Inspection of sockets

There are many uses of sockets in the automotive area. The dimensionCONTROL system is used for the quality inspection of these parts. An optical micrometer at the machine entry checks the size of the sockets. Using different image processing systems, both front faces and the shoulder face are tested for breakouts, fissures etc.

Sensor technology applied

Diameter - radial/axial runout - measurement at disk motors

The production of disk motors has to meet the highest mechanical accuracy requirements. In order to ensure perfect functioning of the disk drives the drive units are measured and evaluated with respect to diameter, true running, and axial running. Since production specifications of < 5 μm have to be measured under nominal speed, a decision has been made to use the fast and high-resolution capaNCDT system. In this measurement two sensors with measurement range50 μm that are adapted to the flange geometry are of special importance.

Sensor technology applied

Monitoring the commutator in electric motors

The “eddyNCDT” system offers many advantages for the non-contact monitoring of the mechanical condition of the commutator in electric D.C. motors or generators. The system uses the eddy-current measuring principle, is not subject to wear and cannot affect or influence the commutator.

Sensor technology applied

Vibration displacement measurement in road tests

With cars, tests on the running gears form the basic requirements for driving safety. Here sensors are needed which can also withstand the high demands of road tests. As an example, draw-wire sensors are mounted in parallel to the shock absorbers for the vibration displacement measurement and the data is recorded for varying road-surface quality. The displacement signal obtained is differentiated to give the vibration velocity and vibration acceleration.

Sensor technology applied

Co-planarity of IC-pins

The term „co-planarity“ discribes the proper seating of the tips of fine-pitch device leads on the copper pads on a PCB prior to solder process. The coplanarity is a critical dimension for the quality of the soldered joints, because no reliable and correct soldering can be done if there is a gap between the lead and the pad. In state of the art automatic assembly machines the co-planarity of components is measured during the assembling process. The component to be measured is passed over a triangulation displacement sensor which has a laser beam that scans the row of pins.

Sensor technology applied

Deformation measurement on lightweight structures

Specially designed measurement systems, which record the surface contours without reactive effects on the lightweight structures, are employed for the examination of component deformations under load. To achieve this, two laser-based optical displacement measurement systems can be mounted on a movable subframe subdivided with nineteen fixed reference points.

Sensor technology applied

Measurement of the radial deviation on superconducting magnets

At the Institute for Solids and Materials Research (IWF) Dresden a motor with magnetic bearings has been developed using high temperature superconductors which can be employed for feed pumps for liquid nitrogen. The most important application of superconducting permanent magnets is the superconducting magnetic bearing. For the measurement of the radial deviation of these magnetic bearings, U1 eddy current sensors with special temperature compensation for -196 °C and 20 °C are used in the evacuated and cooled ambient.

Sensor technology applied

Measurement of the radial deviation of a cutter disk

Sensor technology applied

Vibration test of wet razor

Modern wet razors provide the function of supporting the shave using vibration. A functional test is performed at the end of production for these models. The razor is switched on and placed in the light band of the optoCONTROL optical micrometer. The laser micrometer measures the vibration amplitude and the frequency.

Sensor technology applied

Non-contact measurement of relay contact movement

Even the layman can detect wether a relay is energized or not. The question how on the other hand, is difficult to answer even for the expert. What he needs to know is the timing of certain specific parameters such as pick-up delay, armature play, armature displacement, armature bounce, contact displacement, final contact position and contact bounce. These parameters can be derived from the measured armature and contact movement. The relay characteristics must not be affected in any way by the measuring equipment in the event. The noncontact displacement measuring systems optoNCDT offer the ideal solution to this problem.

Sensor technology applied

Automatic inspection and repair of marine propellers

Deformed ship propellers are bent back to their original condition using special machines. Previously, this work was performed manually but today it has been replaced by automatic systems. The current shape of the propeller is measured and stored using an optoNCDT 1700 series laser sensor. The system then automatically recognizes which positions need focusing on. In doing this, the laser sensor measures the shiny surface of the propeller, which it is able to do extremely well by using  fast, real-time surface compensation (RTSC) exposure regulation.

