Applications of Laser Displacement Sensors

　　Laser technology and lasers are among the most significant scientific and technological breakthroughs to emerge in the 1960s. Laser sensors are sensors that use laser technology for measurement, and they offer unique advantages and applications in both production and daily life.

　　Applications of Laser Displacement Sensors

　　(1) Dimensional Measurement: Position identification of tiny components; monitoring the presence or absence of components on conveyor belts; detection of material overlap and coverage; control of robotic arm position (tool center point); component status detection; detection of component positions (through small apertures); liquid level monitoring; thickness measurement; vibration analysis; collision test measurement; automotive-related testing, and more.

　　(2) Thickness Measurement of Metal Foils and Thin Sheets: Laser sensors are used to measure the thickness of metal foils (thin sheets). Detecting variations in thickness can help identify wrinkles, small holes, or overlaps, thereby preventing machine failures.

　　(3) Measurement of the cylinder barrel, simultaneously measuring: angle, length, eccentricity of inner and outer diameters, taper, concentricity, and surface profile.

　　(4) Length Measurement: Place the component to be measured onto the conveyor belt at the designated position. A laser sensor detects the component and simultaneously measures it along with the triggered laser scanner, ultimately obtaining the component’s length.

　　(5) Uniformity Check: Place several laser sensors along a single line in the direction of the workpiece’s motion to be measured. The measurement values can be directly output via a single sensor, or alternatively, they can be calculated using software and the results read out based on the signals or data obtained.

　　(6) Inspection of electronic components: Two laser scanners are used to position the component to be tested between them. Finally, sensors read out the data, enabling precise measurement of the component’s dimensions and assessment of its integrity.

　　(7) Inspection of filling levels on the production line: Laser sensors are integrated into the manufacturing process of filled products. As the filled products pass by the sensor, the sensor can detect whether they are completely filled. By analyzing the reflection pattern of the laser beam off the product’s surface, the sensor can precisely determine whether the filling level meets specifications and accurately count the number of products.

　　Laser rangefinder sensor

　　The principle of laser rangefinders is the same as that of wireless radar: After aiming a laser beam at the target and emitting it, the device measures the round-trip time of the laser pulse and then multiplies this time by the speed of light to obtain the round-trip distance. Thanks to the laser’s advantages—such as high directivity, high monochromaticity, and high power—these features are crucial for measuring long distances, determining the target’s azimuth, improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the receiving system, and ensuring measurement accuracy. Consequently, laser rangefinders are receiving increasing attention.

　　Principle of Laser Ranging Sensors

　　Laser ranging is, in fact, an active optical detection method. The detection mechanism of active optical detection is as follows: The detection system emits a beam toward the target (in optical detection, this beam is typically infrared or visible light). The beam is reflected off the target’s surface, generating a return signal. This return signal directly or indirectly contains the information to be measured. By receiving and analyzing the return signal, the receiving and signal-processing system obtains the quantity being measured.