German automation firm R&W Industrieautomation has developed a laser-based system for measuring the height of concrete blocks during production.
The automatic, in-process inspection system uses Micro-Epsilon's optoNCDT 1700-500 laser displacement sensors.
In operation, the system is placed as close as possible behind the concrete block making machine, above the transport conveyor for baseboards.
Concrete blocks, running below the device, are scanned and measured to an accuracy of +/- 0.5mm.
The laser sensor was customised for R&W in a double width enclosure. R&W then integrated a micro-controller with an Ethernet interface into the sensor, as well as digital I/Os.
Its automated measurement system enables sophisticated evaluation of sensor data and communication with master control devices, as well as graphical data visualisation via web servers.
In this particular application, the sensor measuring range required was up to 500mm, with resolution down to 30mm. The sensor also had to be robust enough to withstand the harsh, dusty manufacturing environment. Very good suppression of extraneous light was also an important factor in sensor selection.
