planarity of the descending construction platform must be inspected before the process starts using three CS02 sensors integrated into an add-on module.

Measuring dental samples confocal

Confocal optoNCDT 2401 sensors are used to check the surface topography of dental samples. These sensors are distinguished by their high resolution and independence from the type of material surface involved. The desired area on the object being measured is marked by software. The system is used on surfaces such as plastic, paper, nonwoven fabric, glass or metal.

Sensor technology applied

Color measurement of tablets in pharmaceutical production

In pharmaceutical tablet production different ingredients are used. Changing the concentration of these ingredients affects the color of the tablet. The color gradient varies from white and beige to yellow.

Sensor technology applied

Precise positioning of a surgical microscope

Surgical procedures require a perfect view of the operating area. Here, the surgeon is often supported by a surgical microscope. To enable the surgeon to best position the microscope and to give the surgical team more room to move, the microscope optics are mounted to long arms on a stand.

Sensor technology applied

Height measurement of Petri dishes

In microbiology, cell cultures are used for the analysis of so-called agar plates. The agar plate should be consistently as high as possible - this is a critical factor for later evaluation of the cell colony cultivated on it. For the inspection of the fill level, the metrological control of the agar plate during the production process is invaluable. This measurement task is solved by using a three-channel version of the capaNCDT6220 capacitive measurement system.

Sensor technology applied

Position measurement in Computer Tomography (CT)

In the latest CT equipment, the most effective diagnoses are determined by how precise and fast the measurement systems are (speed and resolution), as well as their cost effectiveness. Irrespective of whether spiral, helical or dual source apparatus is used, the requirements are continuing to increase. In particular, this also concerns the length measurement equipment for the horizontal reclined position. In this application, draw-wire sensors from Micro-Epsilon achieve a resolution of up to 0.001% of the measuring range; this is combined with maximum reliability, long service life and a very favorable price/performance ratio.

Sensor technology applied

Positioning of operating tables

Operating tables provide many adjustment options for the correct positioning of the patient during the operation. As well as the height, the horizontal position and angle functions can also often be adjusted. As the positioning is performed electrically, the positions must be monitored. Draw-wire sensors from Micro-Epsilon are used for this.

Sensor technology applied

Training monitoring for rehabilitation machines

Optimum execution of the training plays an important role in the rehabilitation area. Data for monitoring the performance of the individual exercises are provided to the trainer using a network or a chip card. Draw-wire sensors, among other things, are used to enable the provision of this information. The primary factors for the user here are the simple mounting and the long service life.

Sensor technology applied

Position measurement on X-ray machines

For highres pictures of digital X-ray machines, the camera must be exactly adjusted to the X-ray tube. For pretty flexible operation, different axes are electrically moveable. Therefore, the adjustment of the camera to the X-ray tube can be as precise as possible, the positions of the axes are measured with draw wire sensors of the series wireSENSOR. With this gang control the camera and the X-ray tube can be moved parallel.

Sensor technology applied

Angle measurement in the SoloAssist®

Minimally invasive surgery using endoscopes is performed today for many operations. The guidance of an endoscope was previously performed by an assistant doctor. The camera guidance task in the future is taken over by “Soloassist”. The machine enables precise control of the endoscope in all directions. The movements of Soloassist are monitored and controlled using draw-wire sensors from the wireSENSOR MK30 series.

Sensor technology applied

An automatic measurement system ensures the production quality of tablets

High performance pill presses are fitted with quickly interchangeable matrix disk units in order to minimize cleaning and setting up times when employing press tools. In automated production a high level of precision is required to ensure the quality of each individual pill. In production up to 47 stamp pairs pass through the press station in a circular arrangement and, due to their high production rate, are subject to a certain amount of wear. Here, an automatic system for the stamp measurement can ensure the optimum press quality.

Sensor technology applied

Ram travel at a pill press

For the examination of cohesion in pharmaceutical mixtures under the influence of pressure non-contacting eddy-current sensors , which measure the travel of the upper in the area of the bottom dead center of the upper piston are used. The measurements are not affected through process-related formation of dust. In the movement range for pill pressing a force-travel-characteristic can be measured and evaluated by the additional use of strain-gauges.

Sensor technology applied

Quality control of medical tablet stamps and dies

According to ISO 18084:2011, the press tools for the tablet production are subject to a continuous quality control. Due to complex geometry and a strongly reflecting surface, automatic inspection of stamps and dies has been difficult. Only the use of a confocal sensor (confocalDT 2451) and an optical micrometer (optoCONTROL 2600) together with a precise movement with 5 degrees of freedom enabled the development of »Ti-1«. Ti-1 is a complex measurement system equipped with a USB interface and special software for the geometric and visual inspection of tools.

Sensor technology applied

Temperature measurement for vacuum mold equipment

Thermal vacuum mold equipment is used for the decentralized manufacture of mouth guards for teeth. A special film is heated for this and drawn into a shape using a vacuum. The temperature is measured without contact using thermoMETER CS so that the film has the correct temperature and elasticity for the reshaping. The measurement is performed quickly, precisely and without effects on the target.

Sensor technology applied

Displacement sensor for nanopositioning tasks

Very small displacements, both static and dynamic, are normally generated by piezo actuators. High precision displacement sensors ensure that these displacements are measured to the required nanometre and sub-nanometre accuracies. Resolution and repeatability of up to 0.04nm are possible. Non-contact, capacitive displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon provide this sub-nanometre precision. The capaNCDT series combines high precision and the required stability.

Sensor technology applied