In precision manufacturing, laser micrometers play a key role in ensuring accurate in-process diameter measurements across a wide variety of products, including:
The ability of laser micrometers to deliver in-process diameter measurement leads to higher-quality products that comply with precise specifications. Laser micrometers are also instrumental in reducing direct costs from faster production times and lower raw material usage.
A laser micrometer is a device used for measuring the diameter of cylindrical objects. The laser principle means objects are measured at a high scanning frequency without contact.
With their non-contact measurement capabilities and rapid scanning rates, laser micrometers are ideal for use in high-speed production environments, offering precise in-process measurements.
Laser micrometers come in one, two, three and four-axis versions.
- As the name suggests, a single-axis gauge measures an object’s diameter in only one plane. It does not provide any information about the object’s shape or ovality.
- In contrast, a multiple-axis gauge provides both the diameter and ovality of the object being measured. Measuring the diameter of all axes allows manufacturers to get an average diameter — a useful measurement for objects that are not perfectly round.
Using a ‘shadow’ technique, laser micrometers measure the diameter of an object by projecting a parallel laser beam from the transmitter to the receiver, creating a shadow that is measured to determine the diameter.
TransmitterThe transmitter creates a parallel laser scan that is viewed by the receiver. When a round object is presented in the laser scan, a shadow is created that is the same size as the object. |
ReceiverThe receiver measures the shadow and displays this as the actual part diameter. The software then converts the data into accurate measurements. |
With their average measurement rate of more than 2,000 measurements per second, laser micrometers are ideal for measuring the diameter of objects on high-speed production lines. In addition, they can accurately measure vibrating products, such as on wire drawing lines.
Control Metrix offer unrivalled expertise on precision measurement along with a huge range of micrometers and you can learn more in our Knowledge Hub. If you have further questions about how such tools can help your production processes, why not get in touch? We’d be delighted to chat further.
