Issue 2 | Spr ing 2013

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n st h e M i c r o - E p s i l o n U K m a g a z i n e

InsightInto the Blue: Laser Triangulation Sensors

ApplicationsThermal imager detects small changes in temperature

Company newsChange in management at Micro-Epsilon Headquarters

2 Issue 02

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

A Changing Future

At the beginning of the year, there were

management changes at Micro-Epsilon.

After 35 years, prof. Dr.-Ing Martin Sellen

(development manager) took over leadership

of the Micro Epsilon Group Headquarters from

Karl Wisspeintner. In the interview on page 7,

Martin tells us about his goals and challenges

in his new role as managing director.

One of these challenges is to enter new

growth markets such as non-contact colour

measurement. With a new range of colour

measurement products to offer customers,

Micro-Epsilon is now well positioned to gain

a foothold in this growing market. Please turn

to pages 4 and 5 to learn more about two of

these new colour measurement systems.

A promising future has its roots in a successful

past. In our new product chronicle section on

page 17, you can see how Micro-Epsilon’s

capaNCDT series of capacitive sensors and

controllers have changed over the last 30

years. In each edition of the magazine, we

will show you the historical development of

different product ranges through the years.

Enjoy the read!

Johann Salzberger

Group Sales & Marketing Director

e-paper

Fo r e w o r d

Events 2013

Exhibitions

Date Exhibitions Venue

24 - 25 June 2013 Euro Led Stand 314, ICC Birmingham, UK

25 - 26 September 2013 Sensors & Instrumentation Hall 3, Stand G5, Birmingham NEC, UK

02 - 03 October 2013 Engineering Design Show Hall 1, Stand C35, Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK

12 - 13 November 2013 Aero Engineering (part of Advanced Engineering) Hall 5, Stand E3, Birmingham NEC, UK

Issue 02 3

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n sC o m p a n y n e w s

Briefs

Micro-Epsilon is delighted to welcome three

new starters to its swelling ranks in the UK.

David Airey, who started in December 2012,

is Sales & Applications Engineer covering the

North of England and Scotland. David is re-

sponsible for developing new business, ma-

naging existing accounts and assisting custo-

mers with their sensor applications.

Prior to working for Micro-Epsilon, David spent

12 years working in various technical sales ro-

les primarily in the sensing & detection indus-

try. David began his working life on a 4-year

apprenticeship at UMIST in Manchester, whe-

re he qualified with an HNC in Electrical &

Electronic Engineering.

In 2012, Stephen Waite also joined the Elles-

mere Port team, as an internal sales engineer.

Stephen is the first point of contact in the UK

for both new enquiries and existing customers,

assisting clients with sensor selection, applica-

tion queries and the preparation of quotations.

Stephen also provides a valuable link between

the external sales engineers and the office. He

has a Degree (MEng) in Mechanical Enginee-

ring from Imperial College London.

David Jones, who started in 2011, is Sales

& Applications Engineer covering the South

East of England. This role involves developing

new business, managing existing customer

accounts, providing customers with technical

expertise and guidance on sensor selection

and application management.

Micro-Epsilon has launched a new online tool

for helping you select the most appropriate

infrared temperature sensor for your applica-

tion. With so many product variants within the

thermoMETER range of infrared temperature

sensors, the ‘Product Selector’ tool speeds up

the time it takes you to find the right product

for your needs. The tool is accessible via our

website homepage www.micro-epsilon.co.uk.

Product Selector is an easy-to-use product

configurator that uses just 4 parameters to

identify a suitable sensor solution for common

applications.

First, you specify the material of the object to

be measured from a pre-defined list of options

that includes more than 40 materials such as

glass, ceramics, steel, aluminium, plastics and

rubber. Next, you specify the spot size diame-

ter between 0 and 400mm, followed by the dis-

tance between the sensor and the target object

(0 to 6,750mm). You are then invited to select

the temperature measuring range – anywhere

between -50 °C to +1,800 °C. If you require a

product with laser aiming/marking for accura-

te alignment, or if space restrictions call for a

more compact sensor with integrated control-

ler, you can refine your search accordingly.

Based on the 4 parameters above, you are then

presented with a list of on-screen product op-

tions. From this list, you can select a sensor pro-

duct, view the product datasheet, specify other

application details such as cable lengths and

output options, and then request a quotation.

Please see page 11 for an update on two of

our recent product launches in non-contact in-

frared temperature measurement.

Three new recruits join growing UK sales team

Online Product Configurator helps users find the right sensor

20 years anniversary of Micro-Epsilon Czech Republic

At the end of March, Micro-Epsilon Czech

Republic celebrated its 20th anniversary. 60

employees from the German site congratula-

ted their Czech colleagues at the anniversary

venue in Bechyne, where they were given se-

veral commemorative gifts. After the company

presentation, there was a guided tour of the

city and of the company. The evening ended

with a traditional Bohemian battle reenactment

and traditional live music.

Micro-Epsilon Czech Republich was founded

in 1991 as Micro-Epsilon spol. S.r.o, in order

to increase the production capacity of the fast-

growing company. In 2006, the takeover of

Czech Republich spol s. r. o by Micro-Epsilon

took place. Sensors in medium and large volu-

mes are still produced there.

David began his working life as an apprentice

in the oil & gas industry for five years, before

studying for a Degree (BSc) in Materials Sci-

ence at Brunel University in London.

Prior to joining Micro-Epsilon, David perfor-

med various technical sales roles for compa-

nies involved with engineering software, CFD

(Computational Fluid Dynamics) and virtual

prototyping and simulation software.

4 Issue 02

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

Industrial measurement of colour The new colorCONTROL ACS 7000 enables inline process measurement of colours

Measuring principle

The measuring principle is based on the spec-

tral process: first the object is raked with white

light. The spectrum of the reflected light of the

test is then compared with a white reference.

From this, the colour coordinates in the colour

system CIE-XY for the wavelength of 390 – 780

nm are calculated.

