In-line thickness measurement system
20/08/2024
Precision sensor supplier Micro-Epsilon has updated the C-frame version of its thicknessGAUGE series of in-line thickness measurement systems for precise thickness measurements of strip materials, plate and sheet. A complete ‘out-of-the-box’ solution for thickness gauging and quality control, the system offers precise measurement from ±0.25 µm and fills the gap that currently exists in the market between basic thickness sensors and high-performance, dedicated in-line thickness measurement systems.
The thicknessGAUGE measurement system from Micro-Epsilon is suitable for both offline and in-line thickness gauging and is available in several versions that use one of three different sensor types: laser triangulation, laser profile or confocal chromatic sensors. The flexibility of technology selection from Micro-Epsilon’s own portfolio of sensors ensures optimum results are achieved based on the surface type, the material to be measured and the performance requirements of each customer. The system also offers different measuring ranges and measuring widths to suit a wide range of applications.
All C-frame systems have been converted to the next-generation high-performance Micro-Epsilon sensors. In addition, new measuring widths up to 600 mm are now available for all C-frame systems and the integrated linear axis now provides an additional 100 mm travel path for each C-frame model.
The thicknessGAUGE C.LL systems use laser triangulation sensors for thickness measurements and are now fitted with optoNCDT 1900LL sensors. These higher performing laser sensors use a laser line rather than a dot, resulting in more stable measurements, and enable larger measuring ranges of 6 mm and 50 mm. The lower cost system is ideal for measuring the thickness of common standard surface types such as plastics, wood and metals, including strip, sheet and plate materials. The linear unit allows thickness measurements to be performed across a strip/plate width of up to 600 mm.
The thicknessGAUGE C.LP C-frame systems use scanCONTROL 3002-25 laser profile scanners as standard. These operate using a red laser light rather than blue (blue is still available as an option) and offer a larger measuring range of 15 mm with almost unchanged performance.
The thicknessGAUGE.confocal sensor systems use confocal chromatic displacement sensors and a controller for thickness measurements. The new C-frame versions use the IFC2466 controller and, in addition, the IFS2404-2 sensor is replaced with the IFS2406-2.5 sensor. The new sensors and controllers enable a slightly larger measuring range, faster measurements and higher intensity. A larger light spot better compensates for difficult, rough surfaces.
Due to an integrated linear electromechanical drive, C-frame thicknessGAUGE systems can be positioned on a fixed track or can perform traversing measurements. The system is equipped with an automatic calibration unit, consisting of a certified gauge block that is measured periodically as part of the traversing process. The use of a gauge block as part of the system ensures optimum accuracy is maintained and accounts for the effects of fluctuating temperatures and changes in the distance of the measurement gap. The required supply voltage of 24 V is normally available in every industrial plant, which simplifies integration.
All thicknessGAUGE systems are supplied with a multi-touch panel industrial PC that is pre-installed with the thicknessCONTROL software package from Micro-Epsilon. This is the same software used in the high-end measurement systems and provides convenient touch gesture control similar to that of modern smartphones. Full statistical process control (SPC) data of the measurements is available and an automated verification of the capability of the system can be completed by the customer.
Micro-Epsilon
www.micro-epsilon.co.uk