Sensor technology applied

Examination of the oscillation behavior of toothed-belt camshaft drives

To examine the influence of various system and operating parameters on the dynamic behavior of multi-disk drives a belt oscillation test bench has been set up which simulates the toothed-belt drive system of a direct injection motor vehicle diesel engine. The periodically fluctuating shaft torques generate rotary oscillations in the toothed-belt drive, which lead to transverse belt oscillation. Five laser optical position measuring systems are arranged closely side by side, so that oscillations of higher order can also be measured safely.

Sensor technology applied

Coil edge

Rolled sheets in the metal industry are wound on coils for transport. It is important that directly before and also after the coiling, to check the position and the edge condition of the metal strip. optoCONTROL optical micrometers are used for this. If the edge of the coil is within the measuring range during the winding or unwinding, the position and the edge structure can be determined from this. This technique ensures that the coil is wound correctly and also that the correct metal strip quality has been delivered for the unwinding.

Sensor technology applied

3D inspection and surface assessment of roof tiles

The production of roof tiles places high demands on measurement and testing methods for ensuring constant high product quality. In the DASTOKON semi-automatic measurement and test system and in the BSPK pilot plant a laser triangulation sensor of the Series ILD 1800 is used for the 3D inspection and for surface assessment.

Sensor technology applied

Defect recognition on worktops

Kitchen worktops are now made from a variety of materials, e.g. natural or artificial stone, solid wood and laminate (e.g. HPL). All these materials offer benefits and have special characteristics. However, a defect-free surface finish and perfect edges are critical production factors. The example above is a so-called laminate worktop with a stone decor. As the cutting edge of this top is rough and unclear, it is covered with sidebars. Foreign bodies, uneven distribution of the adhesive or unevenness when closing may produce open joints between the top material and the sidebars. The scanCONTROL 2910-25 laser profile scanner is used to inspect if any open joints are present.

Sensor technology applied

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

On-line inspection of sealing compound in covering lid

After injection of the sealing compound in the covering lid, curing takes place in the tunnel furnace. Here, fault points and faulty thicknesses of compound must be acquired and faulty lids must be sorted out in the production process. A laser-based optical displacement measurement system samples the compound surface of the rotating lid for a quality inspection. The monitoring of the thickness contour within the permissible tolerance limits and the sorting of the faulty lids occurs with the aid of the PLC that is employed.

Sensor technology applied

Inspection of rotationally symmetrical parts

The scanCONTROL laser scanner is used for part inspection of various hypoid-tooth components and a digital model of the tooth structure of the component is generated by the measurement system. In this way, the 3D point cloud can be evaluated afterwards according to customer requirements. Previously, this type of inspection was done with manual removal of the part.

Sensor technology applied

Digital 3D measurement of complex parts and shapes

Mabotic devepols and manufactures various designs of digital scanning units. scanCONTROL laser scanner are often used for digitization of parts. The scanner projects a laser line onto the object being measured and records the profile of the line. When the scanner is mounted on a linear axis and the scanner traverses over the measurement target, a 3D image of the target can be generated.

Sensor technology applied

Display glass defects

A special measuring system has been developed for the quality control of display glass. The glass pane is placed on a measuring table by a robot. A measuring arm with several confocal sensors traverses the glass pane there. If any defects are found, the pane is marked as NOK and rejected. The scanCONTROL laser scanner simultaneously circumnavigates the edges and checks these for defects and dimensions. After the check has been completed successfully, the pane is lifted back into the production process and the next measurement is started.

Sensor technology applied

Reading the DOT code on tires

When manufacturing automobiles for the American market, the DOT numbers of the tires must be stored. Vision systems are not suitable for reading the code, due to the poor contrast involved (black letters on a black background). The scanCONTROL 2750-100 measures the distance from the surface with the aid of triangulation. The sensor transmits a height profile of the tire wall directly to the software application.

Sensor technology applied

ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) for pipeline inspection

To meet safety regulations, the inspection of the internal parts of pipelines is mandatory, as any defects can lead to cracks, which could result in complete pipe failure or, in the worst case, in personal injury. The critical factor is the weld seam. DEKRA developed a fully automatic vehicle that solves this task by using a combination of visual inspection and geometrical measurements performed by a scanCONTROL laser scanner from Micro-Epsilon.

Flat glass defects

A special measuring system has been developed for the quality control of flat glass. The glass pane is placed on a measuring table by a robot. A measuring arm with several confocal sensors traverses the glass pane there. If any defects are found, the pane is marked as NOK and rejected. The scanCONTROL laser scanner simultaneously circumnavigates the edges and checks these for defects and dimensions. After the check has been completed successfully, the pane is lifted back into the production process and the next measurement is started.