The spectral process is the most precise

measuring process for measuring colours –

the colour resolution amounts to ΔE 0.01 with

a spectral resolution of 5nm.

The observation condition such as the illumi-

nant (A, C, D64, D50, D75, E, F4, F7, F11 and

specific to the user) and normviewer 2° and

10° are adjustable. The system operates con-

tact-free at a distance of 50mm with a measu-

ring angle of 30° / 0°.

Function and usage

There are three controlling modes for color-

CONTROL ACS 7000. In the first one, the di-

stance of the colour ΔE is measured to the

guidance value. For this reason, up to 15

taught reference colours can be saved. In the

second mode, the reflectivity spectrum of the

test are given. In the third mode, the colours

are measured and shown in the required co-

lour area (ZYZ, L*a*b*, L*u*v). Moreover, a

trend analysis of ΔE / ΔL*, Δa*, Δb* can be

seen for the single colour in any period of time

can be shown and observed. In all modes the

measurements can be made at a speed of up

to 2kHz. The application of the system and in-

dication of relevant measuring parameters are

performed using the web browser. The func-

tion for Black-white-balance is integrated as

well. Interfaces for process integration such as

Ethernet / EtherCAT, RS422, USB and digital

I/O are available.

Areas of use

colorCONTROL ACS 7000 measures on- and

offline. The measuring system is suitable for

the inspection of car paints and coatings, the

colour measurement of interiors, forensics,

foils, injection moulding techniques, wood, ve-

neers, textiles, in the printing and media tech-

nologies.

What is CIE-Lab?In 1876 the International Commission on

Illumination (french: Commission inter –

national de I’Éclairge (CIE)) introduced

the so called L*a*b* colour system.

Every appreciable colour in the colour

spectrum is defined by coordinates

{L*, a*, b*}. In usage of the comple-

mentary colour theory, green and red are

counterparts on the a-axis. The b*-axis

are the counter colours blue and yellow.

The L*axis is vertical on that level and

shows the brightness. The coordinates

of the L*a*b*-colour system are based

on the physiological characteristics of

human perception. The standardised

colour space is equidistant and device-

independent.

The right colour is one of the most important quality criteria with visually appealing products. Micro-Epsilon Eltrotec introdu-

ces the colorCONTROL ACS 7000. This new colour measurement system not only recognises the colour and compares it,

but also measures and grades it according to the colour spectrum.

4 Issue 02

Issue 02 5

Multiple-point colour testing system New benchtop multi-point analyser offers faster, easier inspection of LEDs

Industrial measurement of colour The new colorCONTROL ACS 7000 enables inline process measurement of colours

Micro-Epsilon has launched a series of bench-

top multi-point measurement systems that

enable faster, easier inspection of light-emit-

ting diodes (LEDs).

The colorCONTROL MFA series starts with a

basic version that offers five measuring chan-

nels. The colorCONTROL MFA-5 is extremely

compact and can verify the colour, intensity

and colour temperature (in Kelvin) of up to five

LEDs simultaneously. The measuring system

is modular and so can be extended by adding

extra MFA-E modules in batches of five chan-

nels, up to a maximum of 20 modules (i.e. 100

channels).

The MFA is suitable for a wide range of ap-

plications, including LED tests (binning), indi-

cation and displays, front panels, dashboard

sequence tests, self-luminous object inspec-

tion. The MFA series is suitable for all manu-

facturers and developers of LED luminaires,

including architectural and street lighting, and

LED lighting for automotive interiors.

Customer opinion

Crescent Lighting Limited manufactures and

distributes LED and Fibre Optic lighting equip-

ment for the UK and world markets. The com-

pany supplies a range of LED products for

both functional and decorative use, providing

long life and low energy consumption.

Kelvin Thomas, Engineering Manager at Cre-

scent Lighting comments: “Many Lighting

companies use an integrating sphere to test

complete fixtures, which is relatively expensive

and time consuming. Most however, lack the

capacity to test individual LEDs.

“We recently invested in a colorCONTROL

MFA unit from Micro-Epsilon and find the

speed of use, ease of set up and versatility of

the MFA to be key assets. The MFA is not only

inexpensive, it enables also very rapid compa-

rison of individual LEDs. Measurements can

be taken at different stages in the LED product

testing, providing information on how each

LED is reacting to changes in temperature and

drive current. Colour shift and intensity are ra-

pidly measured enabling the designer to make

clear judgement with regards to the design of

a product.”

How the MFA series operates

The MFA series operates using optical fibres.

The distance between the LED under test and

the optical fibre should be 1-2mm, although

for bright LEDs, this distance can be greater.

Light from the target object is transmitted to

the inspection system via a flexible, 2mm dia-

meter, plastic optical fibre and so is evaluated

dynamically using a digital colour sensor for

colour and intensity. The colour value, which is

evaluated within a few milliseconds, is output

as an RGB-, HIS or CIE value and then trans-

mitted via USB, RS232 or Ethernet interface at

a rate of between 9,600 and 115,200 Baud to

a higher level inspection or evaluation system

for further processing.

In order to ensure a wide measurement range

for intensity (illumination), the user can adjust

the sensitivity of the sensor by using two diffe-

rent modes: ‘High Sensitivity’ and ‘Low Sen-

sitivity’. The MFA series enables LED colour

recognition up to ±4nm. The digital colour

sensor enables a colour depth of 12 bit resolu-

tion for each colour, which corresponds to 236:

68.719.476.736 representable colours. The

digital colour sensor therefore reaches an un-

matched repeatability of colour and intensity.

The MFA series can be used as a benchtop

system for inspection of LEDs or as an online

automated test system. The MFA series is also

supplied with set up and configuration soft-

ware as standard.

Special options

Optional features are available for the MFA

series, including different types of optical fibre

such as UV, infrared, wide-angle and plastic

fibres. Other options include optical fibres with

increased vibration protection (VS). For these,

friction between the glass fibres is minimised

by applying a special surface treatment and

impact shocks are reduced by damping.

