MEASUREMENT & MONITORING FAST , STABLE MEASURING
MICRO-EPSILON
Autonetics chooses non-contact optical micrometers and laser triangulation sensors from Micro-Epsilon to measure shaft diameters and splines
Autonetics , a specialist in custom measurement solutions that are used in a wide range of industries , has chosen to use noncontact laser micrometers and non-contact laser triangulation sensors from Micro-Epsilon on its Vertical Gauging Unit ( VGU ), a measuring tool for the precise measurement of shafts and axes .
The VGU is equipped with a tailstock and servo drive , linear drives with rack , and a precision turntable . In addition , four optoCONTROL 2600 laser micrometers and an optoNCDT 2300 laser triangulation distance sensor from Micro-Epsilon are integrated into the VGU . All components together measure axial lengths , diameters , concentricity and splines , achieving cycle times and accuracies that cannot be achieved using manual measurement techniques . Not only do the sensors enable fast , non-contact measurement of shafts and splines , they also ensure stable measurements to sub-micrometer accuracy , even on metal surfaces . Comprehensive software enables evaluation of measurement data , recording of key values and data output to a PLC . The measurement data is automatically sent to the CNC controller so that tool adjustments can be made automatically in real time to compensate for tool wear .
MEASURING TRACTOR AXLE SHAFTS
The VGU is used , for example , in an automated machining centre for tractor axle shafts . The shafts are guided into the VGU by a robot and clamped into position . The measuring station moves along the shaft and uses the four integrated optoCONTROL 2600 optical micrometers to determine the diameters . The four micrometers individually have a 40 mm measurement range but are arranged in pairs and offset in order to detect a range of shaft diameters from 58 mm up to 178 mm . In addition , the optoNCDT 2300 laser triangulation sensor , in combination with the rotary stage , is used to measure the splines of the shaft .
The optoCONTROL 2600 is an optical measuring system ( sensor unit and controller ) with integrated high resolution CCD camera . The sensor has been developed with solid state ( non-rotating ) optics and so the measurement accuracy does not drift over time . Using a special lens arrangement , an LED light source produces a parallel light curtain ( visible red light ), which is imaged on the CCD camera via a telecentric lens . If an object to be measured is placed in the light curtain , the shadow it creates is detected by the CCD array – even transparent targets can be measured . The measured data is output via analogue and digital interfaces , enabling easy integration for both OEMs and end users . The system is insensitive to high external light conditions , as well as dirt and moisture . The optoCONTROL 2600 has a measuring range of 40mm , resolution of 0.1 µ m and measuring rate of 2.3 kHz .
The optoNCDT 2300 is the high performance model of Micro- Epsilon ’ s laser triangulation sensor range , with an adjustable measuring rate up to 49.14 kHz and a resolution of 0.03 µ m . The entire electronics is integrated in a compact sensor housing . The laser sensor is particularly suitable for high speed applications such as measurements on challenging surfaces , including diffuse reflective surfaces , glass and transparent plastics . The A-RTSC ( Advanced Real Time Surface Compensation ) feature enables more precise real time surface compensation during the measurement process . A range of interfaces are available including analogue , RS422 , Ethernet , EtherCAT , Profinet and Ethernet / IP .
For more information on the optoCONTROL range of optical micrometers or the optoNCDT range of laser triangulation sensors from Micro-Epsilon , please visit www . micro-epsilon . co . uk or call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on + 44 ( 0 ) 151 355 6070 or email mailto : info @ micro-epsilon . co . uk
For further information , please visit www . micro-epsilon . co . uk
98 PECM Issue 60