Sensor technology applied

Water depth measurement on a river model

With investigations using realiztic models of flowing waters, the river bed must be sampled as accurately as possible and without physical contact. To do this, the laser-based optical displacement measurement system, optoNCDT, is used which features high accuracy with a large measuring range and is largely independent of the ground conditions. It is mounted together with the signal conditioning electronic unit on a measurement carriage movable in the X direction which is suspended from a traversing beam movable in the Y direction. The distance to the water surface is acquired simultaneously with a parallel-mounted ultrasonic displacement system.

Sensor technology applied

Shape measurement of rotation symmetrical parts

As rotary pistons for pumps must have very precise surface geometries, the pistons have to undergo 3D shape measurement. The scanCONTROL laser scanner is moved vertically by a linear axis in a special measuring machine. In doing so, the piston rotates in the measuring range of the scanner. A resolution of 3µm is achieved using this.

Sensor technology applied

Automatic winding of glass fiber cables

An even and tight winding must be maintained for the automatic winding of glass fiber cables on drums. scanCONTROL 2800 profile scanners are used for monitoring the coiling machine. They monitor the windings on the drum and control the movement components of the machine using the results.

Sensor technology applied

Rail wear

Tram or train rails are subject to constant wear either due to corrosion or due to friction during use. Rails are checked for wear completely automatically using a system developed by Micro-Epsilon. A test car records the surface profile of the rail during the journey. The data obtained is compared with standard values and if a section is recognized as worn down, the system stores the track section for later maintenance. The profiles are measured using several line scanners of the type scanCONTROL 2800.

Sensor technology applied

Position of the rubber grip on golf clubs

It is important for the production of golf clubs that the rubber grip is perfectly positioned on the shaft. The rubber grip must not only be completely on the shaft; the rubber must also not be twisted. The scanCONTROL 2800 is used for this measurement in the production environment.

Sensor technology applied

Measurement of large geometries with precision machines

Measuring complex part geometries is a task for the scanCONTROL laser scanner. Laser scanners are used in the precision machines of EHR in order to perform a component inspection at high resolution and without contact. The special feature is that using a scanner, not only is an inspection possible from the outside but also from the inside.

Sensor technology applied

Optical sensors in side trimming systems of saw mills

The tree trunk cut into planks in saw mills still shows the wane of the original tree on the edges. In order to achieve an optimum cutting width and thus a maximum yield here, laser triangulation sensors are installed every 30 to 50 cm which measure the transverse section of the plank in the flow path. The maximum width of the plank is calculated using special software.

Sensor technology applied

Inline burr measurement on sheet edges in body manufacture

In order to avoid corrosion, continuous and error-free corrosion protection is a critical factor in the painting process. As the thickness of the applied painting on burrs can only be determined under challenging limitations, it is a decisive advantage that the burrs are recognized early in the production process before the corrosion protection and other paint layers are applied.

In contrast to fixed solutions that enable a random test, Micro-Epsilon offers its scanCONTROL 2910-10/BL Plug & Play system which provides the required precision with its high point resolution of approx. 8µm along the laser line in order to recognize burrs reliably even during inline measurements.

Sensor technology applied

Adhesive beading check on border strip

Border strips are automatically adhered to glass by robots in vehicle production. This automatic process must be monitored as the application of uniform adhesive beading by the robot is not certain. The adhesive beading is checked immediately after the application by the same robot using a scanCONTROL 2810 for height, width and position.

Robot positioning for application of seals

In order to permanently protect weld seams against the penetration of moisture, BMW AG’s Leipzig factory seals the weld seam on the roof rail. A robot automatically applies sealant at the position where the side frame  is joined to the roof panel. A laser sensor from Micro-Epsilon, which prepositions the robot using distance measurement, is used so that the robot knows exactly where each weld seam is located.

Sensor technology applied

Adhesive beading check

It is important during the gluing in of glass panes in automobile production that the adhesive beading shows a constant track. Therefore a robot arm tracks the adhesive beading track exactly with a scanCONTROL laser scanner. In doing so, the robot centers itself on the adhesive beading automatically due to the measured data. In doing so, the scanner measures the surface profile of the adhesive beading. The supplied software automatically detects whether the beading is too narrow, too wide or too flat.

