Blue laser profile sensors for shiny, hot and clear surfaces

The scanCONTROL BL series of blue laser profile sensors offers similar features to Micro-Epsilon's proven scanCONTROL series of laser profile scanners that use red laser technology. All the controls and electronics are integrated in an extremely lightweight, compact sensor design, enabling the scanners to be installed on robot arms or on machines where there may be little space available for mounting. The scanCONTROL BL series offers a range of interfaces and flexible installation options.

Why blue is better

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK comments: "Unlike a red laser, the blue laser operates at a shorter wavelength of 405nm, which is far from the red part of the visible spectrum. This means it is unaffected by the emitted infrared radiation from hot or glowing targets, due to implementing a simple optical filter, which ensures very stable signals. Additionally, when measuring on shiny surfaces or highly polished metals, where red lasers tend to suffer from higher noise, the high-precision optics and shorter wavelength of the scanCONTROL blue laser profile sensor performs extremely well, providing much lower noise levels, typically by a factor of two or more compared to red laser sensors."

Micro-Epsilon scanCONTROL BL series blue laser profile sensors are available with measuring ranges up to 265mm in the z-axis (distance/profile height) and up to 143.5mm in the x-axis (laser line length/profile width). Measurement data is output via Ethernet (UDP, Modbus) or serial interface (RS422, Modbus). In addition, analogue signals or digital switching signals can be output directly to a PLC. Profile frequencies of up to 2000Hz and a measuring rate of up to 2,560,000 points/sec enable the sensors to be used in high-speed applications.

Laser profile scanners from Micro-Epsilon operate on the triangulation principle for two-dimensional profile detection on different target surfaces. By using special lenses, the laser beam is enlarged to form a static laser line that is projected onto the target surface. A high-quality optical system projects the diffusely reflected light from this laser line onto a highly sensitive sensor matrix. In addition to distance information (z-axis), the controller also uses this camera image to calculate the position along the laser line (x-axis). These measured values are then output in a two-dimensional co-ordinate system that is fixed with respect to the sensor. In the case of moving objects or a traversing sensor, it is therefore possible to obtain 3D measurement values.

Easy integration

All scanCONTROL series sensors (blue and red) are equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet interface for transferring profile data, as well as a multi-purpose connector for RS422, Digital In (HTL/TTL), power supply and synchronisation. The sensors support Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), which reduces the need for an additional power cable.

Micro-Epsilon has also released a new LabVIEW driver for its scanCONTROL series sensors. The LabVIEW instrument driver 2.4 (available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions) is a convenient interface between the sensor and LabVIEW test and measurement environments. As well as updating existing modules, further ones have been added that enable faster, easier set-up and configuration of scanCONTROL sensors. In addition, the driver includes several example programs that illustrate the ease of use of these modules.

Chris Jones comments: "A major selling point for the scanCONTROL series is how easy the sensors are to set up and configure for applications. The software program supplied as standard with the scanner enables the user to configure the device to a unique IP address. A Modbus protocol, which is supported via Ethernet and the RS422 interface, also enables direct connection between the sensor and a PLC and other control systems. We also supply a software development kit and comprehensive command library as standard with the sensor. This provides the user with a communications platform that offers maximum flexibility and performance via direct integration with most common programming languages."

All scanCONTROL series sensors are designed with a high-speed external profile trigger input. In this way, the data rate can be optimised and measurements can be triggered at a specific event. This is particularly beneficial when several systems are operating synchronously. Together with its compact design and simple wiring, scanCONTROL sensors are therefore suited to multi-scanner applications.

Product range

As with all scanCONTROL series sensors from Micro-Epsilon, including red laser line scanners, the scanCONTROL BL series is available in three classes: COMPACT, HIGHSPEED and SMART.

COMPACT scanCONTROL 2900/BL sensors are suitable for both static and dynamic measurement tasks. These compact sensors offer a profile frequency of up to 200Hz and act as profile data providers.

HIGHSPEED scanCONTROL 2950/BL sensors offer everything for advanced high-speed and 3D profile applications. A profile frequency of up to 2000Hz can be acquired using these sensors, which also serve as pure profile data providers.

SMART scanCONTROL 2910/BL series offers a 'plug and play' option; the integrated controller makes the sensors suitable for anything from simple to complex measurement tasks. The design of the sensor is identical to the COMPACT and HIGHSPEED classes. SMART scanCONTROL 2910/BL series scanners evaluate recorded profiles and output the measurement values.

Application Finder

A new web-based Application Finder intelligent software tool enables users to search for the appropriate laser profile sensor from Micro-Epsilon's comprehensive scanCONTROL series by considering a number of application-related search criteria. On accessing the Application Finder, users are presented with three main search criteria: Material, Measurement and Industry. Within each of these sections, users can further refine their searches via a variety of filters.

Follow the link for more information about scanCONTROL BL series blue laser profile sensors from Micro-Epsilon.