New Measurement Blog

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Laser Triangulation up to a distance of 2m

The optoNCDT 1710-1000 sensor has a measuring range that starts from a distance of one metre from the sensor, so displacement can be measured at a distance of 2m from the sensor. The sensor comes with an integrated controller in a compact 200mm x 83mm x 48mm housing. The diameter of the light spot is constant across the complete beam path. With a measuring rate of 2.5kHz, the sensor is technically superior to existing alternative sensors on the market, providing 100µm resolution without averaging. 4 … 20 mA, 0 … 10V, RS422 or USB outputs are available. The optoNCDT 1710-1000 is used for measurement objects that have a high degree of freedom or movement. Other potential applications are in harsh ambient conditions, where the sensor has to measure onto the object from a safe distance or if the target is in a vacuum. The sensor also performs very well in high target temperatures or when it is not possible to mount the sensor close to the target.  Like all other models in the 1700 series, the optoNCDT 1710-1000 also benefits from a unique RTSC circuit for the real-time compensation of surface influences.

Sensors for wind turbine systems

In its latest brochure, measurement technology specialist Micro-Epsilon is presenting new possibilities for displacement, profile and temperature measurement of wind turbine systems. The brochure provides details on the specific benefits associated with the use of sensors in specific applications and describes the sensor required for this. For example, highlighted are the condition monitoring possibilities that arise from the use of IR temperature sensors. Amongst other things, the thermoMETER CT sensors are used for the temperature measurement of the generator windings or for the rotor gearbox. Noticeable, abnormal temperature developments indicate a technical problem, which can then be rectified before any major repairs are required. Minimising shutdown times is therefore possible. In addition to temperature measurement, examples of displacement and profile measurement for quality assurance purposes during the manufacture of turbine components are also provided.

Sensor applications at wind-turbines

Eddy currents – magnetically controlled

Due to be launched  at the Hanover Trade Show and Sensor + Test, is a new product range from Micro-Epsilon called mainSENSORs (“Magneto-inductive”). The standard MDS-40 M30 industrial version has a 40mm measuring range and an M30 cylindrical stainless steel housing. The OEM alternative, the MDS-40MK, has a miniature square plastic housing and also provides a 40mm measuring range. Other advantages of these sensors are their very compact design relative to the measuring range, as well as extremely attractive price-performance ratios.
Over many years, Micro-Epsilon  has been renowned as a specialist supplier of eddy current displacement sensors. This technology enabled the technological core of the new sensors range to be developed. The new sensors offer a combination of high speed and high resolution measurements. The sensors also benefit from extremely high basic sensitivity and temperature stability. A small permanent magnet on the measurement object is used as the target. The signal output provides 4–20mA or 2–10V DC.
In contrast to the widely used Hall Effect principle, the MDS is based on a unique method patented by Micro-Epsilon. Due to the inhouse capabilities, Micro-Epsilon is able to manufacture the complete sensor in-house as semiconductor manufacturing is not necessary. Therefore, the MDS range of sensors provide an interesting alternative to conventional displacement sensors for OEM applications, both in mechanical and plant engineering, as well as in the automotive industry and white goods.

New Inline Process Imager is a Fraction of the Cost

The new thermoIMAGER TIM is an inline version of the conventional handheld thermal imagers. Included as standard is free software that enables users to both configure all the adjustable parameters of the thermoIMAGER and capture (at 100Hz full frame rate) and store images or video for play back at a later date – an important feature for R&D purposes. The camera is well suited to process control, quality and R&D applications, across a wide range of industries, including plastics, packaging, FMCG, thermoforming, automotive, paper, printing, textiles, food, chemicals & pharmaceuticals, medical engineering and machine building.

The new thermoIMAGER is an inline radiometric thermal imaging device that provides temperature images and profiles of a target area. Included as standard is free software that enables users to both configure all the adjustable parameters of the thermoIMAGER and capture (at 100Hz full frame rate) and store images or an event for play back at a later date – an important feature for R&D purposes.

Rather than a handheld thermal imaging camera, the thermoIMAGER is fixed into position in a production process or R&D laboratory to monitor the temperature profile of target materials or objects. The camera is well suited to process control, quality and R&D applications, across a wide range of industries, including plastics, packaging, FMCG, thermoforming, automotive, paper, printing, textiles, food, chemicals & pharmaceuticals, medical engineering and machine building.

Optimised Metal Strip Inspection

The new system for thickness and profile inspection now provides a much larger measuring gap of 190mm, almost three times larger than its predecessor. In addition, the system can now reliably measure corrugated and vibrating metal strip Rather than using the previous point-type laser sensors, profile sensors are now installed, which measure significantly better on many different strip materials and which greatly increase the monitoring range. The system enables thickness measurements to an accuracy of 0.01mm and is used for process stabilisation, quality assurance and documentation. Due to the use of a special high-tech light barrier, edge detection for warped strips is also possible. This enables robust width measurement with maximum reliability. Individual strips can also be documented over the entire process. By replacing radiometric methods with optical measuring techniques,  the system is completely wear-free and operates free of emissions. The measuring system for thickness and profile inspection can be used for strip up to 4m wide and thicknesses between approx. 1mm and 12mm.

