Micro-Epsilon launched ten innovations over the course of the year. A review of the sensors and instruments we have presented highlights their key features and benefits once again.

The non-contact temperature sensors product range is growing all the time. The latest additions support temperature monitoring during combustion processes. Three models enable measurements to be made directly on flames or through them, on objects within or behind the flame. This is achieved by making use of particular spectral ranges.

Two channels are often sufficient when measuring thickness using capacitive sensors. In such cases, the capaNCDT 6500 C offers a very convenient solution. Two channels are therefore taken into account with a high level of precision. The compact version also offers all the advantages of capacitive displacement measurement.

In the case of car production for the US market, production data of the tires must be checked and stored during the production process. This information is contained in the tire's DOT (Department Of Transportation) code. The scanCONTROL profile sensors are able to read the DOT code, despite a lack of surface contrast.

A new selection model is being used to provide an improved overview and to help classify your own application in terms of laser scanner performance requirements. The question of which scanner is suitable for which application is reflected in the new "Compact", "High Speed" or "Smart" series. In addition, the new "Configuration Tools" set up and configuration software enables evaluation of data on a modular basis.

The boreCONTROL system has again been revised and is now available to customers. With boreCONTROL, for the first time users can inspect drilled holes and cavities down to4.5mm in diameter. The system's sensor probe is inserted into the drilled hole. In addition to checking the diameter, checks can be made for defects, roundness, ovality, conicity, concentricity, straightness and much more.

During production, cutting or grinding discs are subjected to spot checks to ensure dimensional conformance. A new measuring machine can now perform this task by using the optoCONTROL 2500 optical micrometer. The simple, uncomplicated design is a major benefit to the customer.

Measurement technology used in the food industry has to meet special industry standards and regulations. For example, sensitive sensor technology must remain fully operational following high-pressure jet cleaning with aggressive detergents. The new optoNCDT 1402 SC sensor is proving itself in the industry time and time again. The trade brochure on the sensor describes its specific benefits.

On 01/04/2010, Dr. Thomas Wißpeintner took over the management of Sensor Development at Micro-Epsilon in Ortenburg. Thomas replaces the company’s Development Manager of many years, Prof. Dr. Martin Sellen, who has been appointed as Management Assistant. As the previous assistant of Mr. Sellen, Mr. Wißpeintner was able to prepare himself intensively for his new role.

Special applications often require more than a standard sensor. The optoNCDT1700Z-10 laser sensor has therefore been developed. Due to its specific design, the sensor is able to measure the exact distance to the machining plane directly underneath a positioning tool or lens. Using this new sensor, positioning tasks can be undertaken with much higher precision than ever before.

With the new ECT technology, many of the previous limitations of using eddy current sensors or capacitive sensors no longer apply. For example, sensors that have been manufactured according to the new production technology are suitable for extreme thermal and mechanical conditions.

In respooling machines, finished coils are produced in metal strips from individual ring-shaped metal bands. The metal rings are joined together coil by coil so that one continuous coil is produced at the end. optoNCDT ILR laser sensors are used to measure the end of the rings.

The thermoMETER CSmicro miniature sensors are ideally suitable for integration in machines and equipment. The currently smallest infrared sensor is appropriate for almost every application. The controller integrated in the cable also highlights the miniaturization.

The latest sensors in the capaNCDT product range are manufactured using an ECT process. Due to this new process, the capacitive sensors are extremely stable thermally and can be manufactured in new geometrical shapes. The flattest sensor, for example, has an installation height of just 4mm and can be integrated very easily in gaps and grooves.

Due to the growth and development of the Micro-Epsilon System Division, the available surface area at the company headquarters simply became too small. With the move to the new Werk II in Ortenburg, the usable area has now tripled. The intensified globalization and new industrial approaches promise further growth in this area of system solutions for dimensional inspection.Relocation of Micro-Epsilon System Technology

The booming solar wafer industry has increasingly higher production requirements for the manufacture of silicon wafers. Visual inspection was previously depended on. However, this subjective method did not always result in an optimum quality product. The new inspection system from Micro-Epsilon System Technology enables maximum yields to be achieved.