Sensor technology applied

Measurement of contact lenses

The object must endure various tests during the search for new materials for contact lenses. In doing so, the lens is located in a small case with saline solution. The lenses are inspected in the case without contact using the optoCONTROL 2600 for dimension changes during heating and expansion of the lenses. The particular benefit is that the measurement functions through the glass case and through the salt solution.

Sensor technology applied

Coplanarity of connector pins

Using connectors and sockets, electrical circuits can be alternately opened and closed. The connector pins must be correctly oriented in order to prevent the pins from bending during connection. As this cannot always be guaranteed by the mounting process, it is important to inspect the coplanarity and the orientation of the connector pins to one another. In many cases, mechanical sensing devices carry out this task. However, this procedure has its disadvantages. First, the sensing device itself applies a certain force onto the pins, and second, the mechanical parts are subject to wear, which reduces the measurement accuracy and reliability. Non-contact scanCONTROL profile sensors measure are wear-free and are applied in a variety of pin inspection tasks.

Sensor technology applied

Paintwork defects

The exterior appearance is an important factor for many surfaces. The reflectCONTROL inspection system is suitable for automatic defect inspection of reflecting surfaces. This system measures the quality of the surface without contact using light reflections and classifies the defects found. The system is particularly suitable for painted surfaces or smooth plastic. Different versions make possible adequate usage for automobile body shells or smaller elements.

Sensor technology applied

Bearing shell surface

Sliding bearings are used in combustion engines for the crankshaft and camshaft. The bearing shells are often composed of three layers whereby the inner layer is only metalized or sputtered. If there are residues on the bearing shell, the inner layer has too little purchase and flakes off. The system from Micro-Epsilon checks all bearing shells at the end of the production for a faultless condition of the surface. A BV camera records an image of each shell which is evaluated afterwards completely automatically. If necessary, the system also takes over the selection afterwards depending on the measurement result.

Sensor technology applied

Dimensional Testing of Cans for the Food Industry

Accurate dimensions and shape of the prefabricated cans and can-lids is of prime importance, in order to ensure that the lids and the cans match properly and form a permanent airtight seal after the filling and sterilization process. This in order to avoid costly batch sealing failures in the canning industry. A special non-contact automated measurement testing machine was developed to control the dimensional integrity of the cans and the matching lids.

Sensor technology applied

Image processing system for the detection of markings

In order to increase the process reliability in the final assembly of cars it is necessary make a reliable differentiation between the wheel and spare wheel on different types of vehicle once the tire has been fitted to the rim. For this purpose line markings are applied to the sides of the tire. They must be reliably and fully automatically detected when all components (tire,rim, transport belt) are optically similar (matt black).

2D/3D measurement station for gaskets

Even if gaskets are just very small components in plant and machinery, they are still critical in terms of their function and operational reliability. However, mechanical engineering companies normally purchase these components rather than produce them in-house. Reliable quality control at goods inwards is therefore essential.

Sensor technology applied

Measuring the base height of filters in the automotive industry

In automotive filter production, faultless workmanship is essential for the proper functioning of the filter. In addition, the specified height of the filter is also critical in order to prevent any damage occurring to the periphery of the filter during assembly. In cooperation with special purpose machine builder Limberger GmbH and the Signum image processing specialists, scanCONTROL laser profile scanners were integrated to a filter test machine.

Sensor technology applied

Paper fold recognition in printing machines

Possible folds produced in the paper web that remain unnoticed can have far-reaching consequences during processing and often lead to unusable printed products. Extreme differences in printing registration, i.e. inaccuracies when correlating overlapping colors may also occur. Another risk is that the paper web tears while going through the print machine. Any machine stoppages or changeovers can significantly increase printing costs. Non-contact, optical measurement technology is a suitable solution.

Sensor technology applied

Stitching position of airbags

As interior parts, the covers must therefore harmonise with the overall appearance. The high aesthetic requirements placed on the cockpit, seats, interior trim and steering wheel are particularly important for this functional component. While assembly gaps cannot be measured prior to installation, like many other elements of a car, the airbag stitching can be inspected during production by using a scanCONTROL 2910-25 laser profile scanner. The scanner detects the contour of the stitching while being guided by a robot arm and evaluates several features synchronously.

