Testing the imaging quality of lenses is based on wavefront measurements on the optical axis and in the field. Furthermore, automated measurement procedures provide information about focal length, chromatic aberration, polarization effects, PSF and MTF.

Optische Systeme von Optocraft - SHSInspect 2Xpass, SHSInspect RL module

When measuring the distribution of the refractive power, the imaging quality and the lens diameter of soft and hard contact lenses, measuring systems based on wavefront technology are used. Ergonomic lens handling and high measuring speed play a decisive role here.

Optische Systeme von Optocraft - SHSOphthalmic cito

In addition to beam parameter measurements, Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors are also used to adjust laser systems or fiber-optic systems. The advantage here is their insensitivity to vibrations, suitability for different wavelength ranges, as well as their high dynamic range.

Optische Systeme von Optocraft - SHSLab

The precise measurement of the transmitted wavefront provides a qualitative assessment of the imaging quality of an optical system while enabling inline adjustment of the system. The SHSInspect RL measuring module can be flexibly integrated into a test bench.

Optische Systeme von Optocraft - SHSInspect RL module

When measuring the distribution of the refractive power, the imaging quality and the lens diameter of intra-ocular lenses, measuring systems based on wavefront technology are used. Ergonomic lens handling and high measuring speed play a decisive role here.

Optische Systeme von Optocraft - SHSOphthalmic base

In order to control and optimize processes, the front and back of the contact lens are measured with incident light during the production process. Molds and tools are measured as well as the calculation of tool offsets.

Optische Systeme von Optocraft - SHSOphthalmic autoROC

High demands are often placed on the quality of optical filters and windows. Optocraft offers turnkey solutions for measuring wavefront errors in transmitted light and surface defects.

Optische Systeme von Optocraft - SHSInspect 1Xpass

In order to meet production tolerances, the contour of optical lenses such as eyeglass lenses or objectives, confocal chromatic sensors are used. Based on the distance values, statements about the surface properties can also be made. The sensors enable a large tilt angle which means they can also detect highly curved surfaces.

Confocal sensor systems for displacement, distance, position and thickness

Confocal sensors measure the distances between the auto focus lenses to provide the camera with the highest possible image quality.

Confocal sensor systems for displacement, distance, position and thickness

With optical components such as mirrors, a high degree of surface homogeneity is required. reflectCONTROL sensors are used to test the reflecting surfaces of these reflecting surfaces. They detect and classify surface deviations on the mirror surface.

Inspection system for shiny surfaces

Optical systems are used in a wide variety of industries and applications, including a wide range of products from micro-optics with dimensions in the μm range to telescope lenses with diameters of several meters. Optocraft delivers multifunctional systems based on the Shack-Hartmann wavefront technology for optics testing. Providing information about the quality of the optics based on precise wavefront measurements, these measuring systems contribute to the optimization of development and manufacturing processes.

Optische Systeme von Optocraft

In order to meet production tolerances, the center thickness of optical lenses such as eyeglass lenses or objectives is measured using confocal chromatic sensors. The measurement is performed from one side and can also be carried out with very thin lenses.

Confocal sensor systems for displacement, distance, position and thickness

To illuminate individual components on the wafer, the lithographic devices move the wafer to the respective position. Capacitive displacement sensors measure the position of the travel path in order to enable nanometer-accurate positioning.

Capacitive displacement sensors and measurement systems

Contact lens manufacturers have a need to conduct various material tests on clear, flexible polymer samples. The material samples must be submerged during testing in a saline solution for hydration. The highly sophisticated ThruBeam model ODC2600-40 is uniquely capable of making dimensional measurements with high accuracy and speed.

High resolution optical micrometer

Depending on the respective measurement task, it is sensible to carry out a two-sided thickness measurement. Arranged opposite the material, two displacement sensors detect the thickness. This measurement arrangement is particularly suitable for high speed measurements and fluttering materials. Micro-Epsilon also offers sensors and turnkey systems for two-sided thickness measurements.

Measuring and inspection systems for plastics

Foreign bodies, uneven distribution of the adhesive or unevenness when closing may produce open joints between the top material and the sidebars. The scanCONTROL laser profile sensors check if there are open joints and detect their gap size.

