Sensors & Transducers


Con-focal chromatic displacement sensors

March 2009 Sensors & Transducers

Thickness measurement and cavity inspection with optoNCDT 240x series.

The measurement principle

Polychromatic white light is focused onto the target surface by a multilens optical system. The lenses are arranged so that the white light is dispersed into a monochromatic light by controlled chromatic aberration. A specific distance to the target is assigned to each wavelength by a factory calibration. Only the wavelength which is exactly focused on the target is used for the measurement. This light reflected from the target surface is passed through a con-focal aperture onto a spectrometer which detects and processes the spectral changes.

System configuration

The system consists of an LED-based controller a fibre-optic cable and one of the sensor heads of the series 2400/2401, or the world first miniature sensor series – 2402; the fibre-optic cable, which can be of almost any length, connects the two components. This system has no moving parts and is therefore wear free and suitable for use in ATEX/EX environments.

Performance and special features

This unique measuring principle enables displacements and distances to be measured with high precision and extreme spatial resolution. With transparent materials a one-sided thickness measurement can be accomplished along with the distance measurement. Since the emitter and receiver are arranged in one axis, shadowing is avoided. In contrast to conventional triangulation sensors the optoNCDT 2401 system is able to measure in narrow apertures, small gaps and cavities.

The measuring range for these sensors extends from 120 μm to 24 mm with a measuring spot size starting at just 7 μm. The miniaturised version in this range have a sensor diameter of only 4 mm and are ideal for inspecting small cavities and inner wall grooves, or checking the fill level in medical trays.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Inductive IO-Link sensors
Turck Banner Southern Africa Sensors & Transducers
Turck Banner is expanding its sensor range, with inductive measuring sensors with IO-Link and an analogue output for flush and non-flush mounting.

Read more...
Value of PDS grows with data and sensing technology
Sensors & Transducers
Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by proximity detection systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers. Booyco Electronics sees improved PDS solutions being developed, such as the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.

Read more...
Pulp fiction or pulp precision?
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
The density of fruit concentrate has a direct impact on the flavour, texture and overall quality of the final product. The VEGA Minitrac 31, VEGASOURCE 31, and the KV 31 mounting bracket present a failproof solution that effectively addresses the technical complexities associated with high temperature, viscosity and fouling.

Read more...
Telco sensors in the pulp and paper industry
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
The pulp and paper industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. The high level of contamination in these dusty, dirty and grimy environments makes it impossible for most competing sensors to operate and sense reliably and efficiently.

Read more...
Vibration monitoring with IO-Link
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. fm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using only a single device.

Read more...
Duct and plant room air quality (PRAQ) sensors
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Schneider Electric South Africa offers a comprehensive range of SpaceLogic duct and plant room air quality sensors. These cutting-edge sensors are designed to enhance building air quality and energy efficiency by combining multiple sensing capabilities into a single unit.

Read more...
The sensory reaction of the BMS
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Today’s building management systems cannot function properly without sensors. Like our senses, they are an integral part of operations that run silently in the background, almost taken for granted.

Read more...
Leaders in sensor technology
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
Photoelectric eyes have always needed perfect working conditions, but in the workplace there is no such thing. Steam, water, light and dirt interfere with most photoelectric eyes, but never with a Telco sensor.

Read more...
A new era in top-notch measurement technology
Senseca Sensors & Transducers
In the ever-evolving world of sensor technology, a new name has emerged that brings a legacy of excellence, innovation and reliability - Senseca. This newly unified brand represents the merger of five industry-leading companies. All have a reputation for delivering top-tier sensor solutions, and have made significant contributions and set high standards in their respective industries.

Read more...
Playing autoclave roulette
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
Autoclaves ensure the sterility of medical and pharmaceutical products before reaching healthcare providers and their patients. To effectively manage these demanding conditions, VEGA provides reliable solutions, specifically the VEGAFLEX 81 and VEGABAR 83 sensors, which are designed to meet the stringent requirements of autoclave operations.

Read more...