I. Principle of Laser Displacement Sensors

The principle of a laser displacement sensor primarily involves emitting a laser beam and measuring the time-of-flight or phase shift of the beam from emission to reception to calculate the distance between the sensor and the target object. A common method is the triangulation principle.

Working Method of the Triangulation Principle: The laser displacement sensor emits a laser beam that strikes the surface of the target object. The laser light reflects off the object's surface, and this reflected light is collected by the sensor's internal optical system and focused onto a Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) or a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD). Based on the principles of similar triangles, knowing the laser emission angle, the approximate distance range between the sensor and the object, and the position of the light spot imaged on the detector, the precise distance from the object to the sensor can be calculated.

Schematic Diagram of Laser Triangulation Principle

Application Scenarios: Widely used in industrial automation production lines for object dimension measurement, object surface profile inspection, and other scenarios. Examples include dimensional inspection of automotive components, flatness measurement of electronic product housings, etc.

Atometrics Triangular Laser Displacement Sensor SL Series: Can measure displacement, height, thickness, and mechanical positioning, with measurement accuracy up to the micrometer level.

II. What Can Laser Displacement Sensors Measure?

Laser displacement sensors can perform high-precision measurements of various physical quantities related to displacement, distance, and dimensions, specifically as follows:

1. Displacement and Distance

1. Static Distance Measurement: Precisely measures the fixed distance between an object and the sensor. For example, measuring the distance from a wall to a reference point in construction, or determining the spacing between shelves and goods in warehouse management.
2. Dynamic Displacement Monitoring: Tracks displacement changes of an object in motion in real-time. For instance, monitoring the position changes of moving parts on an automated production line, or measuring the displacement amplitude of a vibrating body in mechanical vibration testing.

2. Object Dimensions

1. Length and Width Measurement: Measures linear dimensions such as length and width for objects of regular or irregular shapes. For example, measuring the length and width of wooden boards in the wood processing industry, or inspecting the dimensions of circuit boards in electronic device manufacturing.
2. Thickness Measurement: Measures the thickness of sheet materials or objects, such as metal sheets, plastic films, paper, etc. In lithium battery production, it is used to measure the coating thickness of electrode sheets to control battery performance and safety.

3. Object Surface Topography

1. Flatness and Planarity Measurement: Detects the flatness and planarity of object surfaces to determine the presence of unevenness or warpage deformation. For example, inspecting the flatness of stone slabs in stone processing, or monitoring the planarity of glass substrates in glass manufacturing.
2. Profile Measurement: Obtains contour information of object surfaces for shape measurement and quality control of complex-shaped objects. For instance, measuring the inner wall profile of an engine block in automotive component manufacturing, or inspecting the external contour of toy models in toy manufacturing.

4. Position and Location

1. Object Position Detection: Precisely determines the position of objects on automated production lines to enable accurate robotic grasping and assembly. For example, positioning the housing and components of a mobile phone on an assembly line to ensure assembly accuracy.
2. Alignment and Calibration: Used for alignment and calibration tasks of various equipment and components. For instance, calibrating the position of lenses in optical instrument manufacturing, or performing precise positional calibration of printing plates in the printing industry.

Furthermore, laser displacement sensors can also be used for liquid level measurement, monitoring changes in the height of liquid surfaces, such as in chemical storage tanks or water treatment facilities. They are also used to monitor the positional changes of objects during material processing to achieve precise process control, such as in laser cutting, welding, and other processes.

Atometrics Triangular Laser Displacement Sensor SL Series: Can measure displacement, height, thickness, and mechanical positioning, with measurement accuracy up to the micrometer level.