Laser scanners for 2D/3D profile measurements

The thicknessCONTROL measurement system is used for thickness measurement of plates and strip materials. Depending on the measurement task and materials, the head is equipped with different sensors that measure in a fixed track or in a traversing method. Comprehensive software packages and interfaces enable measured values to be recorded.

Non-contact inline profile thickness measurement of calenders (thickness 0.3mm to 18mm)

With blown film extrusion, non-contact temperature measurement is a difficult measurement task. Ambient radiation also penetrates thin films and distorts the intrinsic radiation of the films. The infrared CT-P3 and CT-P7 pyrometers only detect the infrared radiation emitted by the plastic films and ignore the penetrated ambient radiation. This is how high precision detection of the surface temperature is possible.

Infrared pyrometers for universal measurements

In its sensor housing, the combiSENSOR combines an eddy current displacement sensor and a capacitive displacement sensor. This unique sensor concept enables one-sided thickness measurement of electrically non-conductive materials on metallic objects. Its field of application is the thickness measurement of plastic film or of plastic coating on metal plates. Connected to the sensor via a cable, the controller processes and calculates the signals in order to put them out via interfaces.

One-sided thickness measurement of plastics

moldCONTROL is a thermography solution for recognizing quality fluctuations in injection molding production. The compact, industrial thermal imaging camera captures a thermal image of the component directly after the injection molding process. The software compares the infrared images associated with the component (actual) to stored references (target). The identified temperature differences provide the basis for a good/bad decision reported back to the handling system.

In the extrusion of high quality plastic profiles, adherence to tight manufacturing tolerances is crucial. For quality assurance, laser profile scanners from Micro-Epsilon are used. Thanks to the surface compensation, the scanners reliably detect the profiles of black rubber surfaces. For gap measurement, special software packages are available with which different parameters can be easily selected.

Laser scanners for 2D/3D profile measurements

Surfaces play an important role in the functionality and aesthetics of plastic components. Therefore, optical surface inspection is a central approach for 100% quality control. Deflectometer-based inspection systems from Micro-Epsilon inspect shiny surfaces and detect even the smallest of deviations. The defects found are evaluated and displayed in the 3D model.

Sensors for painting and paint inspection

As well as color fluctuations, streaks can occur during production. With translucent films, the film color is measured very accurately and quickly using the ACS7000 color measuring system together with the ACS3 transmission sensor.

High Speed Photospectrometer colorCONTROL ACS7000

In order to avoid defective production and to conserve resources during the extrusion of plastic products, it is crucial to recognize color deviations not just at the end of the process chain but already during the ongoing process. The accurate colorSENSOR CFO color sensors are used for color recognition in the process and transmit color deviations directly to the control system.

Compact True Color Sensor

In plastic injection moulding, the exact color shade of the products is important, as the color changes during cooling. To date, it has only been possible to measure random samples of cooled pieces. However, the colorCONTROL ACS inline color measurement system from Micro-Epsilon can 100% inspect the products as they are extracted from the mould.

High Speed Photospectrometer colorCONTROL ACS7000

In industry, the need for adhesive film is increasing. When producing the film, depressions and folds often occur, rendering the film unusable. Therefore, the customers’ requirements for an impeccable surface are increasing. For this purpose, a scanCONTROL 2910-100 laser scanner can be used.

Laser scanners for 2D/3D profile measurements

Users of injection molding machines for plastics processing are facing increased quality requirements imposed by end-users, in particular for automotive applications. Because of this trend, the importance of inline temperature control right after extrusion as a global quality attribute is growing.

Thermal imaging cameras for industrial temperature monitoring

In film production inline thickness measurement guarantees constant product quality. Micro-Epsilon's KS5 combination sensor measures the thickness of films in a non-contact and thus wear free process.

One-sided thickness measurement of plastics

Thickness measurement using displacement sensors is a wide application area. Basically there are distinctions between non-destructive/destructive, non-contact/with contact and one-side/two-sided thickness measurement. The Micro-Epsilon measuring techniques for thickness measurement are all emission-free whereby no emissions regulations of any kind have to be complied with. Thickness measurements must be performed both with contacting as well as with non-contact sensors whereby non-contact measuring techniques show advantages as regards accuracy and measuring speed. There is also a distinction between one-sided and two-sided thickness measurement. Two-sided thickness measurements are carried out with at least one pair of sensors which are installed together on one axis. This pair of sensors measures the target synchronously. The difference between the measurement results (C-A-B) produces the thickness of the measuring object. One-sided thickness measurements must only be performed with non-contact sensors. In doing so, the target is only measured with one sensor and either only a part of the target thickness (e.g. layer thickness) or the complete measuring object thickness is measured. Thickness measurements are mainly used in process control and quality assurance, e.g. for the control of extrusion systems or 100% checking of tube diameters.

