3D snapshot measurement sensors for automated, inline measurement

Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has extended its surfaceCONTROL range of high precision 3D snapshot measurement sensors for automated, inline measurement of geometry, shape and surface quality of objects. 

The surfaceCONTROL 3D 3200 is a more affordable version of the surfaceCONTROL 3D 3500, but still offers many similar technical performance benefits, including extremely high resolution and repeatability, as well as a large measuring area.

The surfaceCONTROL 3D 3200 is a 3D snapshot sensor with a compact design and extremely high resolution in the Z-axis (from 1.5µm). With a repeatability up to 0.6µm, the sensor sets a new benchmark in high precision 3D measurement technology. A high data processing speed of up to 2.2 million 3D points per second enables the sensor to increase productivity in the respective application.

With such an attractive price-performance ratio, the surfaceCONTROL 3200 is suitable for an even wider range of applications, including: surface defect detection; flatness inspection of circuit boards; planarity inspection of unpopulated PCB substrates; completeness check of electronic components on fitted PCBs; 3D measurement of high precision mechanical parts; width, tilt angle and position measurement of rivets; detection and evaluation of breaks on clutch discs; 3D text recognition of embossments that cannot be solved using 2D image processing due to lack of contrast; inspection of height and thickness of adhesive beading on smartphone shells; and determination of shape deviation defects on injection moulded parts.

The surfaceCONTROL 3D 3200 is available in two models, each offering a different measuring area and depth of field. Both models are fully integrated industrial sensors that are protected to IP67 with passive cooling (active cooling is available for higher operating temperatures).

The complete surfaceCONTROL series of 3D snapshot sensors from Micro-Epsilon now includes three product ranges: surfaceCONTROL 3D 3500, surfaceCONTROL 3D 3200 and the re-developed surfaceCONTROL 3D 2500.

surfaceCONTROL 3D 2500 is designed for the inspection of diffuse surfaces on larger targets and has measuring fields up to 575 x 435 x 300mm3, with lateral resolution from 0.25mm.

The new control unit provides compatibility with the latest GigE Vision and GenICam standards and is also fully compatible with Micro-Epsilon’s 3D Inspect software tool. The system measures against non-reflective surfaces such as matt, plastic, unpainted and bare metal, making it suitable for automotive press shop and body-in-white inspection.

However, other industries where high-quality surface finish and consistency are important such as aerospace manufacturing will also benefit from the system. 

Application examples include the inspection of injection moulded components such as car fenders, fuel filler caps and sliding roofs, as well as composite parts such as tailgates and spoilers, inspection of dashboards and homogeneity of furniture fronts.

All surfaceCONTROL 3D systems support the very latest GigE Vision and GenICam standards for easy integration into third-party image processing software. A comprehensive software development kit (SDK) is also provided that allows customers to develop their own analysis software. Also included in the scope of supply is Micro-Epsilon’s 3D View software, which offers a convenient user interface for surfaceCONTROL sensors.

The software allows fast commissioning, evaluation of the sensor, set up and optimisation of parameters, and ensures the correct positioning of the measuring object.