Defense & Security

Thickness measurement using displacement sensors

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.

Sensor technology applied

Metal processing

Measurement of flat washers

These days, flat washers are an auxiliary material used in almost every industry. In most cases, the washers consist of different alloys and are required in all sizes and thicknesses, which means the demands on the manufacturers are particularly high. In order to supply the customer with a correctly sorted, high quality product, the thickness and diameter are inspected before the washers are packed. This inspection is carried out using a scanCONTROL 2910-50 laser scanner.

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.

Deflection/cambering of steel strips and saw blades

In the production and processing ne of metal strips, numerous measurement variables need to be monitored, e.g. straightness, cambering and deflection. The inspection of these quantities is carried out using three optical micrometers. The two outer laser micrometers form a straight line. The middle one measures the deviation and therefore the deflection to this straight line. The position of the sheet edge in the laser beam is not important here as long as the edge is within the beam path of all the three micrometers.

Sensor technology applied

Measurement of metal stampings

Cylindrical, ground stainless steel metal stampings are precisely measured in a fully automatic measurement installation. Two optical optoCONTROL micrometers are applied in order to measure roundness, concentricity and diameter.

Sensor technology applied

Compensating for axial extension of milling spindles

When processing materials using milling spindles (mainly motorised spindles), the demands for high precision are continuously increasing. In order to compensate for the axial extension of the spindle caused by thermal heating and centrifugal forces, the eddyNCDT SGS4701 measures the displacement deviation of the spindle.

Sensor technology applied

Bending / smoothness of Aluminum cast covers

After AL covers have been cast and prior to milling of the sealing surface the covers must be manually straightened and sorted into OK/NOK. This operation takes place in a rough environment (casting bay). The measuring technique that was used earlier (probes) are subject to a high degree of wear and had to be replaced in regular intervals. In order to minimise spare parts costs the customers have decided in favor of the noncontacting and non-wearing eddy-current measuring system. What is of special importance for the success of this measuring method is the fact that eddyNCDT eddy-current sensors, due to the possibility of 3-point-linearization, supply reliable measuring values even with complex target geometries.

Sensor technology applied

Non-contact thickness measurement of aluminum

For the prompt detection of incorrect thickness on aluminum strip, patented laser triangulation sensors are employed as a modern alternative solution to isotope measurement systems. To save costs the places on the strip which are outside the permissible thickness tolerance are not provided with a foodstuffs-compatible coating and so the strip can be recycled without problem in production. At the point of measurement the sensors are mounted opposite one another, above and below the passing aluminum strip. Irrespective of the exact height position of the strip, the exact material thickness is obtained by a simple distance signal coupling, F=Ref. - (A + B), of both sensors.

Sensor technology applied

Aluminum rim dimension

Maximum quality is required for the production of aluminum rims so that the necessary smooth running is achieved in the subsequent use. In contrast to tactile methods, laser scanners from the Micro Epsilon scanCONTROL series are used for this. These sensors inspect the rims for all geometric defects in an integrated tester. Therefore, a 100% in-line quality control is achieved.

Sensor technology applied

Aluminum rolling - temperature measurement

Very different temperatures often occur in the various process stages. The corresponding Micro-Epsilon temperature sensors are used depending on the temperature range and application area.

Sensor technology applied

Tempering - temperature measurement

Stresses can occur during induction hardening which can be counteracted by heating up again to the tempering temperature. However, temperatures lower than those used for hardening are involved. The temperatures are measured with pyrometers from Micro-Epsilon.

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 thickness

It is often the case for sheet machining that sheets must be transported individually in machines. Therefore, it is essential that only one sheet gets into the machine. If two sheets are on top of each other, the process will be halted. This task is resolved in a simple way using thickness measurement. If the current measured value is different from the thickness of one sheet, an error is detected. The measurement is independent of the absolute position of the sheet in the measuring gap. Depending on the requirement, laser, optical, capacitive or eddy current sensors can be used for this.

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

Bolts – temperature measurement

Bolts are preheated to 400 °C - 500 °C in order to be pressed easily by the die. Micro-Epsilon pyrometers are used to measure the temperature. Maintenance of the optimum preheating temperature is important in order to ensure a smooth production process and to increase the process speed.

Sensor technology applied

Coil unwinding

Rolled strips in the metal industry are wound on coils for transport. For the later processing when the coils are unwound, it is important to know how much material has already been unrolled. This task is simple to solve by using an optoNCDT ILR optical length sensor. It continuously measures the distance from the surface of the coil to the center. The thickness of the coil reduces due to the unwinding which is measured using the increase in distance from the coil surface to the sensor. Using the coil thickness, the material length can be recalculated using specific algorithms.

Sensor technology applied

Coil diameter

Rolled strips in the metal industry are wound on coils for transport. For the later processing when the coils are unwound, it is important to know how much material has already been unrolled. This task is simple to solve by using an optoNCDT ILR optical length sensor. It continuously measures onto the surface of the coil and thus records the diameter. The diameter of the coil reduces due to the unwinding which is measured using the increase in distance from the coil surface to the sensor. Using the coil thickness, the material length can be recalculated using specific algorithms.

