Inline thickness measurement gets larger measuring widths

Precision sensor supplier Micro-Epsilon has updated the C-frame version of its thicknessGAUGE series of inline 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 ±0.25µm and fills the gap that currently exists in the market between basic thickness sensors and high performance, dedicated inline thickness measurement systems.

The thicknessGAUGE measurement system from Micro-Epsilon is suitable for both offline and inline 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, 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.

Sensor performance upgrades

The thicknessGAUGE C-frame versions have a new look and enhanced performance. 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. The integrated linear axis now provides an additional 100mm travel path for each C-frame model. The existing thicknessGAUGE C-frame models (C.L-10, C.L-25, C.C-2 and C.L-8) remain available in widths of 200 mm and 400 mm.

For common surface types

The thicknessGAUGE C.L systems use laser triangulation sensors for thickness measurements. Instead of using optoNCDT 1420 sensors, the new C-frame systems are fitted with optoNCDT 1900LL sensors. These higher performing laser sensors use a laser line rather than a dot, resulting in more stable measurements. The product name has now changed from thicknessGAUGE C.L to thicknessGAUGE C.LL. The optoNCDT 1900LL sensors enable larger measuring ranges of 6mm and 50mm. 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 across a strip/plate width of up to 600mm.

For structured materials

The thicknessGAUGE C.LP C-frame systems use laser profile scanners for thickness measurements. The new C-frame versions 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), replacing the scanCONTROL 2900-10BL blue laser profile scanners. The new C-frame systems offer a larger measuring range of 15 mm with almost unchanged performance.

For outstanding accuracy

The thicknessGAUGE.confocal sensor systems use confocal chromatic displacement sensors and a controller for thickness measurements. Instead of using the IFC2422 controller, the new C-frame versions use the IFC2466 controller. 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.

Common features

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 smart phones. Full SPC data of the measurements is available and an automated verification of the system’s capability can be completed by the customer themselves.