Displacement measurement on wind turbine rotor testers

Accurate test methods are increasingly being relied on for the development of new geometrical shapes and production technologies for wind turbine rotors. Therefore, some test rigs have been developed for load tests on wind turbine rotor blades that  simulate the real loads caused by high winds and storms. Conventional rotors are currently  between 40m and 60m in length and are manufactured in a half shell sandwich design made from glass fibre reinforced plastic.
The Fraunhofer Institute IWES in Bremerhaven has developed a test rig that can be used to test rotor blades up to 70m in length. The tip of the rotor blade can be distorted by up to 10m due to mechanical loads. For this, the rotor blade is mounted horizontally in the test rig. Steel cables are routed to the rotor using guide pulleys and attached to the rotor blade at various positions either directly or via mechanical clamps.
Twelve draw-wire sensors are used on the test rig for measuring the distortion. Two sensors per traction point measure the deflection and torsion of the rotor blade. For this, the sensors are mounted on rails on the ground; the measuring wire is attached to pre-fabricated eyes on the terminals. The simple handling and the robust design of the sensors were ideal for this application. The draw-wire sensors operate with measuring ranges between 3m and 10m. The digital signal output is provided for further simulations.

Low cost displacement sensors with new measurement principle

Micro-Epsilon has developed a completely new displacement measurement principle with its new Magnetic Displacement Sensor (MDS). In contrast to the widely used Hall Effect principle, the MDS is based on a method patented by Micro-Epsilon, which is based on a linear relationship between the position of the magnet and the output signal. As printed coils are used for this measurement principle, the manufacturing method does not depend on semiconductor processes. This makes customer-specific adaptations considerably easier.
The sensors have an extremely high basic sensitivity, which enables a very simple and low cost evaluation circuit. With an eddy current sensor as the technological core, very fast, high resolution versions can be achieved. Compared to Hall Effect sensors, much larger measuring ranges (currently 60mm limit) can be achieved. In addition, significantly smaller magnets are required as the target. This reduces costs and simplifies installation.
A pulse width modulated signal is available as an output signal, which can be easily read by a microcontroller using a time measurement.
The first models were specially developed by Micro-Epsilon for use in the white goods sector, particularly in washing machine production. The principle-specific benefits are particularly well suited to this application. On the one hand, the loading can be measured with very high resolution, while on the other hand, the movement of the tub when spinning can be measured with high dynamics.
Furthermore, the MDS family is suitable for applications in the automotive sector and for all OEM areas where long displacement measuring ranges and high resolution are required.

Capacitive sensors with new technology

The latest range of capacitive sensors from Micro-Epsilon is based on a completely new technology. A special ceramic substrate provides the capaNCDT CSH (Hybrid) sensors with extreme temperature stability. New sensor geometries are also possible which enable the production of a sensor with a height of 4mm. These flat sensors are called capaNCDT CSH-FL. Using two drilled holes on the sensor, the flat sensors can be mounted quickly and easily; as before, the cylindrical sensors can be mounted by clamping The sensors are also available for use in ultra-high vacuums (UHV) and clean rooms where, for example, freedom from contamination of the materials is also important. Due to the integrated cable on the sensor side, there are two significant benefits: installation space is significantly reduced and the risks arising from an additional plug connector, e.g. accidental detachment, are eliminated. The new technology and the modular design of the sensor enable Micro-Epsilon to respond very quickly to customer requirements. The CSH sensors are currently available with measuring ranges between 0.2mm and 1.2mm. Other measuring ranges are being developed. The hybrid sensors therefore supplement the previous range of sensors.

New low cost laser sensors

The new low cost optoNCDT1302 laser sensor from Micro-Epsilon replaces the optoNCDT 1300 in the product range. Compared to its predecessor, this model provides a measuring rate of 750Hz and is available for the first time with an RS422 port in addition to the analogue current / voltage output. The sensor has a trigger and a teach-in input, which enables the user to individually adjust the measuring range. Another special feature of the sensor is the integrated peak evaluation for selection of the first, last or highest peak measurement. Also new is the Threshold Function for adjustment of the threshold setting in three stages. The optoNCDT1302 provides flexibility via a swivelling cable connector so that the direction of the cable output can be selected depending on the individual application. As before, the new series comprises four sensors, which offer measuring ranges between 20mm and 200mm. Together with the integrated controller, the very compact design facilitates rapid mounting and installation in tight spaces. The optoNCDT1302 is suitable for all common measurement tasks. Despite its compact dimensions, the 1302 series provides precise measurement results and is therefore ideal for machine building and system integration.