Compact confocal sensor
20/05/2019
Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has launched a compact confocal chromatic displacement sensor that offers outstanding value for money and high accuracy, enabling its cost-effective use in high-volume original equipment manufacturing, machine building, systems integration and continuous production applications.The confocalDT IFS2404-2 confocal chromatic displacement sensor is designed for high-precision distance, position and thickness measurements. With a diameter of just 12 mm, the sensor can be easily integrated in restricted and confined spaces. Due to its special lens technology, the sensor delivers a high resolution with an extremely small laser spot size (10 µm diameter).
With a compact footprint and small measuring spot size, the confocalDT IFS2404-2 is said to be ideal for high-accuracy distance measurements on reflecting or transparent surfaces, as well as one-sided thickness measurement of transparent film, plates or layers. Along with distance measurements on highly reflective, shiny surfaces, the sensors can also be used for measurement on dark, diffuse materials. Typical applications include displays, smartphones, mirror and glass production and medical devices. The sensors are also suitable for vacuum applications in semiconductor and microelectronics production.
Together with the confocal chromatic controller, confocalDT 242×, the sensor system offers an excellent price-performance ratio, particularly for original equipment manufacturing series production applications. The confocalDT IFS 2404-2 sensor is compatible with all confocal controllers from the Micro-Epsilon range.
With the confocalDT 2421 and 2422 confocal controllers, Micro-Epsilon is setting new performance standards in precision confocal measurement technology. Designed as a single- or dual-channel version, these confocal chromatic measurement systems enable a cost-effective solution for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The system works on a non-contact basis and is therefore wear-free. The active exposure control of the charge-coupled device (CCD) line allows fast, accurate compensation when measuring on different surfaces.
The confocalDT IFS 2404-2 has a measuring range of 2 mm, a resolution of 40 nm and a linearity of ±1 µm for distance and displacement measurements or ±2 µm for thickness measurements. The operating temperature range is from 5°C to 70°C.
Measurement data can be output in real time via the EtherCAT interface. Thickness calibration allows accurate thickness measurement over the entire measuring range of the sensor.
Chris Jones, Managing Director of Micro-Epsilon UK, commented: “Confocal sensors are often selected when laser triangulation or other optical sensors are not accurate or stable enough on the surface being measured. The confocal principle is considered surface-independent, enabling measurements on any type of surface, both diffuse and specular, from dark, diffuse materials to highly reflective, shiny, mirrored or even transparent surfaces. With translucent or transparent materials such as glass, a one-sided thickness measurement can be achieved using a single confocal sensor, along with the distance measurement.”
www.micro-epsilon.co.uk