Sensor technology applied

Profile measurement of compressor blades under high temperature conditions

The thermal geometric change under operating conditions needs to be measured on a new type of composite material for gas power plants.

Sensor technology applied

Profile measurement system

In the field of quality assurance, e.g. in the tire industry, profile measurements of the tread and sidewall must be carried out. Sensors or complete profile measurement benches with precision laser and computer systems can be used for this which relay a fully automatic sequence through to the finished output of the required layout.

Sensor technology applied

Profile sensor for tire measurement on the test rig

Tire properties are crucial for safety, driving response and comfort in modern automobiles. To ensure constant quality at the highest level 100% inspection of tires is already required in production. Apart from dynamic stress tests, the acquisition of bulges, constrictions and impacts is of primary importance.

Sensor technology applied

Automatic test station for heat exchangers

Heat exchangers in plant and machinery serve as heat transfer mechanisms between different material flows. To maximise the heat-emitting area, they are designed using multiple plates. Respectively one connecting flange for the material-conveying cables is welded or soldered onto the last plate. The position and the flatness of the flanges have to fulfil highest requirements so that these can be connected  at  the  desired  point.

Sensor technology applied

Inspection of saw teeth

Whether in a linear arrangement or a saw blade, saw teeth are used for cutting materials. Due to increasing demands for reproducible production results, saw teeth must fulfill the highest quality standards. The reproducible form of the saw teeth, which are often hardened, is therefore critical. The scanCONTROL 2960-100 laser profile scanner is tilted above the strip to continuously inspect the angle of the cut and the maximum points of the saw tooth edges.

Fluid level measurement of aluminum pig irons

A German manufacturer of prestressed concrete products uses a number of 3D measurement systems by InSystems Automation with optical sensors made by Micro-Epsilon for quality control of railway sleepers. The systems include a portal station that is fitted to a forming station above the conveyor technology. Two scanCONTROL LLT2800-100 laser profile sensors travel along the portal axes and scan the sleepers from above.

Sensor technology applied

Tester for (railway) wheel rim measurement

Testers are integrated in the track bed for the wear control of wheel rims on trains. The profile is checked during the passage of the train. Point-type and line-type lasers measure the diameter and the profile of the wheel. Thus, a precise statement of when the wheel must be reprofiled is possible. The measuring technology thereby is exposed to all weather influences.

Sensor technology applied

Tire surface

Three laser scanners from the scanCONTROL series measure the surface profile of tires. The turnkey tester is at the end of the production line where each tire is examined for dents and bulges. The tire is clamped and rotated by 360° within one second. Lettering and symbols are recognized by the software and not assessed as bulges. The process takes place completely automatically and makes a 100% check possible. The tire is reintroduced back into the production process after completion of the testing.

Sensor technology applied

Completely automatic 3D repair welding

For heavy equipment such as soft coal excavators, it is often cheaper to repair parts than to replace them. For the repair of chain links during maintenance work, the worn material is welded on again by a robot. In order to automate this process, a 3D surface scan must be performed in advance so that the necessary welding lines can be calculated. The Mabotic company uses laser scanners from Micro-Epsilon for this.

Sensor technology applied

3D profile measurement of soil samples

German automation company Visutronik GmbH from Neubrandenburg, Germany has developed a laser scanningdevice to measure surface soil samples for subsequent geometric analysis: roughness, surface type expansion (e.g. earthworm courses), etc. The core of the measuring device is the scanCONTROL 2700-100 laser scanner.

Sensor technology applied

In-line inspection of the rubber on windshield wiper blades

A faultless surface is indispensable for the functionality of wiper blades. Therefore, wiper blades are inspected by the measuring system after the extrusion in the endless state. In doing so, two scan CONTROL 2800 sensors are used. The inspection is performed above and below the material.

Sensor technology applied

Measurement of key profiles

In the production of security keys, the correct blank must be located in the machine before grinding of the teeth can be checked. An optoNCDT 2200 laser sensor traverses across the profile, recording the surface profile precisely while doing so. A measurement profile without any gaps and a very small measuring spot size are important here.

Sensor technology applied

Weld seam profile

Welding robots which perform the joining automatically are often used for joining metals. For visible parts, the weld seam must satisfy certain optical criteria; for example, there must be no remaining welding beads. A laser scanner is installed directly after the welding head for this. It measures all the weld seams made and arranges for the robot to make corrections if necessary.

