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Achieving Precise Displacement Measurement: Key Selection Factors and Differences Between Measuring Sensor Brands

Achieving Precise Displacement Measurement: Key Selection Factors and Differences Between Measuring Sensor Brands

Oct 12,2024

Achieving Precise Displacement Measurement: Key Selection Factors and Differences Between Measuring Sensor Brands

Laser displacement sensors, known for their ultra-high detection frequency and accuracy, have found widespread application in fields such as electronics, metal and steel, food and beverage, automotive manufacturing, precision instruments, semiconductors, rail track inspection, as well as research and education.

Summary of Typical Application Scenarios

◾Automotive Parts Manufacturing: Laser displacement sensors can measure the level differences of various automotive parts and the flatness of components like wheels, ensuring precision and consistency.

◾Electrode Thickness Measurement: In battery manufacturing, laser displacement sensors accurately measure electrode thickness, ensuring battery performance and safety.

◾Vibration Measurement of Disc Rotors: In rotating machinery, sensors are used to monitor the vibration of disc rotors, preventing mechanical failure.

◾Steel Plate Manufacturing: Displacement sensors measure the thickness of steel plates, ensuring product quality meets standards.

◾Semiconductor Production Line: During semiconductor manufacturing, sensors measure wafer surface flatness or detect the presence of wafers, improving production efficiency and product quality.

Key Factors in Choosing a Laser Displacement Sensor

Structure and Material of the Measured Object

Laser displacement sensors require a complete triangulated optical path for measurement. Deep grooves or complex surfaces may block the light path, making measurement impossible. Absorptive materials (e.g., black rubber) absorb most of the light, requiring appropriate adjustment of exposure time to obtain sufficient measurement signals. Reflective or mirror-like surfaces may cause vertical light reflection, which impedes diffuse reflection and affects measurement accuracy. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate with the manufacturer about the characteristics of the measured object and, if necessary, provide samples for trial testing.

Laser Displacement Sensor Parameters:

◾Accuracy (Linearity, Absolute Error): Reflects how much the measured value deviates from the true value, directly determining the measurement's accuracy.

◾Resolution: The smallest displacement change required to alter the sensor's reading, usually less than accuracy. High resolution allows the sensor to capture finer displacement changes.

◾Measurement Speed: Determines whether the sensor can keep up with the object's speed. High measurement speed is critical for fast-paced applications like vibration monitoring.

◾Other Parameters: Including resistance to environmental temperature, vibration, and shock, ensuring the sensor operates stably in harsh environments.

◾Technical Specifications and Price: Higher technical parameters mean higher manufacturing costs and prices. Measurement requirements should align with actual needs to avoid unnecessary costs from over-specifying.

NOTE:
Brand Labeling Standards: Different brands may have varying parameter standards. For example, German brands tend to list conservative or actual parameters, while Japanese brands might display averaged results. Thus, careful comparison and conversion are necessary when selecting a sensor.

Brand Selection

1️⃣ Market Status: The laser displacement sensor market is saturated with numerous brands of varying quality. It is essential to distinguish original products to avoid counterfeit or inferior goods.

2️⃣ Identification Methods: Original products can be identified by checking the URL and its relation to the brand. Brands typically incorporate their name into their website URLs.

3️⃣ Brand Differences: Emerging brands may differ significantly from well-known brands in terms of accuracy, repeatability, lifespan, and temperature drift. However, this does not mean that emerging brand products cannot meet the requirements. Theoretically, the structure of laser displacement sensors is not complex, with the key being manufacturing processes and quality control.

4️⃣ Long-term Benefits and Stability: When selecting a brand, long-term benefits and stability should be considered. The loss caused by production line downtime far exceeds the cost of purchasing laser displacement sensors. Therefore, opting for well-known or reputable brands is a safer choice.
A curated selection of laser displacement sensors from globally recognized manufacturers is presented here. These brands are industry leaders in sensor technology.