Capacitive displacement sensors and measurement systems

Inductive sensors (eddy current) for displacement, distance & position

optoNCDT Laser Sensoren

Inspection systems for inline quality control

The thickness of blown films is an important aspect in terms of constant quality in blown film production. During production, strong thickness tolerances can occur. The blown film system from Micro-Epsilon measures the profile of the film with or without contact directly after the extrusion nozzle. Located on a reversing frame, the system continuously traverses the film tube and provides the data to the host system for controlling the extrusion nozzle.

Thickness profile measurement of blown films (non-contact and contact measurement 10µm to 500µm)

Particularly with shiny surfaces, a faultless production chain is expected in order to lend a sophisticated visual appearance to the final product. For fully automatic defect detection on car bodies and attachments, the reflectCONTROL inspection system is used. The system projects a striped pattern onto the surface. Deviations caused by defect are recorded with two cameras and evaluated via software.

Fully automatic surface inspection of painted car bodies

In order to ensure consistent color of different front panels, color sensors from Micro-Epsilon are used. The sensors inspect the color of the kitchen fronts in the painting plant. Color sensors ensure that the color shade is within the specified tolerances. Even the smallest color deviations imperceptible to the human eye can be detected reliably.

Compact True Color Sensor

Before installing front aprons, Micro-Epsilon color sensors check if the color of the attachment matches the body color. Different color groups can be defined to cover all coatings.

Compact True Color Sensor

Measuring the color of liquid paint is extremely complex. To date, paints have been typically applied on a test area first and then measured only after the drying process in order to achieve reliable measurement results. If the measurement results reveal that the paints are faulty, the paint con­tainers must be mixed again or even disposed of which partly involves long waiting times until a new measurement process can be started. In order to accelerate this process, Micro­-Epsilon has developed a sys­tem that enables the measurement of liquid paint during the production process. This application therefore includes the colorCONTROL ACS7000 color spectrometer for color measurements and the optoNCDT 1420-­50 laser triangulation sensor for distance measurements. The latter is ideally sui­ted to this application due to its compact size and excellent performance. A linear unit offers automatic readjustments.

Smart laser triangulation displacement sensor

High Speed Photospectrometer colorCONTROL ACS7000

In order to increase the safety of loading wagons, automatic braking systems are used. The brakes are activated if the lateral acceleration of a loading wagon becomes too high due to high speeds and tight curves and if the wagon threatens to tip over. The braking reduces the wagon’s speed and therefore both the lateral acceleration and the risk of tipping over. For electronic braking systems, acceleration sensors from the ACC53 series from Micro-Epsilon are used, which reliably detect the accelerations of the loading wagon.

So far, gap measurements inside the pumps were not possible because of the extreme requirements. The sensors must be resistant to high speeds, high pressures up to 1,000 bar and temperatures above 100 °C. Furthermore, the pumps are extremely compact, which significantly limits the space available for integration of sensors. Thanks to the extremely small sensor designs and their high pressure and temperature stability, the eddyNCDT inductive miniature sensors are ideal for this application. The eddyNCDT 3300 eddy current measuring system, which is one of the most powerful systems in the world, is therefore used on the test rig for evaluating the pumps.

eddyNCDT 3300

High, free-standing structures such as cranes are monitored using inclination sensors which provide early warnings of a possible tip over in order to avoid accidents.

In modern marine diesel engines, the crankshaft bearing is subject to regular maintenance intervals. For predictive maintenance, inductive sensors (eddy current sensors) are used to permanently monitor the bearing wear. Despite harsh ambient conditions such as high temperatures, lubricants and pressures, the sensors measure the bearing movement reliably in long-term use.