Sensor technology applied

Weld seam tracking for pipeline inspection

Defective weld seams are often the reason for leaks on pipelines. Therefore, the seams are inspected on the outside after the welding with the profile scanner scanCONTROL 2800. In doing so, the scanner is positioned in a testing device on the pipe. After the manual alignment, the scanner automatically inspects the weld seam and centers itself automatically on the pipe in doing so.

Sensor technology applied

Dimensional accuracy of sectional doors

With sectional doors for parquet or laminate flooring, key and slot joints for individual sections are applied. However, these sections are opened and closed frequently. To enable a robust but permanent flexible key and slot joint, specified  dimensions  are  critical  and  must  be  adhered to. This is particularly important in the case of significant temperature differences or inaccurate dimensions, where the door could be locked or positioned incorrectly. The measurement of the key and slot joint is therefore critical in ensuring the correct manufacturing dimensions.

Sensor technology applied

Monitoring embossment depth

Embossed serial numbers enable worldwide unambiguous identification of, for example, car body shells. For increased safety measures (e.g. in case of theft), car body IDs are punched into the vehicle frame. Therefore, the depth of the embossment is a critical factor.

This is why embossing machines operate using optoNCDT 1420 laser triangulation sensors from Micro-Epsilon. These determine the precise distance between the embossing tool and the component. Based on these distance values, the tool can be positioned correctly. After the embossment is finished, the sensor measures the profile of the embossment and ensures that all characters are embossed to the required depth.

Sensor technology applied

Welded sheets on gas valves

For automatic welding processes, the quality of the weld is often dependent on how precisely the welding head is positioned for the seam place. If the positioning is checked by a measurement system before the welding, unnecessary rejection can be prevented right from the start. The elster company uses the scanCONTROL 2810 profile sensor for this. The position of the scanner to the valve is initially measured eight times before the welding process. The laser welding head is positioned to the seam based on these data.

Sensor technology applied

Measurement of pre-stressed steel

An inspection system for incoming goods inspection has been developed for a manufacturer of pre-stressed concrete, which detects the profile depth of delivered batches and continuously records this information to a database.

Sensor technology applied

Non-contact roller measuring device

In the cement and mineral industry roller mills are used for fine grinding of the raw materials. During the milling process the rollers are subject to high wear, which strongly reduces the quality of milling at the edges of the rollers. With a laser-optical roller measuring device the necessary regrinding process can be initiated at the right time, and the success of such regrinding can be determined. A protective device with special damping elements and air nozzles protects the laser-optics sensor against vibrations, and keeps the optical system and the beam path free of dust.

Sensor technology applied

Windscreen defects

During the production of windscreens, it can happen that the correct curvature of the windscreen has not been maintained or the fissures and cracks in the surface make the windscreen unusable. A system has been developed for this purpose which inspects the windscreens completely in-line for a surface free from defects. Several confocal sensors on a measuring beam measure the distance to the surface. Using the automatic centering function of the confocal sensors, they track the curvature of the surface precisely. The high resolution makes it possible to inspect the windscreen for cracks and fissures at the same time.

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.

Automatic height adjustment for material analysis

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) performs precise analysis of the atomic composition of different materials. The measurement objects involved are mostly mineral or metallic parts whose surfaces have different gloss levels and which are sometimes extremely tilted.

SECOPTA analytics GmbH uses the ILD1320-100 sensors from Micro-Epsilon in this application to automatically readjust the height of the LIBS sensor head. Particularly with metal samples whose surfaces have different textures such as oxidized spots, the ILD1320 with the ATC feature is a reliable sensor.

Sensor technology applied

Web-edge detection in the calender of a paper machine

If movement of the paper web in the calender is not exactly executed in one line, the heated calender roller is pressed directly onto the coating of the opposite roller, which can damage it. Repairing this special coating or even replacing the whole roller would be very costly, which is why it is mandatory to control the position of the web edge. This is where laser line sensors from Micro-Epsilon are utilized, transferring the exact position of the web edge directly to the machine control system.

Sensor technology applied

Measuring system for strip position monitoring in a coating tank

In the electrolytic refinement of thin sheets electrical losses are minimised by a small distance between strip and anode. This requires exact strip guidance. Before the strip enters the coating tank it is guided and measured between two measuring bars with nine eddy-current sensors each. Actuators are initiated and change the position of the anodes in accordance with the strip geometry, or initiate a return to the starting position if limit values are exceeded.

