Position Sensors / Detectors / Transducers
Sensor suits precision, position, and opacity measurements.
Press Release Summary:
Non-contact, laser-based, industrial gauging sensor, based on shadow measurement principle, is suitable for non-stationary, rubber, metalworking, aluminum, paper, textiles, and plastics applications. Class II Laser Beam Sensor (LBS) consists of emitter and receiver, and allows up to 3.3 ft distances between them. Measurement range varies from 0.02 to 1 in., accuracy is better than 0.5 percent at 10 kHz, and resolution is less than 0.1 percent of measurement range.
Original Press Release:
Flexible Low Cost Laser Beam Sensor Using Shadow Measurement Principles Ideal For Precision Measurement, Position Detection And Opacity Measurement Introduced By LMI Selcom(R)
DETROIT, Michigan -- A series of non-contact laser-based industrial gauging sensors based on the shadow measurement principle, that feature better linearity, a longer range capability than similar type sensors, a low cost and more flexibility in application has been introduced by LMI Selcom of Detroit, MI.
Available in 15 different standard models and diaphragms, the new Class II and (Class IIIb optional) Laser Beam Sensor (LBS) looks at the shadow it creates and does not rely on surface reflectivity for measurement. This makes the new, economic non-contact sensor especially ideal for high-speed, non-stationary, hard-to-measure type applications in industries such as rubber, metalworking, aluminum, paper, textiles, plastics and others where fast and accurate measurements are required. In some cases, the LBS can also be used for stationary measurement.
Consisting of an emitter and receiver, the LBS sensor allows measurement independent of surface reflectivity or the position of the object in the beam, allows longer range measurement in terms of emitter and receiver position for added flexibility and allows adapting the sensor range to the application by simple adjustment of the diaphragms.
With the LBS, the distance between the emitter and receiver can be as far as 3.3 ft (1 meter) apart without effecting accuracy. According to LMI Selcom, this is up to three times the distance-of other types of non-contact sensors based on the shadow measurement principle.
Measurement range varies from 0.02 in. to 1 in. (0.5 to 25 mm). Depending on the model selected, accuracy is better than 0.5 percent at 10 kHz and resolution less than 0.1 percent of the measurement range. The smallest detectable object is 0.001 in. (0.025 mm). Measurement frequency ranges from 1 to 10 kHz. The sensor can operate at temperatures ranging from 32° to 122° F (0° to 50°C).
Applications for the LBS sensor vary from measurement and control of diameters to width measurement, roller gap measurement, edge guiding of any rolled material such as textile, paper or foil, and detection of tears and ravels on most any object.
Other applications include presence and position detection, opacity measurement in liquids, measurement of oscillation, detection of welding joints and quality control of grinding faces among others.
"The shadow measurement sensor from LMI Selcom is not like many others on the market," noted David Allen, Business Area Manager for the Industrial Sensors Division of LMI Selcom. "Outstanding features such as its lower cost, longer range capability and better accuracy and linearity sets ours apart from the competition."
Allen noted that since the LBS sensor makes measurements from the shadow the target creates, it can be used for measuring objects that are not stationary and move around a lot such as flat rubber, rolled coil, paper, textiles, foils and many other such types of material.
"The applications are limitless," he noted. "The only measurement the LBS cannot make is on slick objects such as glass."
Shadow Measurement Principle Described
The LMI Selcom LBS sensor consists of a separate emitter and receiver up to 3.3 ft (1 m) apart.
A laser beam is projected through the selected diaphragm which shapes the height of the beam from 0.039 x 0.039 in. (1 x 1 mm) to 0.039 x 1.0 in. (1 x 25 mm,) depending on the selection. Passing objects block all or part of the laser beam, creating a shadow. The portion of the beam that reaches the receiver is determined by the size or position of the object, or part of it, in the beam. The amount of light that reaches the receiver is the difference between the amount of light emitted and the cross-sectional surface of the object. Measurement accuracy depends on the dimension of the light beam as determined by diaphragm.
Beam width depends on the sensor selected, with the beam shape controlled by the auxiliary diaphragms. For optimal accuracy, the diaphragms can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the application.
Power required is +/- Volts D. C. Output can be analog or digital. Dimensions of each sensor is 1.57 x 1.57 x 3.9 in. (40 x 40 x 99 mm). Weight is 10 oz. (300 g). Sensors come with a cable length of 8.25 ft. (2.5 m).
According to Allen, besides 15 standard models, four optional models are also available. Models can also be custom designed for a particular application.
LMI Selcom is part of LMI Technologies, Inc., a world leader in 2D and 3D measurement.
LMI Selcom has been in the business of providing industrial control products, displacement sensors and services since its inception in 1970 and has provided solutions for hundreds of different applications in virtually all industries.
The company offers more than 50 non-contact laser-based measurement sensors and solutions for almost any industry that wants to reduce waste, enhance quality and increase yield.
For more information on the new Laser Beam Sensor or more information on other LMI Selcom sensors in North America, contact Laser Measurement International - Industrial Sensors Division at 21666 Melrose Ave., Southfield, MI 48075 or call (248) 359-2409, FAX (248) 355-3283 or E-Mail issales@lmint.com. LMI is on the Internet at www.lmint.com.
Editor contact:
Dick Stark or Kevin Nichols Stark and Assoc., Inc.
801 E. Morehead St., Suite 305, Charlotte, North
Carolina, 28202. Telephone: (704) 332-5004;
FAX: (704) 332-3771 or E-Mail kn@starkpr.com.
Caption
The new series of non-contact laser-based industrial Laser Beam Sensors (LBS) from LMI Selcom of Detroit, MI, based on the shadow measurement principle, is ideal for high-speed, non-stationary, hard-to-measure type applications in industries such as rubber, metalworking, aluminum, paper, textiles, plastics and others where fast and accurate measurements are required. The new, low-cost LMI Selcom LBS features better linearity, a longer range capability than similar type sensors, and more flexibility in application. Available in 15 different standard models and diaphragms, the new Class II and optional Class IIIb LBS looks at the shadow it creates and does not rely on surface reflectivity for measurement. Consisting of an emitter and receiver, which can be as far as 3.3 ft (1 meter) apart without affecting accuracy, the LBS sensor allows measurement independent of surface reflectivity or the position of the object in the beam and allows adapting the sensor range to the application by simple adjustment of the diaphragms. Measurement Range varies from 0.02 to 1 in. (0.5 to 25 mm). Depending on the model selected, accuracy is better than 0.5 percent at 10 kHz and resolution is less than 0.1 percent of the measurement range. The smallest detectable object is 0.001 in. (0.025 mm). Measurement Frequency ranges from 1 to 10 kHz. The sensor can operate at temperatures ranges from 32° F to 122° F (0°C to 50°C). Applications for the LBS sensor vary from measurement and control of diameters to width measurement, roller gap measurement, edge guiding of any rolled material such as textile, paper or foil, and detection of tears and ravels on most any object.