Glass fibres can also be bonded for high tem-

perature environments. The standard adhesive

is suitable for temperatures up to 80°C. Howe-

ver, by using special adhesives, temperatures

up to 250°C can be achieved. If stainless steel

sheathing is used, temperatures can be incre-

ased even further to 400°C.

6 Issue 02

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

Exports as a proportion of the company’s tur-

nover is already 50%, but this figure, he said,

would definitely grow. “In this regard, we are

aiming to expand our branch network around

the world,” said Sellen. Further goals for Sellen

are the expansion of the number of customers

and sector-specific OEM business, as well as

closer contact with academic and educational

institutions, not simply to attract new emplo-

yees.

Farewell after 35 yearsFarewell after 35 years

In mid-January 2012 changes were made to

the management team at Micro-Epsilon Mess-

technik GmbH & Co. KG based in Ortenburg.

After leading the company for 35 years, Karl

Wisspeintner handed over the reigns to his

successor prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Sellen, who is

now responsible for both production and pro-

duct development.

Martin Sellen, who had been assistant mana-

ger for almost two years, gradually took on

more and more directorial duties. He has also

been responsible for managing product deve-

lopment for the last 16 years at Micro-Epsilon

and has made a significant contribution in

shaping and building the company’s structure

as it is today. In addition to his current role as

head of sales & marketing, the new manage-

ment changes will see Johann Salzberger also

take over as financial director of the company.

At a press conference in central Ortenburg,

Wisspeintner announced that he would be

withdrawing his leadership role at the end of

March 2013. He said that he was particularly

proud that Micro-Epsilon had achieved year-

on-year increases in sales turnover of between

15 and 16 per cent, every year except for a

few exceptions. “We started with a turnover of

400,000 euros, nowadays we have about 47

million euros,” said Wisspeintner. Key to this

success, he said, was “good timing of new

product launches… and we always worked by

the motto: the customer isn’t king, but a part-

ner. This means we‘ve always been indepen-

dent,” Wisspeintner stated. Now, he added,

the focus would be to aim for better integration

of the Holding company, which should deve-

lop into a service society for some members

under his leadership. At the moment, the

Micro-Epsilon Group employs more than 650

people, whereby more than 200 work at Micro-

Epsilon Messtechnik in Ortenburg, Germany.

As one of his main goals, his successor Martin

Sellen highlighted the development and esta-

blishment of new measurement technologies

for specific industry sectors such as semicon-

ductors, aerospace and medical technologies.

The long term strategy of the company, he

said, would not be put at risk in favour of any

short term successes.

A winning team: pictured from left to right Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Sellen, Karl Wisspeintner, Johann Salzberger

C o m p a n y n e w s

Karl Wisspeintner hands over

the leadership of the company

to his successor

»Things are not important, but people are. Karl Wisspeintner »

Issue 02 7

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

How did you start at

Micro-Epsilon?

I started in 1994 as development

manager in the sensor technology

department.

What are your goals

as new MD?

In any case we want to keep our long-

term based working philosophy. The

accumulation of knowledge and the

respect for people. We will never sac-

rifice our long term strategy for short

term success.

Which changes are planned

and why?

We’ve always grown significantly

better than the sector. That’s also

our goal in the future. But during the

economic crisis we have learned that

our sector goal isn’t as large as we

thought. To continue to survive the

crisis we need further sectors that

aren’t that closely connected with tra-

ditional machine building.

What industry sectors do you

mean?”

On the one hand the area of semi-

conductors, whereby we supply the

corresponding company with our

technologies exclusively. On the

other hand, it’s the aerospace sector.

There, we’ve also launched new pro-

ducts. Another sector that we want to

serve is medical device technology.

There are already dedicated sensors

in the series for this, but there is still

a lot of potential for further develop-

ment.

Are there other factors that will

contribute to Micro-Epsilon’s

growth?

Global growth is important because

our direct sales part of the business

outside of Germany is constantly gro-

wing faster than direct sales within

Germany. That’s why we are planning

more branches in Europe, North and

South America and in the Far East

and Asian markets.

5 questions for...

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Sellen

Born 1963 in Merzig/Saarland

Married, son Matthias

- studied electrotechnology

at the University of Saarland

- 1994 head of development

at Micro-Epsilon

- 1995 promotion

- 2012 manager at Micro-Epsilon

- Professorship HDU Deggendorf

at the department for machine building

and mechatronics

- 1983 to 2003

Wing Commander of the reserve

- Hobbies: football (FC Bayern)

and mountaineering

...Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Sellen

What are the goals of the new managing director?

1

2

3

4

5Prof. Dr.-Ing Martin Sellen with trade press journalists during a press conference at Micro-Epsilon’s headquarters in Germany.

“Above-average - that is our goal now and in the future.”Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Sellen

8 Issue 02

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

Laser measurement of sectional doors

Laser profile sensors measure dimensional

accuracy of sectional garage doors

Laser profile scanners from Micro-Epsilon are

being used to measure the dimensional accu-

racy of key and slot joints on sectional garage

doors.

The scanCONTROL 2710 series of 2D/3D la-

ser profile sensors are set up to measure the

key and slot joints – the specified dimensions

of which are absolutely critical in the manufac-

ture of sectional doors for garages, parquet

and laminate flooring. The door sections are

opened and closed frequently and so require

a robust but permanently flexible key and slot

joint. This is important where there are signifi-

cant temperature fluctuations or inaccurate di-

mensions, which could result in the door being

positioned incorrectly making it difficult to lock.

During manufacture, the imprinted metal film is

processed from a roll and formed into the re-

quired shape. The shape and dimensional ac-

curacy of the door panels – particularly around

the key and slot joint areas – must be inspec-

ted in order to detect any deviations from the

specification. Any decoration used on the

door panels must also not affect the film. De-

pending on customer requirements, the door

sections are then cut to the required shape.

