| The latest version of the Scancontrol laser measurement system from sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon, the 2810, builds on the success of a previous model used by Continental to inspect tyres in less than a second each.
The new non-contact laser line profile measurement system enables the detection of irregularities such as glue or weld seams and for all grooves, channels and edges to be examined in high speed, high accuracy 2D/3D. The system can measure up to 256,000 points per second up to 4kHz. Depending on the resolution and size of the measurement range, up to 4,000 profiles per second can be attained.
The 2810 needs no special software programming skills to change measurement parameters or get the system up and running. VW and Audi are using the system to check the height, width and integrity of glue beads.
The system comprises a sensor and integrated controller that calculates the dimensions of the bead or groove being measured or inspected and can apply in two modes: a stationary mode with the sensor fixed, looking at moving targets, or a scanning mode, where the sensor works with a motion control device or robot.
The system works by projecting a laser line on to the surface of the object being measured; the light scattered back from the laser line is registered on a CMOS matrix by an optical system. Along with distance information (z-axis), the controller also calculates the true position along the laser line (x-axis) from the camera image and outputs both values in the sensor’s 2D coordinate system.
The sensor uses an array with a real time, high speed electronic shutter, which captures the entire profile and processes the information. The controller evaluates the measurement data and provides control signals via analogue or digital outputs.
Parameters such as area, height and width of beads can be configured using software included in the sensor package. This can be connected to a laptop or PC that can also set triggers and alarms for when limits or tolerances are exceeded.
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