Sensor technology applied

Sheet edge measurement prior to laser welding

The company „Paul von der Bank“ in Hilden (Germany) develops and manufactures modular-designed robotic welding cells and fully automatic production and processing lines. To ensure high production quality of longitudinally welded pipes, the following factors must be considered: Besides sheet edge length, the exact edge position must be known, it must be guaranteed that sheet edges are aligned perfectly to each other.

Sensor technology applied

Print head positioning using laser triangulation sensors

When printing on materials such as glass and ceramics, very fine detailed structures are generated, which requires precise positioning of the print head. This is why optoNCDT 1420 laser triangulation sensors from Micro-Epsilon are used. With a measuring range of 10mm, these determine at various points in the print head the respective distance from the surface
to be printed. The sensor data is transferred via the RS422 interface to the control system. The data obtained enables the determination of the edges and the surface tilt and therefore the exact positioning of the print head.

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

Automatic paper roll control

In paper production the prepared paper pulp flows onto a conveyor belt of fine wire mesh at the so called "wet end". There most of the water is removed by means of a vacuum. The paper web is generated and is transported to the second station, the wet press rollers, which determine the paper web speed by means of a second drive unit. In order to avoid tears in the paper web a laser position measuring system is used here which measures the position of the paper web between the two stations. The analog output signal of the sensor is fed into a closed-loop control circuit which influences the motor speed at station 1 and thereby ensures that a specified setpoint distance value is maintained.

Sensor technology applied

Automatic positioning of synchronizer discs

Synchronizer discs are used as a synchronizer package in automatic transmissions. Behr Systems in Germany created a handling and processing plant for deburring the front side of the synchronizer discs using a laser. An essential part of this plant is the measurement technology, which guarantees the precise positioning of the synchronizer discs under the deburring laser.

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

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

Measuring vibrations on an engine manifold

Optimizing the processes within an internal combustion engine is becoming increasingly important in this day and age. A whole series of measurements is vital for engine management purposes. The temperature of the exhaust gas is one important source and is recorded using a thermocouple within the manifold. To check the way it is attached, it is necessary to examine the propensity to vibrate, as well as the mechanical rigidity of the structure. This is an application where the blue laser comes to the fore.

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

Reflector tilting for satellites

Satellites communicate with one another using laser beams. For this communication, the transmitter must be very precisely aligned with the receiver. The laser beam is stabilized using a deflection mirror. The position values are recorded with miniature eddy current sensors from Micro-Epsilon which achieve a resolution of better than one microrad. These sensors are also used in positioning tasks such as for laser tracking or lithography.

Sensor technology applied

Tracking control of gantry and overhead cranes

Rail-guiding elements (wheel flanges, guide pulleys) ensure that the crane stays on the rails. Due to uneven distribution of mass, track errors, rails offset and different driving speeds, the rail-guiding elements can mesh. The lateral forces arising from this can lead to noise, stress in the crane construction or wear of the wheels and rails. Machines of this type require considerable maintenance. In order to reduce the latter, so-called tracking controllers are used in order to ensure that the crane wheels are kept central to the rail track. In this case, a number of sensors keep the controller informed about the position and direction of the crane, as well as any deviations that occur.

Sensor technology applied

Pneumatic slide valve position

Pneumatic control valves are employed in chemical engineering for regulating liquid and gaseous media. In order to achieve a constantly high level of process reliability, the flow rate must be controlled exactly. A slide is driven pneumatically, changing the opening for the flow. An inductive displacement sensor, which measures the slide position, is joined to the slide. A microcontroller handles the control and evaluation of the displacement sensor along with the closed-loop control, parameterization and bus linkage of the control valve. Due to the already existing controller, the position measurement is realized for practically no cost, apart from a few passive components.

Sensor technology applied

Speed measurement on automatic abrasive cutting machine

Tiles and special bricks are processed according to their type on automatic abrasive cutting machines. The objective is fast throughput times with the best quality result. Here, the setting parameters for the rotational speed, the circumferential speed of the cutting disk and the feed rate of the movable table are important. The table movement is acquired by a rugged draw-wire displacement sensor with incremental encoder. A digital tachometer calculates this speed and displays it.