The measurement of the key and slot joints is

carried out using Micro-Epsilon’s scanCON-

TROL 2710-50 laser profile scanner. To trans-

A p p l i c a t i o n s

late the measurement data into the format

required by the customer, the output unit of

the laser scanner is used. A datum point, to

which all calculations and measurements are

performed, is defined within the profile. These

results are transmitted to the production line

control room so that any deviations within the

strip process can be compensated for.

The scanCONTROL 2710 series is ideal for

industrial automation tasks, including robotics

and machine building applications, where

space is often restricted. The compact design,

integrated controller and easy-to-use set up

software, enable users to quickly mount the

sensor onto robot arms, inspection equipment

or into their production lines. The sensor can

be used to measure the profile of adhesive

beading, weld seams, channels, grooves,

gaps, angles and steps, as well as for parts

recognition, traceability and robot guidance/

positioning.

The scanCONTROL 2710 is available with

measuring ranges from 25mm to 300mm in

the Z (vertical) axis and 22mm to 148mm in

the x (horizontal) axis. A small output module

for DIN rail mounting is also available to con-

vert the sensor output data into common field-

bus systems, including CANbus, Profibus DP,

Ethercat and IEEE.

Issue 02 9

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

Strain Solutions Ltd, a Chesterfield-based

stress analysis consultancy firm, is using ther-

mal imaging cameras from Micro-Epsilon to

monitor energy flow processes in a wide range

of components and materials. The cameras

have been used on almost a daily basis since

mid-2009 and have proved to be reliable pie-

ces of equipment.

Strain Solutions is using Micro-Epsilon’s ther-

moIMAGER TIM160 inline radiometric thermal

imaging camera to conduct thermal non-

destructive evaluation projects for European

and US clients. This work includes strain and

fatigue performance tests, where the camera

is used to detect very small changes in the

temperature of materials as they are bent, fab-

ricated or work-hardened.

Powered and operated via a USB 2.0 interface,

the thermoIMAGER TIM160 is a low cost inline

radiometric thermal imaging camera that provi-

des temperature images and profiles of a target

area. This plug-and-play unit is supplied with a

full software package, TIM Connect, that enab-

les the user to configure all device parameters,

as well as enabling the real time capture (at

120Hz full frame rate) and storage of images

or video of an event for slow motion play back

or snapshots at a later date – an important

feature in R&D and failure diagnostics work.

Thermal imager measures small temperature changes at Strain Solutions

A p p l i c a t i o n s

Dr Richard John Greene, Managing Director

at Strain Solutions comments: “The thermoI-

MAGER TIM160 is a superb little device with

a high frame rate and unusually high thermal

sensitivity and response rate for a camera of

this price level [less than £3,000]. The came-

ra housing and lens combination is also unu-

sually compact, which has allowed us to use

the system for internal inspection of structural

components.”

Dr Greene initially discovered the thermo-

IMAGER TIM160 at a UK trade exhibition in

2009. “I was looking for a camera which would

enable us to do comparable non-destructive

test work I had already performed with high-

specification, cooled infrared detector sys-

tems but at a price that was affordable. The

technical specification for the TIM160 was

unique, offering remarkable technical specifi-

cation for the price. The two critical factors in

selecting the TIM160 were the camera’s fast

response rate and excellent thermal resolution

per pixel for a micro-bolometer array.”

“The TIM Connect software provided with the

camera is easy to use and surprisingly fully

featured for such a reasonably priced came-

ra. We particularly like the software’s ability to

stream every frame to memory, which allows

the full, uncompressed, raw data to be cap-

tured for post-processing at a later stage. The

Software Developer’s Kit [SDK] also provided

with the camera has enabled us to make a

rapid start in creating our own software appli-

cations to capture and process the raw data

stream from the camera. The sample C++

code is laid out well and comprehensively an-

notated and demonstrates most of the useful

camera functions.”

10 Issue 02

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

Eddy current sensors from Micro-

Epsilon are being used to measure

the displacement of soil samples

on a complex HCTA (Hollow Cy-

lindrical Torsional Apparatus) in the

Department of Civil Engineering at

University of Bristol.

The HCTA is equipped with a com-

plex strain measurement system

that incorporates six Micro-Epsilon

eddyNCDT 3010, high-resolution

non-contact displacement sen-

sors. The test rig experiments are

designed to enable the study of

the pre-failure deformation cha-

racteristics and the large strains

behaviour via continuous tests on

a single soil sample (drained or un-

drained). This allows soil stiffness

to be analysed under different

strain and stress conditions.

Dr Erdin Ibraim, Reader in

Geomechanics at the Department

of Civil Engineering at University of

Bristol commented: “We’ve been

using eddy current displacement

sensors from Micro-Epsilon for

several years. Six eddyNCDT 3010

sensors are installed on our HCTA,

which tests granular soils in multi-

axial loading conditions. The HCTA

is one of only a handful developed

in the world. It incorporates a very

complex measurement system

and so the sensors were selected

for their high resolution, linearity

and long-term stability.”

Six eddyNCDT 3010 sensors are

mounted to the HCTA’s small

strain measurement system. The

sensors have a measuring range

of 2mm and are mounted in three

pairs to measure the axial, cir-

cumferential and radial displace-

ment of the soil samples. Sensor

resolution is 0.1µm and linearity is

±0.25% FSO.

The axial and circumferential dis-

placements are measured in the

central part of the specimen using

two pairs of non-contact sensors

fixed on stainless steel rods. The

corresponding rectangular alumi-

nium plate targets are fixed at dif-

ferent locations on the outer side of

the sample.

The outer radial sample displace-

ments are deduced by the average

of the measurements given by two

non-contact sensors pointing alu-

minium foil targets placed on the

sample’s side of the outer memb-

rane – in direct contact with the soil.

