What is a Laser Scanner?

A laser scanner is a type of non-contacting position sensor. They are used to check surface profile, measure dimensions, sort objects and sense objects in a given area.

How Does A Laser Scanner Work?

Laser scanners are used to scan either an object; to determine shape, size and sometimes material. Or to scan an area; to determine a presence within that area – motion sensors etc.

In both of these types of applications a laser scanner will work in the same way.

Laser scanners operate on the principle of triangulation. Triangulation is used for short range scanners, usually up to 2m, it is used to collect data to a micron level accuracy. It is usually used to scan detailed features.

Within the scanner, radiation of a semiconductor laser is formed in a straight line by a lens. This is then projected onto an object or area depending on the application. The radiation scatters and effectively bounces off of the object or any object within the area and is reflected back into the laser scanner. The reflected radiation is received by the lens and projected onto to a two-dimensional CMOS image sensor, this sensor can then provide an image of the outline of the object/area which can then be processed and used within devices.

Laser Scanner Applications

Laser scanners are used within various environments. Many of the applications our laser scanners are used for are within the manufacturing sector and on production lines. Some of the applications are;

Profile measurement – measuring the thickness of tyres etc

Dimension measurement – determining dimensions of objects

Control – checking manufactured products to ensure they meet the required standards

Recognition of objects – for sorting and checking

Inner Diameter Laser Scanning

Another use for laser scanners is to measure the inner diameter of cylindrical devices. These types of laser scanners are suitable for use in pipes, gun barrels, cavity stators turbodrills and more. They can complete inner surface measuring using one of two principles of operation

• Inner Diameter Measurement using multisensory laser heads
• Inner surface laser scanning using rotating sensors

Our product range for inner diameter measurement includes:

• RF040 series
• RF096 Series

Laser Scanners from Ixthus

We have a range of laser scanners from our supplier Riftek. Our series of Laser scanners includes;

RF627 – series of universal high speed laser scanners

RF627Smart – laser scanners with built-in measurement functions

RF627Weld – laser scanners designed for welding robots

RF627Weld-Smart – laser scanners for welding robots including built in tracking software

RF627AVIKScan – weld seam inspection system

RF629 – ultra fast line of laser scanners  

For more information on laser scanners and applications or to discuss your laser scanner application please contact us.

For more information please contact: Ixthus Instrumentation Email: sales@ixthus.co.uk Tel:+44 (0) 1327  353437 Fax: +44 (0) 1327 353564