Micro-Epsilon has introduced the profileGAUGE X.LP-3D, an inline measuring system for the 3D geometry of profiles and semi-finished products. Four scanCONTROL laser scanners view the part from several directions at once and combine their readings into a single 3D data set. The company says that lets geometric deviations show up during production instead of at a later check.
The system covers round stock, square profiles, flat stock, hexagonal profiles and complex free-form geometries. Depending on the task, it automatically evaluates width, height, thickness, angles, radii, depths, gap dimensions and diameters. It also checks form, position and nominal/actual deviations.
Each system is configured for a specific measuring object and application. The standard X.LP-3D-50 version has a 40 mm measuring range. Micro-Epsilon says extended ranges of up to 120 mm are possible, depending on profile size, geometry and the features being inspected.
For quality engineers, calibration is the detail to watch. The X.LP-3D calibrates itself fully automatically in less than two seconds, which Micro-Epsilon says reduces the effect of temperature changes and sensor drift on results. The software also helps set calibration intervals based on ambient conditions in the plant.
The hardware is a measuring frame with the laser scanners built in, plus a control cabinet and a panel IPC running 3DInspect and profileGAUGE software. Micro-Epsilon describes the architecture as compact, which it says lowers integration effort for both new system designs and retrofits on existing lines.
Measured values can pass directly to higher-level systems or the machine control over common industrial interfaces. Micro-Epsilon points to extrusion lines and semi-finished product manufacturing as example applications, where it says the system supports early defect detection and stable process monitoring.
