May 11 2010
A new sensor system that determines various parameters of the interior walls of the bore holes has been introduced into the market. Commercial development of the bore-hole sensor system has been the culmination of a project conceived by Micro-Epsilon.
The new system called the confocal sensor is a small device that has a diameter of 3.5mm. Bore holes comprising a diameter of 4mm or above can be inspected by using this sensor. The device can be used to determine various characteristics of the bore holes. For instance, it can be used to measure the concentricity, straightness, tapers and diameter of the bore holes.
The confocal sensor
An electric servomotor is used to rotate the sensor and a unique ball bearing device lends rotational stability. A sensor probe with a confocal sensor, a measuring head made of stainless steel and two controllers are incorporated in the sensor.
The device can be used on a variety of surfaces. While using the sensor, the system does not have to use any reference points while measuring the bore holes since the device can easily identify both steps and edges. While taking the measurement for tapered bore holes, the sensor has to be operated at full power or else the light spot in the sensor will get reflected beyond the optical device and will make it difficult to measure the reflection. However, when the sensor is used on ideal surfaces, even diffused reflection can be determined at minimum power.
Bore holes having a depth of 90mm can be measured with the help of the sensor. Users will need to utilize a linear unit to direct the sensor probe inside the bore holes.
Based on the requirement, different types of surfaces can be determined. The sensor can also be used to produce spiral profiles of bore holes. The sensor probe can be replaced easily when different ranges of measurements are needed for a system.
The sensor is suitable for research and development test labs and industrial uses where quality inspection of bore holes is required.
Source: http://www.micro-epsilon.com