Autonics:  BD Series Laser Displacement Sensors

◾BALLUFF: S-BOD Photoelectric distance sensors

◾BANNER: Q4X Series Rugged Laser Distance Sensor, Q5X Series HighPower, Multi-Function Laser Sensor, Q5Z Laser Measurement Sensor, LE Series 1 m Range Laser Displacement Sensor, LM Series Compact Precision Laser Measurement Sensor

◾Hokuyo: PGL-050W3/180W3 Photoelectric Switch Laser Distance Measurement

◾IFM: OMH Series Photoelectric Distance Sensor

◾IPF ELECTRONIC: Laser sensors - Distance measurement

◾KEYENCE: LR-X series Compact Laser Sensor, LR-Z series Self-contained CMOS Laser Sensor, LK-G5000 series Ultra High-Speed/High-Accuracy Laser Displacement Sensor, GV series Digital CMOS Laser Sensor

◾Leuze: Sensors for distance measurement with high precision(optical distance sensors)

◾Panasonic: CMOS Type Micro Laser Distance Sensor HG-C1000L, CMOS type Micro Laser Distance Sensor HG-C

◾PEPPERL+FUCHS: VDM18 Series Distance Sensor

◾wenglor: Laser Distance Sensors Triangulation

Recommended Laser Displacement Sensor

Laser displacement sensors typically use the triangulation method. This measurement method can achieve nanometer-level precision, making it suitable for high-precision, short-distance measurements. In current industrial robot applications, triangulation is one of the commonly used techniques, with linearity reaching up to 1 micron and resolution up to 0.1 microns. Laser displacement sensors are commonly used to detect geometric quantities such as displacement, flatness, thickness, vibration, distance, and diameter of objects. These sensors play a crucial role in industrial manufacturing, precision machining, and quality control.
Sensing Distance
Resolution
Linearity
Output
30 mm (±4)
2 µm
±0.1%f.s. (f.s.=8mm)
NPN / PNP
Analog
RS485
50 mm (±10)
5 µm
±0.1%f.5. (f.s.=20mm)
85 mm (±20)
10 µm
±0.1%f.8.(f.s.=40mm)
120 mm (±60)
30 µm
±0.1%f.s.(f.s.=120mm)
250 mm (±150)
75 µm
±0.3%f.s.(f.s.=300nm)
High-Precision Laser Sensor
Non-contact Laser Displacement Sensor
Sensing Distance
Repeatability
Linearity
Output
30 mm (±5)
10 µm
±0.1%F.S.
Analog / RS485
50 mm (±15)
30 µm
NPN / Analog / RS485
100 mm (±35)
70 µm
200 mm (±80)
200 µm
±0.2%F.S.
400 mm (±200)
400 µm / 800 µm

FAQs About Laser Displacement Sensor

q: Laser Distance Sensors vs Laser Displacement Sensors: What's the Difference?
q: Can laser displacement sensors be used to measure transparent targets?
A: 
Measuring transparent targets with laser displacement sensors presents certain challenges. Generally, when the laser is directed perpendicularly at a transparent object, the reflected light does not reach the receiver, making measurement impossible. However, by adjusting the angle of incidence so that the reflected light can enter the receiver, measurement can be achieved. Additionally, some high-end laser displacement sensors (such as Keyence’s LK-G series) are equipped with the ability to detect both the surface and back reflection of transparent objects, enabling precise measurement of transparent targets.
Q: Can laser displacement sensors measure high-speed moving targets?
A: 
Yes, laser displacement sensors can measure high-speed moving targets. However, it is important to consider the sensor's response time and measurement frequency when measuring high-speed objects to ensure accuracy and stability in the measurements.

Related Laser Displacement Sensor

Disclaimer: The brands and specifications shown on this page are for product comparison and selection purposes only. Our laser displacement sensors are manufactured by DADISICK and are not official products of the listed brands. DADISICK offers replacements compatible with these brands' products. We do not own the rights to any of the mentioned brands. If you need to purchase official brand products, please contact the brand official representative.
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