Live working demonstrations of the latest displacement, temperature and 2D/3D surface profile measurement sensors at Mtec 2010

Micro-Epsilon's 6m x 6m stand will be split into three main areas: optical sensor systems for 1D, 2D and 3D measurement; non-contact displacement measurement sensors; and non-contact temperature measurement systems – which together provide a unique portfolio of sensor technologies. In the optical sensors area, visitors can see live working demonstrations of Micro-Epsilon's new 2D/3D laser triangulation sensors, the scanCONTROL 2700 and 2800 series. The latest scanCONTROL 2710, for example, is a 2D/3D laser profile sensor that is not only more compact than its predecessor, the 2810, but also offers new set up and configuration software. The sensor is ideal for industrial automation, robotics and machine building applications, where space is often restricted. The sensor does not require a separate controller and so can be quickly mounted onto robot arms, inspection equipment and production lines. The sensor can be set up to measure the profile of adhesive beads, weld seams, channels, grooves, gaps, angles and steps, as well as for parts recognition, traceability and robot guidance/positioning. Measuring ranges are from 25mm to 300mm in the vertical axis and 22mm to 148mm in the horizontal axis. A small output module for DIN rail mounting is also available to convert the sensor output data into common fieldbus systems, including CANbus, Profibus DP, Ethercat and IEEE. Measurement results can be output using digital or analogue modules for further processing and evaluation. Micro-Epsilon's stand will also showcase a brand new non-contact metrology system that offers portable surface profiling, imaging and thickness measurements down to nanometre resolutions. The Hornet3D machine, developed by Rhombus VS Ltd, Hornet3D is a flexible, modular system that can be customised for specific surface profiling applications. The machine utilises high precision optoNCDT 2401 confocal displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon. In the non-contact displacement measurement area, Micro-Epsilon will be demonstrating the latest eddy current and capacitive displacement measurement sensors. The new capaNCDT 6500 series, for example, is a non-contact multi-channel capacitive measurement system that offers sub-nanometre resolution and unmatched temperature stability. The system enables rapid changeover of sensors without any re-calibration required and is available as a benchtop or 19-inch rack-mounted unit. One difficulty with very high resolution measurements is the transmission of data via analogue output channels to the user's own acquisition system. Often, signal noise due to cable interconnects and earthing loops results in reduced system performance, since these are seen on the output signal as noise. By converting the analogue signal to a digital Ethernet output internally in the capaNCDT 6500 controller, this problem is eliminated and can then be transmitted anywhere in the world to another IP address. Due to its extreme resolution and flexibility, the capaNCDT 6500 is ideally suited to high-accuracy R&D applications, aerospace and defence, test laboratories, quality assurance and semiconductor manufacturing applications. If visitors have a requirement to measure temperature, part of Micro-Epsilon's stand will be devoted to the company's thermoMETER range of non-contact infrared temperature measurement sensors. The range is growing rapidly and now includes a compact, high speed, low cost inline thermal imager; a fibre optic ratio pyrometer for high temperature metals; low cost infrared temperature measurement sensors with integrated controllers for OEMs; infrared temperature measurement solutions for specific industry sectors, including glass, iron and steel; and a range of handheld thermal imaging cameras. More info