Micro-Epsilon product summary: 2D/3D profile sensors (scanners)

In contrast to point laser sensors, a line optical system projects a laser line onto the surface of the object to be measured. The back-scattered light from the laser line is detected by a high-quality optical system. Along with distance information (z-axis), the controller also calculates the true position along the laser line (x-axis) from the camera image and outputs both values in the sensor's two-dimensional coordinate system.

Furthermore, a three-dimensional representation of the object can be generated by moving the object or the sensor in the y-axis.

Follow the link for more information and datasheets relating to Micro-Epsilon's range of 2D/3D laser profile sensors.