2D/3D laser profile sensor is smaller and easier to use

The new compact design, integrated controller and easy-to-use configuration software enable users to install the sensor quickly on robot arms, inspection equipment or production lines. It can be used 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.

Once the scanCONTROL 2710 has been configured using the software supplied, the system operates in standalone mode. Using the integrated controller, the sensor can acquire data, calculate profiles and generate measured values for the complete field of measurement at high speed (64,000 points or 100 profiles per second) and at full resolution. Users require no other components to evaluate the measurement data (no PC or special programming software is required) and the unit can be easily reconfigured and adapted for different applications.

Choice of operating modes

Customers can use the system works in two different ways: either in a stationary mode, with the sensor fixed and looking at moving targets, or in a scanning mode, where the sensor works in combination with a motion control device or robot. The sensor uses an innovative CMOS array with a real-time, high-speed electronic shutter (rather than conventional rolling shutters), which captures the entire profile and processes the information instantaneously.

The system is available with measuring ranges from 25mm to 300mm in the Z (vertical) axis and 22mm to 148mm in the X (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. The sensor also provides synchronous triggering for multiple scanCONTROL sensors.

Chris Jones, Managing Director of Micro-Epsilon UK, comments: "The scanCONTROL 2710 offers all the technical features of its predecessor, the 2810, but goes even further in terms of compactness and ease of set-up and configuration. Additionally, the 2710 provides a greater choice of measurement ranges, which enables the sensor to solve a wider range of applications. The scanCONTROL 2710 is a true market leader in terms of its size, performance, low price and ease-of-use."

How it works

Like its predecessor, the scanCONTROL 2710 uses the laser line triangulation measurement principle. The sensor has an integrated, highly sensitive CMOS array that enables measurements to be made on almost any difficult objects, such as shiny or reflective surfaces, independent of the reflection from the target. This means excellent accuracy, resolution (4um) and reliability are achieved, even at high measurement speeds.

A line optical system projects a laser line onto the surface of the object being measured. The back-scattered light from the laser line is registered on a CMOS matrix by a high quality optical system. Along with distance information (Z-axis), the controller calculates the true position along the laser line (X-axis) from the camera image and outputs both values in the sensor's 2D co-ordinate system. A moving target or traversing sensor generates a 3D representation of the object being measured.

For more information about Micro-Epsilon's scanCONTROL 2710 laser profile sensor, please call the sales department on +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email [email protected].