High precision sensors in medical technology and pharmaceutical production
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS SMART SENSORS FOR MEDTECH
MICRO-EPSILON
High precision sensors in medical technology and pharmaceutical production
The highest standards of quality and repeatability apply in medical and pharmaceutical technology. This applies to medical equipment and apparatus, as well as in the development and production of pharmaceuticals, where high performance sensors are required in a wide range of measurement tasks, says Glenn Wedgbrow, Business Development Manager at Micro- Epsilon UK.
Medical technology, the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology are sectors in which sensors and measurement technology are increasingly being used to improve quality and efficiency. Micro-Epsilon offers measurement solutions for these industries to solve numerous measurement tasks. Here is a selection of successful projects that help illustrate the range of possible applications.
Recording the diameter of stents Stents play a critical role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. To ensure their functionality, precise adherence to the diameter is crucial. Optical micrometer sensors from Micro- Epsilon perform diameter checks and wire inspections of the stents during and after production, ensuring the highest level of quality assurance. The shadow cast principle even allows transparent materials to be measured accurately.
One-sided thickness measurement of tubes and membranes The thickness of medical technology products can be measured using confocal chromatic sensors. The confocal sensors measure the wall colorCONTROL ACS7000 is one of the most advanced inline colour measuring systems in the world.
thickness of transparent materials such as tubes, membranes and balloons, from just one side and deliver accuracy in the micrometer range. Uniform wall thickness is essential for the durability and function of tubes. The sensors measure the thickness without contact and so ensure consistently high quality during production, as they have no influence on the material.
Sensors for maximum precision and quality
The confocalDT sensor series from Micro-Epsilon defines the standard for maximum precision and dynamics in confocal chromatic measurement technology. Due to a wide range of sensors and interface options, this series is suitable for various measurement applications in medical technology. The confocalDT systems are characterised by their fast measuring rates, which are specially designed for dynamic measurement tasks. Dynamic control of the exposure of the CCD line in the controller continuously adapts to the colour and reflectivity changes of the measuring object, which significantly optimises the measurement accuracy even at high speeds. With sensor sizes starting at a diameter of just 4 mm, the confocalDT systems enable easy integration even in confined installation spaces. The availability of models with a 90 ° angle also reduces the required installation depth, which facilitates installation in complex machine arrangements. The measuring systems offer different aperture angles, whereby models with a large aperture angle or a high numerical aperture enable a particularly small light spot as well as excellent lateral( X-Y) and vertical( Z) resolution. Even the smallest of details can be detected with extreme precision.
Position monitoring
Draw-wire displacement sensors are used for position monitoring, for example, when moving patient couches. Sensors with potentiometer output are used for tasks that require medium accuracy. Draw-wire sensors with absolute or incremental encoders are used for high precision measurements such as those required in computer tomographs.
Draw-wire sensors provide an effective solution for measuring displacement, distance and position with an impressive measuring range of up to 50,000 mm. These sensors are particularly well suited for use in hard-to-reach places, which makes them indispensable in many industrial applications. They enable accurate measurements even under demanding conditions. In addition, they are characterised by simple, quick and flexible installation, which makes them ideal for various applications, including customerspecific configurations.
The compact design of the sensor housing contrasts with its large measuring range, which makes
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