New online Application Finder for 2D/3D laser profile scanners

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

Search by material

For example, when searching by material, the user can select from a list of materials to be measured such as metal, wood, plastic or rubber. On selecting one of these, the user is then presented with a list of different customer applications for that particular material where scanCONTROL sensors are utilised. When choosing a particular application from this list, the user is then provided with an overview of the scanCONTROL sensor model that was used in that application, including details of the measurement task and supporting photos/images. At this point, links are also provided to more detailed information such as product catalogues and brochures, as well as a 'request for quote' option.

Search by measurement or industry

When opting to search by measurement, the user can refine the search by choosing from a number of measurement parameters including profile, 3D scan, gap, width, height/step, groove, edge, surface and position.

When searching by industry, the user can filter by specific industry sectors including metal processing, mechanical engineering, motor vehicles, electrical engineering, consumer goods and transportation.

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK, comments: "Over the past 10 years or so, the scanCONTROL series has expanded considerably and so we wanted to provide our website visitors with tools that would allow them to quickly identify the right scanCONTROL sensors for their applications. The Application Finder looks at product selection from the customer's own perspective, giving them the opportunity to search by application criteria, unlike most traditional product-focused websites and configurators."

Animations and videos

In addition to the Application Finder, Micro-Epsilon has created a number of scanCONTROL animations and videos to support and educate users about the scanCONTROL series. These are proving very popular with users of social media websites such as YouTube. Topics include tyre surface inspection, glue bead inspection and 2D/3D laser scanner software, plus there are other sensor-specific video clips.

Compact, High-Speed and Smart

To further support the selection of sensor, Micro-Epsilon's scanCONTROL laser profile sensors are now available in three classes: Compact, High-Speed and Smart.

The scanCONTROL Compact series is developed for machine building and systems integration applications, where the user needs to output the basic profile data to a software application via Ethernet or FireWire. Various programming interfaces are provided with the sensor to simplify set-up and configuration, as well as integration with customer-specific software applications. The sensor controller is fully integrated in an extremely compact housing, which is very helpful if the sensor needs to be installed in a restricted space on a machine or robot arm, for example.

Micro-Epsilon's scanCONTROL High-Speed series is suitable if profiles need to be measured and the data then transferred to another software application very quickly - for example, in fast-moving production environments. Here, not only is the speed of profile measurements important for fast-moving targets (eg components or materials on a conveyor) but also for 3D surface scans. Various programming interfaces are available for ease of integration with the customer's own application software, and profile data can be output via Ethernet or FireWire.

The scanCONTROL Smart series sensors process the measured profile data internally, without requiring a separate controller, while providing users with common parameters for their application (eg step height, gap, width, relative position, etc). By accessing a common library of application parameters, the user is able to configure the sensor once and then the sensor can operate in a standalone mode without requiring an additional PC or PLC. Both digital and analogue outputs are available directly from the sensor or via an optional Output Unit.

Online product configurator

As well as the Application Finder, Micro-Epsilon has also developed a scanCONTROL online product configurator. This enables the user to refine their product search based on a series of sensor attributes such as 'measuring speed' and 'measuring range'. Depending on where the parameter 'sliders' are positioned, the user is presented with a choice of models from the Compact, High-Speed and Smart classes of scanCONTROL 2D/3D laser profile scanner.

Follow the links for more information about the scanCONTROL series of laser profile sensors and to try the Application Finder and product configurator. Alternatively, please call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email [email protected], mentioning MachineBuilding.net.