In order to take advantage of the

sensors’ high resolution over a

complete test and up to large

strains, the non-contact transdu-

cers have to be re-located during

a complete test, so that the best

accuracy for strains is maintained

at each investigation point. “The

rotational movement of the drive

shaft, which passes through the

bottom of the cell plate, is trans-

formed by a system of bevel gears

into horizontal, vertical or circumfe-

rential transducer displacements,”

explained Dr Erdin Ibraim.

“In large civil engineering projects

such as foundations for bridges

and buildings, soil displacements

are critical. Advanced numerical

analysis can be used to predict the

displacements of these systems.

However, owing to the complexi-

ty of soil behaviour, realistic pre-

diction of ground deformations is

only possible if the models of soil

stiffness are supported by data

generated by sophisticated soil la-

boratory testing. While the ground

deformations can be related to the

displacement measurements on

the HCTA, the stiffness of the soil

is related to its elasticity but the

region of elasticity for soils is very

small.”

“This means that you need to de-

velop complex test rigs and dis-

placement measurement systems

that utilise high resolution sensors,

which are able to measure very

small displacements down to 0.1

microns typically. We therefore re-

quired non-contact displacement

sensors that could operate at high

resolution and Micro-Epsilon was

able to offer a solution.”

Eddy current sensors measure displacement of soil

samples at University of Bristol

The HCTA at Bristol University’s Department of Civil Engineering

Issue 02 11

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

Infrared temperature sensor is smarter, more compact and attractively priced

Micro-Epsilon has launched a new

non-contact infrared temperature

sensor that utilises a small sensor

head and compact electronics ful-

ly integrated into the sensor cable,

making it ideal for installations whe-

re space is restricted.

The sensor is also attractively pri-

ced, particularly for OEMs and me-

dium to high volume applications.

“The features and functionality of

the sensor are simply unmatched at

this price level,” states Chris Jones,

Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon

UK Ltd.

The thermoMETER CSmicro minia-

ture sensor electronics now includes

an LED for quick health checking

of the system. The integrated LED

can be used for alarm indication,

intelligent sighting support, self-

diagnostic functions or for showing

the current measured temperature

value without the need to look at the

serial or analogue output.

CSmicro is available in four models,

covering a temperature range from

-20 °C to +1030 °C and can with-

stand ambient temperatures up to

120 °C without requiring any coo-

ling. The sensor benefits from ro-

bust, precision manufactured silicon

optics with AR coating. Temperature

resolution is 0.1 °C with optical reso-

lutions of 2:1 and 15:1.

The CSmicro is also available as a

two-wire loop powered version. The

signal is output via a current output

and the temperature range is from

-40 °C to +1030 °C. The high sen-

sitivity version provides a resolution

of 0.025 °C over the range -20 °C to

+150 °C. A short wavelength model

is also available for extremely high

temperatures up to 1,600 °C, which

is ideal for measurements in secon-

dary metal processes.

Micro-Epsilon has extended its ran-

ge of high performance, non-con-

tact temperature sensors to include

a new compact infrared ratio tempe-

rature sensor (ratio pyrometer) that

is ideal for use in high speed, high

temperature environments, inclu-

ding metal processing.

The thermoMETER CtratioM1 two-

colour ratio infrared temperature

sensor measures temperatures

from 700 °C up to 1,800 °C. Due to

its rugged sensor head, the ther-

mometer can operate in ambient

temperatures up to 250 °C without

requiring any cooling.

The sensor is insensitive to dust,

smoke fumes and steam. Using the

ratiometric measuring principle, the

sensor minimises measurement er-

rors caused by laser intensity chan-

ges, low emissivity and partial spot

size coverage. Even in cases where

the infrared radiation beam is wea-

kened to 95% of its original intensity

due to smoke or steam, the ratio

pyrometer still provides faultless,

reliable measurements.

Fibre optics ratio pyrometer for high speed,

high temperature environments

With an optical resolution of 40:1,

a fast response time of 5ms and

a short wavelength range of 0.7 to

1.1µm, the thermoMETER CtratioM1

is ideal for measuring high tempera-

tures on metals and for monitoring

fast-moving, high-speed production

processes. A selectable focus com-

bined with built-in laser aiming ena-

ble accurate measurements from a

spot size of 1.3mm.

The thermoMETER CtratioM1 is

ideal for companies that need to

measure the temperature of me-

tals, metal oxides, ceramic or se-

miconductor materials in harsh,

high temperature environments,

including metal casting, welding,

forming and sintering. The Ctrati-

oM1 is a market leading product

that technically meets and exceeds

the performance of all ratio pyrome-

ters available on the market today,

with the flexibility of multiple output

options and output signal flexibility,

from simple analogue to digital and

fieldbus interfaces.

12 Issue 02

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s I n l i n e S y s t e m s

Plastics processing companies and extruders

of blown plastic films can now source comple-

te, inline precision measurement and inspec-

tion systems from a single UK supplier.

Micro-Epsilon’s Systems Group specialises in

the development, manufacture and installation

of a comprehensive range of non-contact, in-

line and offline measurement and inspection

systems for process monitoring and quality

control applications. These include specific

measurement systems for plastics processing

applications, including systems for measuring

thickness and profile of blown film, extruded

plastic sheet, strip and plates.

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Ep-

silon UK commented: “Many plastics proces-

sing companies prefer to outsource to a third

party specialist in non-contact measure-

ment. Over the past 12 years, Mic-

ro-Epsilon’s Systems Group

has developed a range of

innovative, robust, complete

turnkey measurement sys-

tems that offer distinct

technical advantages

in terms of measure-

ment accuracy, ther-

mal stability and reli-

ability. This is backed

up by installation, servicing, maintenance,

technical support with guaranteed response

times, retrofitting and upgrade services.”

These distinct technical advantages include

fully automatic calibration. The system periodi-

cally re-measures against a known reference.