The shaded areas on rolled surfaces known as chatter marks will adversely affect the quality of the optical sensor. Previously, chatter marks could only be measured with great difficulty as they only show amplitude of a few tenths of a micrometer. The new deflectometric RC Sensor system measures chatter marks and enables error-free measurement of surfaces.

The confocal miniature sensors are still unique in terms of displacement measurement. The sensor as a 4mm thick titanium bar can be used in many applications where triangulation sensors or conventional confocal sensors would be too large. A new Product Manager is now supporting this product group of the confocal sensors with immediate effect.

Inductive sensors are often a preferred choice due to their attractive price and the variety of standard sensor models. However, for many applications, an inductive sensor would also be suitable if certain modifications could be made. This is now possible by using custom sensors from Micro-Epsilon, which can be adapted to suit specific applications.

scanCONTROL laser scanners are used to inspect the shape of rotationally symmetrical parts. The laser line measures the contour of the inserted object with micrometre precision. The dimensional accuracy of the pistons is critical in rotary piston pumps, which is why these parts need to be inspected for geometrical conformance using a special measuring device.

Ethernet is now the preferred industrial communications fieldbus. Various sensors from Micro-Epsilon already support this interface, which is increasingly popular in automation applications. As well as real-time capability, full duplex transmission and simple sensor set up and configuration are key attributes of this type of interface.

The thermoMETER CTlaser is a high-end non-contact, industrial temperature measurement solution. Due to the many available spectral ranges (1 – 14 µm), sensors are available for almost all application areas. The systems are distinguished by their high optical resolution (up to 300:1 / measuring spot < 0.5mm) whereby the current spot size is always displayed with the twin beam laser sight.

In combustion engines, it is necessary to automatically check whether the bearing shell has been inserted for the mounting of the bearing caps. For this, the optoCONTROL optical micrometer is used at Volvo in Sweden. A robot lifts the bearing caps into the light band one after the other. The presence of the bearing shell is detected by inspecting the diameter.

Operating temperatures up to 350°C, strong electromagnetic fields, ultra high vacuum, customer-specific designs and extremely high mechanical load capacity – these are the application areas for eddy current sensors that are produced using this revolutionary ECT method. The latest manufacturing technologies are used for this process.

New capacitive sensors will be produced with a hybrid design. The sensors have a completely new design and are available in the popular radial version, as well as a flat version for special applications. As well as offering very high temperature stability, this new range of sensors provide many other benefits.

Focusing on a wide selection of sensors, a new catalog provides a complete overview of the capacitive sensors from Micro-Epsilon. The catalog highlights the specific benefits of the sensors and controllers and shows advantages of this particular product family. The catalog also includes technical basics.

A universal measuring machine is used for contour measurement and 3D parts recognition and digitalization of different objects. The machine developed by the company Schmidtke electronic is equipped with different sensors depending on the object to be measured. For example, plug connectors, electrodes or wafers are measured.

The new mainSENSOR product family operates according to the magneto-inductive measuring principle. This patented measuring principle offers extreme sensitivity and so is suitable for highly dynamic measurements. The sensor measures up to 60mm using a small magnet on the target object.

The well-known system for measuring the thickness and width of metal strip has been completely redesigned and improved. Measurements are now possible in a very large measuring gap of 190mm with linearity of 10µm. This and many other innovations make the system the most advanced metal strip inspection system from Micro-Epsilon.

The new “optoNCDT Application Guide" brochure provides an overview of potential applications for laser sensors. Divided into various sectors, the brochure illustrates many previously installed applications and explains in detail how the sensors operate and their technical advantages.

The optoNCDT 1710-1000 is a new addition to the company’s already extensive laser sensor product range. The sensor provides a measuring range of 1,000mm at a distance of 1m. The sensor is ideally suited to moving objects, high target temperatures or if the object is in a vacuum. The product range comprises numerous model variants with measuring ranges of between 2mm and 1,000mm.