The innovative optoNCDT 1750 laser triangulation sensor from Micro-Epsilon attains new levels of performance. Advanced sensor technology makes the compact and universal sensor best in its class. Default presets provide ease of use, high precision results and time savings. Therefore, the optoNCDT 1750 laser triangulation sensor is used in automation technology, electronics production, machine building and the automotive industry.
The new optoNCDT 1750 laser sensor from Micro-Epsilon, which is a high performance laser triangulation sensor, sets another milestone laser-optical measuring systems, while offering increased repeatability and linearity in displacement and distance measurements. Furthermore, many new software features are also included. High speed is one of its principle features. Based on a measuring rate of 7.5kHz, this model operates 3x faster than its predecessor. Its improved repeatability by a factor of two is another decisive advantage. Achieving 0.06% FSO means an increase in linearity of 25%. This laser triangulation sensor applies a surface compensation feature patented by Micro-Epsilon, which ensures high accuracy and fast results in changing reflectivity conditions. In addition, another benefit is the peak selection feature that enables measurements on transparent, coated materials and objects behind glass.
The high measurement frequency of the optoNCDT 1750 is required for the analysis of mechanical oscillations. For example, when shunting wagons where the impact of the buffers is to be determined or for measurement tasks of rotating parts, e.g. when determining shaft run out. Optimized lenses have increased the linearity. Together with increased repeatability, the user obtains results with higher stability and precision. This extends the fields of application and even more solutions with high requirements of the measurement technology can now be implemented.
The innovative web interface, which simplifies sensor setup, has a unique feature. User-friendly presets enable the user to easily optimize the sensor for difficult surfaces such as semi-transparent plastics and ceramics, PCB materials or carbon- and glass-fiber reinforced plastics. This is favorable for rapid commissioning and high precision results. Intuitive operation additionally provides the unique web interface with ease of use and the sensor can be easily configured. Integrated help texts accelerate parameter set up. Data output is analog or digital via an RS422 interface. Furthermore, the optoNCDT 1750 provides two switching outputs and one input to control different functions. The optoNCDT 1750 laser triangulation sensor is used in numerous industries such as automation technology, electronics production, machine building and the automotive industry. For users who are already familiar with the optoNCDT 1700 laser sensor, the changeover is very easy. Both are compatible, accessories and appliances can still be used.
Ease of use is a focus of attention. The default presets enable the user to optimize the sensor for various surfaces. In the menu, the user can choose between three presets. The first default preset is used for materials that the laser point cannot penetrate, e.g. for steels and plastics. The next preset is intended for use on materials that the laser is able to penetrate. It is used for ceramics and bright, semi-transparent plastics and paper. The third preset is for changing surfaces, e.g. printed circuit boards where the laser beam penetrates the FR4 printed circuit board material while being strongly reflected by the shiny conducting paths.
Due to the RTSC real-time surface compensation feature, the laser-optical measuring system operates almost regardless of the target material and color. The RTSC system was developed by Micro-Epsilon more than 15 years ago. It reacts to rapidly changing surface characteristics. A typical application example is a barcode, which is a difficult target for a common, optical laser sensor as the quantity of reflected light continually changes. The frequent change between bright and dark also occurs on other surfaces and components where thickness or distance must to be measured. Conventional sensors solve this measurement task using the Micro-Epsilon controller, which however requires more time. The controller has to run through an entire loop in order to be able to restart at the starting point. This process requires four to five cycles until the detected exposure value is considered in the next exposure. The sensor must expose in the first cycle, read out the array in the second, evaluate the measured signal in the third and forward this result to the interface in the fourth cycle. Until the signal is evaluated, the sensor does not know if the exposure was correct. When the sensor recognizes during the evaluation that too much light has interfered with the measurement, the sensor starts to calculate and reduces the value with a delay in the next loop. Consequently, the sensor is readjusted several loops after the current measurement. However, with RTSC the exposure control feature is directly integrated in the array where the light is controlled via an analog circuit during the actual exposure. The filling level of the pixel is measured, and during the current exposure of the image the analog circuit registers if there is sufficient light and if the laser needs to be switched off. The measurement is performed as soon as the exposure starts which leads to the designation Real Time Surface Compensation.
Another unique feature of Micro-Epsilon sensors is their integrated electronics, which is inside the sensor. In most cases, competitors use external controllers. Integral controllers simplify the sensor development as the temperature of the sensor is no longer a critical aspect. Components that warm up, e.g. with controllers, are outsourced and in most cases not installed at the point of measurement. However, disadvantages for the user are the limited cable length and the need to install a second device. It then often becomes crowded. Laser triangulation sensors from Micro-Epsilon accommodate the electronics in the sensor head. This means the user can freely select the cable length of up to 50m in industrial environments without restriction. This is particularly favorable with installation on robots. Here, only minimum space is available. Here, only minimum space is available. Due to the integrated electronics, no supplementary device is required and space can be saved.
The optoNCDT 1750 offers numerous new and enhanced features, which make this laser sensor the best in its class. Among other industry sectors, measurements can also be carried out in the food industry. For example, in meat processing the sensor is used during the slicing of meat and sausages. This ensures that the blister packs always contain the same number of slices. This means the machine must provide extremely high cutting accuracy in order to ensure that there are always five slices that weigh precisely 100g in a single pack.
The sensor measures the required volume and weight of the meat, which is then transported onto a conveyor belt. The sensor is turned and detects the surface of the meat. After this, it is cut. The information about volume and weight enables the exact calculation of the required slice thickness.
Measuring Principle
The laser triangulation principle is based on a simple geometric relation. A laser diode transmits the laser beam onto the measurement object. A lens focuses the reflected rays onto a CCD/CMOS array. The distance to the measurement object is determined by the three-point relationship between the laser diode, the measuring point on the target object, and the projection on the CCD array. The measurement resolution can achieve a fraction of a micrometer. Laser-based optical displacement sensors measure from a large distance to the target using a very small spot which enables measurements on the very small parts. This large measurement distance in turn enables measurements to be taken against difficult target surfaces such as hot metals. The non-contact principle enables wear-free measurements as the sensors are not subject to any physical contact with the target. Furthermore, the laser triangulation principle is ideal for very fast measurements with high accuracy and resolution.