Inductive sensors (eddy current) for displacement, distance & position

In modern hydraulic cylinders, the piston position is detected continuously. Therefore, inductive long-stroke sensors from Micro-Epsilon are used which are directly integrated in the hydraulic cylinder. Its robust design enables the sensor to provide stable measurement values despite pressure and oil.

induSENSOR EDS

In order to detect the piston position of hydraulic cylinders, magnetostrictive and inductive sensors are directly integrated in the sensor. Therefore, the magneto-inductive sensor mainSENSOR is an alternative. The face-mounted magnet transfers its magnetic field to the piston rod. The sensor mounted outside then detects the magnetic field distribution along the rod and converts this into a linear output signal, which corresponds to the piston position.

Magneto-inductive distance sensors

In agricultural machines, acceleration sensors monitor the mower in order to recognize collisions. When colliding with a stone, the mower will experience a movement that is detected by the acceleration sensors. When the mower is immediately switched off, damages can be reduced or avoided.

The current jib length is important when calculating the torque of the load on the crane. This length is measured with an integrated draw-wire sensor. This simple and telescopic measuring principle makes wire sensors predestined for the task. The sensors can also be retrofitted.

Draw-wire displacement sensors

Synchronized lifting systems enable the raising and lowering of heavy loads controlled for distance and force or the controlled forward feed of large components. To achieve this, eight or more cylinders are connected to a central high pressure hydraulic system (700 bar). The travel displacement of each individual cylinder must be measured as the actual value for the synchronized movement and supplied to the closed/open loop controller. Draw-wire displacement sensors of the wireSENSOR Series P60 are employed for this task.

WDS-P60 analog

Draw-wire sensors are used to reduce the standstill time of slag transporters during the loading and unloading. They are installed on the tipping cylinder and the support cylinder. In this way, the signal of a limit switch no longer has to be waited for. Depending on the load state, the transporter can start the journey earlier. The sensor also withstands this demanding environment using a special case and wire extensions.

Draw-wire displacement sensors

Catering vehicles play an important role in passenger air traffic. They are responsible for there being enough foodstuffs on board. It is especially difficult with the Airbus A380 to reach the loading hatch with the vehicle. Therefore, the load area of the scissor platform is also maneuverable. Draw-wire sensors are perfectly suitable for measuring this displacement.

Draw-wire displacement sensors

The frequently used automatic rack control units make modern warehousing much easier. These units must automatically travel long distances and position the products with millimetre precision at the end. Modern optical laser sensors and also draw-wire sensors are used to monitor this movement. Draw-wire sensors are the more economical solution for distances up to 50 metres. Laser sensors which determine the distance using time of flight measurement are suitable for larger distances. Distances can be precisely measured and loads can be exactly positioned or delivered with their help.

Laser distance sensors for extra long ranges

Draw-wire displacement sensors

A truck-mounted crane is frequently the better solution in many cases where loads have to be lifted. As a mobile solution, safety also plays an important role here. Therefore a load torque limiter controls whether the crane can still lift or not. In order to ensure the maximum permitted load, the side crane supports must always be completely extended. If this would not be possible due to lack of space, the crane could not be put into operation. The dynamic process for measuring how far the crane supports have been extended facilitates a calculation of the permitted load capacity. Thus, the use of truck-mounted cranes can also be ensured where space is restricted..

Draw-wire displacement sensors

Side supports against tipping over are installed for lift trucks and lift work platforms. The crane or the platform can only be put into operation when the supports are completely extended so that there is also no danger of tipping in the case of long extension frames. However, sometimes this is not possible for spatial reasons. Therefore draw-wire sensors from Micro-Epsilon are used for measuring how far the supports are extended. A dynamic load torque limit across the actual support area is thus produced. Redundant measurement is performed as this is a safety relevant measured value.

Draw-wire displacement sensors

Mobile lifting jacks are being used more and more often for commercial and railed vehicles. The lifting jacks for commercial vehicles are often designed as column lifts. In contrast, railed vehicles are often lifted on the frame. Any number of these lifting jacks can be combined into one system. As each lifting jack has its own drive for the lifting movement, the individual devices must be synchronized in order to ensure a completely level and oscillation-free movement. The lifting movement of each lifting jack is measured with a draw-wire sensor for this.

Draw-wire displacement sensors

A large part of internal transportation is performed by forklifts. The risk of tipping the forklift when products are lifted is high. Therefore, the permitted speed has been restricted with limit switches. Draw-wire sensors from Micro-Epsilon measure the current lift height and make continuous speed regulation possible, depending on the height of the products.

Draw-wire displacement sensors