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

Hardening – temperature measurement

In order to manufacture constant high quality products, the temperature of the workpieces must be precisely measured during the hardening. Non-contact infrared sensors from Micro-Epsilon are suitable for hardening processes due to their particular characteristics.

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

Cooling process - temperature measurement

After pressing, the heated metal object is subjected to the cooling process. In order to guarantee a high quality finished product, a controlled cooling rate is necessary. Non-contact thermometers from Micro-Epsilon are particularly suitable for the temperature monitoring.

Sensor technology applied

Thickness measurement using displacement sensors

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.

Sensor technology applied

Measurement of the zinc strip color in the production plant

In the production of high-quality material strips and boards made out of titanium zinc, the surfaces receive specific treatment. Therefore, the coloring of the zinc products is already determined during the production process.

Sensor technology applied

Strip width when trimming metal strips

As different widths are frequently required during the production of metal strips, the strips must be trimmed after the rolling process and both the cutters must be movable electrically. The distance is now measured by difference measurement using laser sensors from Micro-Epsilon so that compliance with the target dimensions no longer has to be checked manually as was the case previously. Two optoNCDT 1700 sensors are used for this.

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

Position monitoring in hardening ovens

In the production of components for large-scale drives in their Dynamowerk Berlin, Siemens relies on measurement technology from Micro-Epsilon. Two optoNCDT ILR 1182 laser distance sensors monitor the correct position of these components on each hardening oven. If the target/actual position deviates, the position of the component is readjusted via roller blocks. This is crucial for quality as the hardening process of the complete component should be homogenous.

Sensor technology applied

Double-sheet detection before pressing

To prevent damage, laser-based optical displacement sensors are employed in front of the inlet for profiled sheets in presses to enable the detection of double sheets. The sensors are mounted opposite one another, above and below the passing sheets. Irrespective of the actual position of the sheets, the material thickness is obtained by simple coupling of the distance signals from both sensors. For adjustment a master sheet for each type of sheet is inserted into the measuring gap and the resulting signal set to zero. The zero value is monitored within a tolerance. The sensors are operated in special protective housings because of the harsh ambient.

Sensor technology applied

Reliable quality control in the rolling mill

One of the profile rolling mills processes profile steel in reversing operation. The rod center is then measured and evaluated using a  optoNCDT 1700-750BL. 

Sensor technology applied

Thickness monitoring in straightening factories

Optical laser displacement sensors are employed in front of the inlet for panels on straightening machines to prevent damage to the machine. The sensors enable the detection of double sheets and an accurate acquisition of upright edges.

Sensor technology applied

Damage prevention during production of locking cylinder

The company Aumat (Germany) develops and produces complex production systems for locking cylinders. In order to prevent any damage occurring, the operator must feed the correct blank into the production programme of the control system. This safety measure requires that a high number of components are detected and identified clearly and reliably in terms of both length and color.

Sensor technology applied

Lubrication gap

Sliding bearings are used for crankshaft bearings in the engine. A specific minimum distance is required so that the bearing operates as wear-free as possible. Miniature eddy current sensors are integrated in the bearing for this. They measure the distance through the bearing half-shell on the crankshaft. It can thus be established whether sufficient oil is lubricating the shaft in the bearing. If the film of oil breaks down, the distance to the shaft must be almost zero. This is because a certain minimum clearance from the bearing to the shaft is required due to the viscosity of the oil.

Sensor technology applied

Cutting edge measurement

Carbide specialist company Ceratizit uses a semi-automatic measuring machine for production control. This device checks cutting plates for dimensional stability. The cutting plates are moved horizontally for each linear axis and pass through the light beam of the optoCONTROL 2500 through-beam sensor. The edge of the cutting plate is measured exactly as a result of this movement.

Sensor technology applied

Weld seam inspection on pipes

A perfect weld seam is essential in a leak tight pipe. scanCONTROL laser scanners are therefore used during spiral welding to align the weld flanks. This results in a much more reliable welding process. The long base distance of 600mm and the protective housing for the sensor are also important here.

Sensor technology applied

Extrusion - temperature measurement

Precise temperature measurement at several places is necessary for extrusion: after preheating the bolt, for the discharge of the profile from the die and for quenching the extruded product. An additional check of the tool temperature is usually carried out in order to obtain optimum production results.

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

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

Roller runout

The runout of the roller is a crucial criterion for rolling processes of metals, plastics or other materials. An imbalance is even dangerous for rollers which have to rotate at high speeds. Therefore, the roundness of the roller must be measured before and also during the application. For all the following processes, a sensor measures the roller directly and establishes the ovality. The non-contact eddy current method is used for rollers made of polished metal. Capacitive or laser triangulation sensors are used for rollers made of other materials.