The system also has integrated measurement

sensors in the framework and mechanical

parts, which measure the thermal expansion

of the system. The software then compensa-

tes accordingly.

Jones continues: “We manufacture the sensor

technology and all other critical parts including

the electronics and software. The mechani-

cal design is also developed in-house, which

enables us to guarantee measurement perfor-

mance and take ownership of the complete

system. All electrical hardware including the

PCs are industrial-grade with solid state me-

mory.”

“As well as offering our comprehensive ran-

ge of inline, non-contact thickness and profi-

le measurement systems for plastics, we are

providing a dedicated service to UK-based

customers, including a 24/7 technical support

hotline and a guaranteed on-site, rapid res-

ponse service. We understand how critical it

is for these companies to minimise production

Inline profile thickness measurement systems for plastics

Issue 02 13

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n sI n l i n e S y s t e m s

downtime and improve their product quality

and so our engineers will be on call to assist

the customer at all times. We can also provide

customers with dial-in communications and

remote diagnostics for measurement systems,

which speed up our response times, enabling

our engineers to quickly rectify any issues that

arise on site,” adds Jones.

Micro-Epsilon’s range of measurement sys-

tems for plastics comprises the following:

Inline thickness profile measurement

Part of Micro-Epsilon’s thicknessCONTROL

family, the FTS 8102 is a C-frame system that

measures the thickness profile of plastic strip

and sheet. C-frame systems are modular in

their design, offering flexibility and high per-

formance. These systems can be installed in

plastic extrusion and calendar lines, providing

reliable, high precision measurement results

that create a basis for controlling the produc-

tion process and product quality.

C-frame systems measure differentially. An

application-specific (confocal, capacitive or

laser triangulation) displacement sensor is

integrated in the upper and lower flanges of

the C-frame. The thickness of the target ma-

terial is derived from the distance between

the two sensors and the resulting signals. By

combining highly efficient signal processing

algorithms and visualisation software, the sys-

tem is able to achieve accuracies to ±1µm.

These systems are therefore suitable for use

in extrusion lines for cast film or deep drawn

film; blown film lines after collapsing; melting

calendar lines; and extrusion lines for plastic

profiles and plates.

The C-frame can be used as a traversing thick-

ness measurement system on linear axes in

order to ensure full width measurements of the

target. The control and analysis software is de-

veloped in-house by Micro-Epsilon specifically

to match the needs of the plastics industry,

providing all the required functions in order to

continuously record and evaluate production

quality. This includes graphical user interfaces

and the ability to store multiple product librari-

es. Also, the software supports and displays

Statistical Process Control (SPC) parameters

and other ‘Process Capability’ analysis and

reporting methods such as Six Sigma ĈPK and

ĈPM. Various fieldbus interfaces are available,

which enable integration to the customer’s

production control systems.

Fully automatic calibration ensures that mea-

surements are not affected by temperature,

enabling the system to be installed as a fixed,

inline measurement system in harsh produc-

tion environments. All sensor technologies

used are non-contact, wear-free and do not

use isotopes or X-rays. The C-frame system

provides long-term measurement reliability at

an affordable price. C-frame systems can be

used to measure strip widths up to 1250mm

and strip thickness from 10µm up to 50mm.

Thickness profile measurement of larger

material widths

For larger material widths up to 4,000mm,

Micro-Epsilon’s FTS 8101 O-frame systems

are able to measure plastic thicknesses from

<100µm up to 10mm at accuracies of ±5µm.

O-frame systems measure differentially and

incorporate many of the same features, func-

tionality and software as C-frame systems. An

application-specific displacement sensor is

mounted on a mechanical carriage in the up-

per and lower flanges of the O-frame, which

detects the upper side of the target material.

This works in combination with an eddy cur-

rent sensor in a housing, which detects the

underside of the opposite target via a measu-

ring roll. The thickness of the target material

is the difference between the two sensor sig-

nals. This provides the advantage of ensuring

a ‘true thickness’ measurement of the product

irrespective of rollers and bearing wear, which

would cause errors in conventional measu-

rement systems. In addition, a sophisticated

thermal compensation algorithm corrects for

changes in the measured thickness, by com-

pensating for thermal expansion of mechani-

cal parts.

Reverse frame systems for blown film

Micro-Epsilon’s thicknessCONTROL BTS

8104 system measures profile thickness of

non-conductive blown film, including film used

for packaging, agricultural applications, was-

te bin liners, carrier bags, freezer bags and

shrink covers.

Designed as reversing systems, the BTS 8104

is based on capacitive measuring technology.

Capacitive sensors are mounted directly be-

hind the calibration cage on the film bubble,

therefore offering very fast, efficient control of

the production process. Adaptive reversing

speed enables measurements to be adjusted

according to each stage of the extrusion pro-

cess.

The BTS 8104.NC system, for example, is

based on a patented pneumatic positioning

control system that utilises non-contact air

bearing technology. These bearings enable

very precise positioning and compensate for

any movement on the film bubble. The system

is ideal for measuring highly adhesive surface

protection films on the bubble very close to the

blow head.

The BTS 8104 system measures film widths

from 255mm up to 3,600mm (double flat) and

film thicknesses from 5µm up to 300µm.

Inline profile thickness measurement systems for plastics

CFK C-frame system

14 Issue 02

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s S c h w e r p u n k t

Precision in seriesMicro-Epsilon produces sensors in volumes up to 100,000 units. Customer-specific solutions offer added value as they are tailored precisely to meet individual customer requirements.

Issue 02 15

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n sB r a n d i n g & S o c i a l M e d i a

Action!To promote the Micro-Epsilon brand by using

video or film clips is a very confident, up to

date format these days – and this was the goal

of the new corporate video, which was produ-

ced recently.

The basic concept of the video was developed

in Spring 2011. The target audience compri-

ses customers and any other interested peo-

ple, job applicants and public visitors. Based

on these goals, the script was then developed,

texts were written, interviews were recorded

and the location for where the film was to be

made were all determined.

