To support the growing demand for 2D/3D laser profile scanners, precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has further developed its scanCONTROL range of sensors together with an intelligent website tool to support sensor/application selection.
The new web-based ‘Application Finder’ intelligent software tool allows users to search for the appropriate laser profile sensor from Micro-Epsilon’s comprehensive scanCONTROL series by considering a number of application-related search criteria. On accessing the Application Finder, users are presented with three main search criteria: by Material, by Measurement or by Industry. Within each of these sections, users can further refine their searches by clicking on a variety of filters.
Search by material
For example, when searching by material, the user can select from a list of materials to be measured such as metal, wood, plastic or rubber. On selecting one of these, the user is then presented with a list of different customer applications for that particular material where scanCONTROL sensors are utilised.
When choosing a particular application from this list, the user is then provided with an overview of the scanCONTROL sensor model that was used in that application, including summary details of the measurement task and supporting photos/images. At this point, links are also provided to more detailed information such as product catalogues and brochures, as well as a “request for quote” option.
A link is also provided at this stage to Micro-Epsilon’s scanCONTROL online product configurator, which enables the user to further refine their product search based on a series of sensor attributes such as ‘measuring speed’ and ‘measuring range’.
Search by measurement or industry
When opting to search by measurement, the user can refine their search by choosing from a number of measurement parameters including profile, 3D scan, gap, width, height/step, groove, edge, surface and position.
When searching by industry, the user can filter by specific industry sectors including metal processing, mechanical engineering, motor vehicles, electrical engineering, consumer goods and transportation.
Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK commented: “Over the past 10 years or so, the scanCONTROL series has expanded considerably and so we wanted to provide our website visitors with tools that would allow them to quickly identify the right scanCONTROL sensors for their applications.
The Application Finder looks at product selection from the customer’s own perspective, giving them the opportunity to search by application criteria, unlike most traditional product-focused websites and configurators.”
Animated Videos
In addition to the Application Finder, Micro-Epsilon has also created a number of animated video clips to support and educate users on the scanCONTROL series. These are proving very popular with users of social media websites such as You Tube. Video topics include tyre surface inspection, glue bead inspection, 2D/3D laser scanner software and other sensor-specific video clips.
Compact, High Speed and Smart
To further support the correct selection of laser profile sensor, Micro-Epsilon’s scanCONTROL series of laser profile sensors is now available in three classes: COMPACT, HIGHSPEED and SMART.
The scanCONTROL COMPACT series is developed for machine build and systems integration applications, where the user needs to output the basic profile data to a software application via Ethernet or FireWire interfaces. Various programming interfaces are provided with the sensor to simplify set up and configuration, as well as integration with customer-specific software applications. The sensor controller is fully integrated in an extremely compact housing, which is ideal if the sensor needs to be installed in a restricted space on a machine or robot arm.
The scanCONTROL HIGHSPEED series is suitable if profiles need to be measured and the data then transferred to another software application very quickly, for example, in fast moving production environments. Here, not only is the speed of profile measurements important for fast-moving targets (e.g. components or materials on a conveyor) but also for 3D surface scans. A variety of programming interfaces is available for ease of integration with the customer’s own application software and profile data can be output via Ethernet or FireWire interface.
The scanCONTROL SMART series processes the measured profile data internally (i.e. without requiring a separate controller) whilst providing users with common parameters for their application (e.g. step height, gap, width, relative position, etc.). By accessing a common library of application parameters, the user is able to configure the sensor once and then allow the sensor to operate in a standalone mode without requiring an additional PC or PLC. Both digital and analogue outputs are available directly from the sensor or via an optional Output Unit.
For more information on the scanCONTROL series of laser profile sensors, please call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on 0151 355 6070 or email [email protected]
About Micro-Epsilon
Micro-Epsilon is a major global manufacturer of sensors, headquartered in Germany. The company’s range of displacement sensors measure everything from to distance, position, vibration, dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact measurement techniques. These techniques include 1D, 2D and even 3D laser-optical sensors and systems, eddy-current, capacitive, LVDT & inductive, potentiometric and draw-wire principles. In addition, Micro Epsilon has developed its own range of non-contact infrared temperature sensors that can measure virtually any target temperature from -40 to +3,300°C. The company also manufactures a comprehensive range of colour recognition sensors.
With more than 45 years’ experience in the industry, Micro-Epsilon isn’t just a sensor manufacturer. The company is highly innovative and understands the importance of providing complete solutions and support services for its customers. The firm is renowned for its expertise in consulting, development and application of industrial sensors to complex, customer-specific solutions for measurement, inspection and automation. The focus is on selling technical advantage to its customers.