Sensor technology applied

Monitoring embossment depth

Embossed serial numbers enable worldwide unambiguous identification of, for example, car body shells. For increased safety measures (e.g. in case of theft), car body IDs are punched into the vehicle frame. Therefore, the depth of the embossment is a critical factor.

This is why embossing machines operate using optoNCDT 1420 laser triangulation sensors from Micro-Epsilon. These determine the precise distance between the embossing tool and the component. Based on these distance values, the tool can be positioned correctly. After the embossment is finished, the sensor measures the profile of the embossment and ensures that all characters are embossed to the required depth.

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

Lift height measurement for maintenance work on bridges

In certain cases for maintenance work on bridges, the bridge must be raised, for example to replace the supports. Heavy-duty jacks are used for this. The distance at each jack is measured with a draw-wire sensor so that the jacks operate completely in synchronization.

Sensor technology applied

Lift height of a catering vehicle

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.

Sensor technology applied

Injector needle lifting

Combustion engines are a combination of many different technologies. Therefore, the precision of each individual one is responsible for the performance of the engine. The actual injected amount of fuel for Common Rail engines is controlled by the lift height and the lift duration of the jet needles of the injector. Temperatures up to 150 °C, pressures up to 2000 bar and an electromagnetically sensitive environment make measurement evaluation difficult. The NLS miniature sensor of the eddyNCDT product group measures the needle movement at the tip of the injector where influences due to bending or compression of the needle do not even occur.

Sensor technology applied

Lift platform - automotive

Short cycle times for the assembly are extremely important in automobile production. In order to design the optimum ergonomics for the worker, the vehicles are transported along the production line on lift tables. Depending on the work operation to be performed, the vehicles are moved to the optimum height in order to ensure as efficient working as possible. Which exact height has been reached is established using draw-wire sensors from Micro-Epsilon. Completely integrated in the lift table, they ensure more reliability and higher productivity.

Sensor technology applied

Lift platform – lift height

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.

Sensor technology applied

Vehicle distance to the road surface

The tilting and the driving behavior are often examined in driving tests with automobiles. Optical laser sensors are ideally suitable for this. They are mounted outside on the body shell and measure the distance from there to the road surface. The high measuring rate ensures a sufficient signal for evaluation of the road position of the vehicle.

Sensor technology applied

Rack control unit - lift height

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.

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

Forklift lifting height

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.

Sensor technology applied

Synchronized lifting system lift height

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.

Sensor technology applied

Precision synchronized lifting system

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.

Sensor technology applied

Underwater Measurement of axial movement and shaft play

The functional safety of systems of special economic importance often depends on the perfect operation of delivery devices (pumps). Increased radial shaftwhirl, or an axial shift due to termal expansion, are first signs of possible malfunctions. Measuring axial movement and shaft play will reduce downtimes of the system and minimise repair costs. For underwater measurement a pressureproof eddy-current position sensor, which has been developed from the standard type U3 with certain adaptations is used. The sensor still has its high basic accuracy, and procuring spare parts is no problem at all. The use of potentiometers with readable setting ensures that the sensor can be easily and quickly adapted to different shaft materials (ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic).

Sensor technology applied

Valve lift measurement in the MultiAir cylinder

The MultiAir cylinder procedure patented by FIAT / Schaeffler controls individual valves independently of the camshaft. An electro-hydraulic control system provides fully variable valve control.

Therefore, the stroke and the opening/closing times of the inlet valve are freely controllable. This reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions with a simultaneous increase in engine performance and torque.

During the end-of-line inspection of the MultiAir components, a test bench simulates the conditions inside the engine. Eddy current sensors from Micro-Epsilon measure the exact valve lift.

Sensor technology applied

Roller levitation height

The distance of both rollers from each other or from the roller to the support surface is the crucial dimension for rolling processes for metals, plastics or other materials. In the case of sensitive processes and high material accuracies, the lift of the upper roller must be checked constantly so that imminent rejection is avoided. The contacting inductive and the non-contact methods are suitable for this. In the case of contacting methods, the sensor is mounted on the outside on the roller guide. The change in clearance is transmitted to a plunger whose position change is measured by the inductive sensor. In the case of the non-contact method, the roller is between the transmitter and receiver of an optical micrometer at the height of the lift. The emitted light curtain is partially covered by the roller. The remainder reaches the receiver through the gap. The gap can be calculated based on the light quantity measurement.

Sensor technology applied