One challenge was to devise a central brand

statement. How can the leader in profile and

distance measurement sensor technology, the

know-how and experience of a wide network of

companies and partners, the entire workforce

and the social responsibility in the regions be

visualised? To make this believable, short in-

terviews were conducted with executive mana-

gers at Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik. In order to

develop a suitable script for the interviewees,

a professional spokesman was hired, who has

also made several commercials on TV and ra-

dio in Germany.

To illustrate the technological capabilities of

Micro-Epsilon, as well as the Ortenburg and

Dorfbach sites, video clips were made in Dres-

den, Hemsdorf, Berlin and Bechyne (Czech

Republic).

To give the film more of a personal touch to the

company, it was important to show employees

their working environment. Therefore, many

different faces of the Group can be seen in the

video. On many occasions, the employees wit-

nessed how very time consuming these recor-

dings could be: because every single scene,

which is viewed as just a 3 to 4 second clip

in the movie, often took more than one hour

to record. This is because all aspects had to

Like us on

be recorded in the same lighting conditions,

perspectives and camera movements. Every

scene was recorded several times and when it

was edited, the most suitable one was chosen.

As well as self-produced material, material

from others was used for some parts of the vi-

deo. These included Micro-Epsilon video pro-

jects, customer videos and some sequences

were purchased/bought-in. Cinematic, atmos-

pheric music was also used to enhance and

underscore the video. From many hours of raw

footage, a seven minute-long corporate movie

was finally produced, which is successfully

contributing to improving the image of Micro-

Epsilon and its products.

Contents:

New products

Company news

Vacancies

Production team at work

16 Issue 02

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s P r o d u c t N e w s

New 8mm inductive LVDT probes suit high volume OEM applications

3mm diameter position sensors for miniature hydraulic cylinders

Micro-Epsilon has developed a

new, cost effective inductive LVDT

gauging sensor (probe) that is ide-

al for medium-to-high volume OEM

production environments.

The new induSENSOR DTA-XG8

gauge sensor, which is available in

two basic versions – as a pneumatic

gauge sensor or as a spring loaded

(feather-touch) gauge sensor – is

designed specifically for process

automation, machine tools, auto-

mated assembly and quality con-

trol applications in OEM production

environments, including automotive

and aerospace.

LVDT gauging sensors are primarily

used for measuring workpiece geo-

metry such as length, height, width,

diameter, thickness and depth.

Pneumatic probes, for example, are

ideal for use in automatic gauging

applications or for accessing details

that would be difficult or impossible

to reach using conventional spring

loaded (spring push) probes. Some

materials such as glass or plastic,

for example, require very low tip

forces to prevent deformation of

the component being measured, as

well as contact tip materials that do

not leave marks on the component.

The stainless steel housing of the

DTA-XG8 sensor has a diameter of

just 8mm, which enables the sensor

to be installed in areas where space

is tight or restricted. The standard

sensor is protected to IP54 (without

bellows) but to prevent the ingress

of dust and water between the sen-

sor tip and housing, an IP65 version

with bellows seal is available.

The product family includes measu-

ring ranges of +/-1mm, +/-3mm,

+/-5mm and +/-10mm. Linearity is

0.3% (FSO) of the measuring area.

Operating temperature range is

from -20 °C to +80 °C without bel-

lows and 0 to +80 °C with bellows.

All sensors are supplied with a 3m

axial cable. Both the sensor and the

electronics can be customised for

high volume projects.

Electromagnetic displacement

sen sors from Micro-Epsilon are

used extensively in applications

for automated processes, quality

assurance, test rigs, hydraulics,

pneumatic cylinders, and automo-

tive engineering. The advantages

of these displacement sensors are

well known and highly valued,and

include ruggedness, reliability un-

der harsh conditions, high signal

quality and good temperature sta-

bility. The electromagnetic sensors

of the induSENSOR series are

based on the well-proven inductive

and eddy current principle. They

are both used successfully in single

and high volume OEM applications.

Micro-Epsilon’s EDS series, for ex-

ample, is a range of robust, pres-

sure-resistant position sensors for

hydraulics and pneumatics appli-

cations. The range now includes

an ultra-compact, 3mm diameter

version, which is ideal for miniature

hydraulic cylinders and actuators.

Compared to traditional methods

of measuring displacement and

piston position in hydraulic cylin-

ders and valves (i.e. LVDT’s and

Magnetostrictive sensors), Micro-

Epsilon’s EDS series of sensors

is much more compact in both its

length and diameter. It uses a non-

ferrous aluminium outer sleeve as

its target, which can be easily in-

tegrated into the piston rod. This

enables the sensor body to be a

solid rod rather than a traditional

LVDT style with a hollow sensor

body and plunger, making it easier

for OEMs to assemble and much

more robust and reliable in harsh

environments.

The sensors are manufactured

from a pressure-resistant stainless

steel (up to 450bar) and can with-

stand extreme vibration and shock

levels (up to 300g axial and 100g

radial). The sensor electronics and

signal conditioning are complete-

ly integrated in the sensor flange

using very compact electronics.

This means the hydraulic cylinder

does not have to be increased

in length to accommodate large

electronics or have remote electro-

nics, which can become awkward

to match to the sensor once fitted

into the hydraulic cylinder. Compa-

red to an LVDT with similar mea-

surement range, EDS sensors are

typically 50% shorter.

Issue 02 17

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

capaNCDT then... and nowMicro-Epsilon has been solving difficult profile, distance, position and temperature measurement tasks for more than 45 years. In each edition of the

magazine, we will show you a specific product range and how these products have changed and developed over the years – in this edition, we invite

you to look at the capaNCDT capacitive measurement system.

Capacitive sensors measure profile, distance and position, operating on a non-contact basis. They are temperature stable and can measure to nano-

metre resolution. However, these sensors require a relatively clean environment. capaNCDT sensors are suitable for all conductive measuring objects

e.g. metals or electronic semiconductors. The primary application areas for the capaNCDT are electronics and semiconductors, as well as medical

device technology.

