Sensor Provides High-Speed Sampling

Manufacturing Engineering, Mar 2005

Based on the laser-triangulation principle, Class 3R and Class 3b Selcom SLS 5000 noncontact sensors from LMI Technologies (USA) Inc. (Southfield, MI) employ a sensor totally integrated within the unit's head, and a built-in processor for data averaging and filtering. To allow accurate measurement without regard to speed, ambient light changes, material temperature, or general plant environment, the sensor employs a dynamic laser-feedback loop.

This tolerance for a range of operating conditions reportedly allows the sensor to make nearly error-free measurement, reliably and repeatably, as many as 16,000 times per second within a small, defined spot, and using very little power.

Readily interfaced with most computers and PLC systems, SLS 5000 series sensors have a high data sampling rate of 16 kHz, high-speed resolution from ±0.00006 to ±0.00320'' (±0.0015 to ±0.0810 mm) of the measurement range, a bandwidth response of 2 kHz, and a standoff distance as great as 49.2'' (1250 mm). Measurement range is from 0.24 to 39.4'' (6.0-1000 mm).

The sensors require a power source rated for 18 to 32 Vdc, and provide data in standard 0-20 amp or 4-20 milliamp analog and RS232C or RS-422 digital output. Each sensor is factory-calibrated to provide a linear output, and built to IP-67 (NEMA-4) standards and enclosed in an aluminum housing. The SLS 5000 sensors operate at temperatures from 32 to 120°F (0-50°C). They measure 4.1 × 5.3 × 2.0'' (105 × 135 × 51 mm) and weigh 2.4 Ib (1.1 kg). An air purge adapter and heat protection unit are options. Circle 309