Sensor technology applied

Roller clearance

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 clearance 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. 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

Flatness measurement in rolling mills

The requirements on the surface quality of rolled sheet metal are continually increasing. This may be steel sheet which is used, for example, for stainless steel fronts in kitchens, or also aluminum sheet used in the automotive field. The surface must be flawless to offer the customer a high quality visual appearance. Consequently, measurement equipment is employed in rolling mills to acquire the so-called flatness of the rolled sheet metal. Flatness is taken to mean the surface evenness of the sheet in the unstressed state.

Sensor technology applied

Metallurgy

Non-contact thickness measurement of aluminum

For the prompt detection of incorrect thickness on aluminum strip, patented laser triangulation sensors are employed as a modern alternative solution to isotope measurement systems. To save costs the places on the strip which are outside the permissible thickness tolerance are not provided with a foodstuffs-compatible coating and so the strip can be recycled without problem in production. At the point of measurement the sensors are mounted opposite one another, above and below the passing aluminum strip. Irrespective of the exact height position of the strip, the exact material thickness is obtained by a simple distance signal coupling, F=Ref. - (A + B), of both sensors.

Sensor technology applied

Aluminum thickness

It is important to know the thickness of the plates for the manufacture of aluminum plates. The non-contact profile measuring system measures the profile of the plates using a capacitive sensor. At the same time, the width of the plate is determined during the measurement. The reversing rolling stand and the following roller stands can be better adjusted using the data obtained. The system is integrated in the existing roller track. Installed directly before the cropping shear where the plate is stationary for the cut, the production process is not impaired.

Sensor technology applied

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

Iron and steel molten mass - temperature measurement

Infrared temperature sensors from Micro-Epsilon measure the temperature of the molten mass in casting plants immediately before filling the moulds. The temperature values are used for monitoring the specified target temperatures.

Sensor technology applied

Liquid Aluminum Level Measurement

To obtain a homogeneous oxide-free aluminum cast, the aluminum level in the open mould must be kept constant to within 1 mm or better. A constant level is achieved by controlled tilting of the furnace. The current level is measured and monitored from above with air-cooled eddy current sensors. A temperature-stable output signal and the high operating temperature of the eddy current sensors are particularly significant in this measurement.

Sensor technology applied

Fluid level measurement of aluminum pig irons

In Aluminum Gießereien wird die Schmelze in Formen gegossen, um daraus kleine Barren, sog. Masseln zu fertigen. Für ein konstantes Gewicht der Masseln ist der Füllstand in den Formen entscheidend. In einer speziellen Messanlage wird die Füllhohe berührungslos erfasst. Der österreichische Anlagenbauer Hertwich Engineering GmbH setzt für diese Aufgabe den Laserscanner scanCONTROL 2700 ein.

Casting - temperature measurement

The measurement and the documentation of the production parameters in foundries are playing more and more important roles for the compliance with the quality requirements. Particular attention must be paid here to the measurement of the temperature in the production process.

Sensor technology applied

Cooling process - temperature measurement

After pressing, the heated metal object is subjected to the cooling process. In order to guarantee a high quality finished product, a controlled cooling rate is necessary. Non-contact thermometers from Micro-Epsilon are particularly suitable for the temperature monitoring.

Sensor technology applied

Thickness measurement using displacement sensors

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.

Sensor technology applied

Position monitoring in hardening ovens

In the production of components for large-scale drives in their Dynamowerk Berlin, Siemens relies on measurement technology from Micro-Epsilon. Two optoNCDT ILR 1182 laser distance sensors monitor the correct position of these components on each hardening oven. If the target/actual position deviates, the position of the component is readjusted via roller blocks. This is crucial for quality as the hardening process of the complete component should be homogenous.

Sensor technology applied

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

Reliable quality control in the rolling mill

One of the profile rolling mills processes profile steel in reversing operation. The rod center is then measured and evaluated using a  optoNCDT 1700-750BL. 

Sensor technology applied

Displacement measurement on slag transporter

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.

Sensor technology applied

Melting furnace – temperature measurement

The non-contact temperature measurement in glass furnaces, melting furnaces and feeders is a more and more frequently used alternative to measurement with thermal elements. Micro-Epsilon provides infrared temperature measurement systems particularly for this area which can operate efficiently even without cooling at an ambient temperature of up to 250 °C.

Sensor technology applied

Steel production and processing - temperature measurement

Infrared thermometers from Micro-Epsilon are used for almost every production stage in the manufacture of steel and aluminum. The precision pyrometers from Micro-Epsilon are used in order to obtain reliable data for efficient process control. Application areas • Casting • Preheating • Warm and cold rolling • Forging, annealing, hardening.

Sensor technology applied

Tunnel kiln - temperature measurement

The use of precision pyrometers is indispensable for optimum furnace regulation in order to measure the exact internal temperature. The Micro-Epsilon temperature sensors have successfully proven themselves for the stationary measurement on the furnace.

Sensor technology applied

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