P r o d u c t c h r o n i c l e

1986

1997

2008

2013

In 1986, Micro-Epsilon introduced the capaNCDT capacitive sensor series to the market.

Back then, these sensors were classified as very high precision. At that time the products

were partly manufactured in-house and part bought-in as “private labels”.

Nano-precision: In 2008 capaNCDT 6500

was launched to the market – a capacitive

profile measuring system to nanometre ac-

curacy.

In the 1990’s, the system was enhanced

single-handedly.

2013: The capacitive sensor system capa-

NCDT 6200 is a new design that offers ex-

cellent performance at a very attractive price

level. Its modular design ensures that you

can easily combine up to 4 measurement

channels.

1 8 Issue 02

I n s i g h t

Measuring distance through angles

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

Issue 02 19

S e n s o r S o l u t i o n s

A world first in laser triangulation sensor tech-

nology has arrived with Micro-Epsilon’s Blue

Laser Sensor, which offers advantages for

users who need to measure red-hot glowing

metals and translucent targets.

The optoNCDT 1700BL series of Blue Laser

Sensors operate on the laser triangulation

measuring principle and use blue (violet) laser

technology. The sensors are ideal for measu-

rements on hot, glowing metals, particularly in

hot steel processing applications, as well as

for measuring organic materials such as skin,

foodstuffs, plastics, veneers and wood.

The wavelength of the blue laser offers signifi-

cant technical advantages. With red, glowing

objects, a conventional red laser has a high

signal interference from the object surface,

because it emits the same or very near wave-

lengths of light as the red laser. However, the

blue laser works at a wavelength of 405nm,

which is far from the red part of the visible

spectrum. This means it is easier to filter this

type of emitted light from the object, which en-

sures very stable signals. The blue laser there-

fore measures extremely well on both glowing

metals and ceramics. This is a unique advan-

tage, for example, when it comes to measuring

the wear or deformation of automotive brake

discs under load.

There are also significant benefits when

measuring against translucent objects such as

organic materials, paper, some plastics and

wood veneers. Unlike a red laser, the blue la-

ser light does not penetrate into the measuring

object because it has a lower intensity laser

spot and therefore offers more stable, precise

measurements on targets that conventional

red laser sensors have difficulty measuring.

Micro-Epsilon’s Blue Laser Sensors are equip-

ped with new high-end optical lenses, a new in-

telligent laser control and evaluation algorithms.

The sensors are suitable for red glowing metals

up to 1,600°C, and for silicon up to 1,150°C.

The optoNCDT 1700BL operates using the la-

ser triangulation principle. A laser diode pro-

jects a visible point of light onto the surface

of the target object. The light reflected from

this point is then projected onto a CCD array.

If the target changes position with respect to

the sensor, the movement of the reflected light

is projected on the CCD array and analysed

to output the exact position of the target. The

measurements are processed digitally in the

integral controller. The data is output via ana-

logue (I/U) and digital interface RS422 or USB.

The optoNCDT 1700BL has an integral cont-

roller, which automatically compensates in real

time for surfaces which are difficult to mea-

sure. The sensor’s unique real-time surface

compensation (RTSC) feature and patented

high-speed evaluation algorithms dramatically

reduce signal noise. When customers need to

measure against hot glowing metals, they can

adjust the laser on time of the sensor to give

them the optimum exposure time on the CCD

for that particular surface. This, in turn, provi-

des a higher accuracy measurement due to

lower noise level on the output signal.

Most suppliers can only offer sensors with a

fixed measurement rate, which is selected by

the manufacturer as a ‘best case fits all’. This

means that for most surfaces, the user then

has to rely on averaging the output data to

reduce the noise level or error on the output,

which gives lower accuracy. However, using

Micro-Epsilon’s software algorithms, the mea-

surement rate on the sensor can be slowed

down for difficult surfaces. This means it can

compensate in real time, and the exposu-

re time of the laser light on the CCD can be

optimised for the surface of the object to be

measured, resulting in higher accuracy mea-

surements.

Advantages:

• small measuring spot size

• large distance between the measuring

object and the sensor

• large measuring output range

• almost material independent

Limitations:

• conditional influence of the surface

characteristics on measurement accuracy

• clean environment in the beam path is

necessary

• larger measurement in comparison with

confocal, capacitive and displacement

sensors

• special sensor adjustment for reflective

surfaces is necessary

Erich Winkler

Product manager for optoNCDT at Micro-Epsilon erich.winkler@micro-epsilon.de

Into the Blue

More Precision.

Displacement Distance Position Dimension IR-Temperature Colour

Call to speak to a sensor expert +44 (0) 151 355 6070 or visit www.micro-epsilon.co.uk

SmartMicro-Epsilon has launched a new industrial grade confocal

controller for OEM, machine builders and R&D applications.

With Ethernet interface, encoder input triggers for synchro-

nisation and many programmable features including multi-

peak software calculation integrated into the controller, this

device is truly outstanding.

PerformanceUp to 100 times faster surface compensation than conven-

tional confocal systems, 4 times higher signal resolution

compared to previous controllers. Selectable measurement

frequencies up to 10kHz with integral LED light source and

70KHz with external Xenon source!

One channel true thickness measurement of transparent

surfaces. Stable measurement against mirrored surfaces

and liquids.

UniversalEthernet, EtherCAT, RS422 and analogue output interfaces

enable integration into virtually any measurement/control

system. Robust, all metal sealed enclosure with passive

cooling for more demanding environments.

Features Measurement against virtually any surface

One-sided thickness-measurement of transparent targets

One of the fastest confocal controllers worldwide

Adjustable measuring rate up to 70kHz

Extremely small and constant spot size

Configuration via Web-Interface

70 kHz Confocal Controller with Ethernet interface