Confocal displacement sensors inspect stainless steel tubing

Micro-Epsilon's optoNCDT IFS 2400-20 confocal displacement sensors are being used to measure, with great accuracy, the diameter of round and oval stainless steel pipe destined for use as catalytic converters on passenger cars.

The optoNCDT IFS 2400-20 confocal sensor is being used because of its wide aperture, large stand-off distance and its ability to measure reliably on a variety of different surfaces. Series 2400 confocal sensors are designed for distance and one-sided thickness measurement; their compact design, large tilt angle and large stand-off distance enable them to be used in many different applications.

Measuring distances on shiny and transparent objects or multi-layers, and for one-sided thickness measurement, this sensor is highly suitable for precision measurement against diffuse or specular materials such as films, liquids, glasses, metals and polymers. The sensors can also offer extremely high spatial resolution for microscopic surface profiling. ATEX- and Ex-approved versions are also available for use in hazardous areas.

Critical dimensions

In the manufacture of catalytic converters for cars, the diameter, minimum circumscribed circle and maximum inscribed circle must be determined accurately. The sleeve of the catalyst consists of either a gloss, matt or painted stainless steel tube, which can be circular or oval in shape. Measurements must be extremely precise in order to permit later use in a catalytic converter.

Measurement and inspection services company QS-Grimm GmbH uses Micro-Epsilon's optoNCDT 2400 confocal sensor to measure round tubes. Once the operator has positioned the component on a measuring table and centred it, the measurements are started with a simple click of the mouse to initiate the evaluation software. The tube is rotated through 360 degrees, measured at three positions and evaluated.

The outer diameter, the minimum circumscribed circle and the maximum inscribed circle of the pipes are determined by the evaluation software. The sensor moves in a horizontal direction, depending on the size of the catalytic converter. As well as determining the diameter, a tactile measurement of the length is also carried out.

Follow the link for more information about optoNCDT 2400 confocal displacement sensors. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email [email protected].