Laser distance measuring (Time of Flight)

_Dock_

Member
Join Date
Sep 2015
Location
KY
Posts
508
Has anyone used any of the laser distance measurement sensor, specifically time of flight type? Im thinking about trying one of these to do some positioning. The applications I have to use them are not best suited for an encoder. Right now we are using discrete with prox sensors and it can be a bear to get setup in the field.

If so, what were your thoughts? pros, cons, issues? I plan to use I/O link so I can read the actual value instead of using the discrete outputs. I will have a little more flexibility there. Just a little nervous as Ive never used any type of laser measuring device, ive always used encoders.

Thanks,
 
We have used this technology from Sick, Banner and Allen-Bradley. I know Keyence also has this available but we haven't tried them yet.

Our current favorite is the Sick DT35. We use this for incoming roll diameter measurement as well as rough positioning of accumulator carriages. If you are looking at them as prox replacers they would certainly be able to handle that. If you are going to use I/O Link you should be able to get millimeter resolution out of it.

The only real issue I have run into with them is that they seem to be surface color sensitive. I have no idea why this would be the case with a time of flight device but it seems to be. Also keep in mind that the specified maximum range is with a bright white target. If you are shooting at darker targets your maximum range will reduced due to lack of return light.

Keith
 
+1 on Sick and Banner

We're using a retro-reflective tape on our Banner installs.

The older SICK units we have work from 0 - 25 meters with white gloss paint as the target. We clean them when the signal gets intermittent ... but it is feedback to operations on a position and they are controlling the position. No bad things happen if the sensor goes offline.
 
Last edited:
I would recommend a Laser system over limit switches
I have been recommending and using them for years Fast install and very accurate.
For best results I recommend you use reflective target.
The brand would depend n the distance you want to measure and the resolution you are looking for.
 
Thanks for the responses. I feel a little more at ease to hear that others have had success. I’m confident in our abilities to make it successful but still Leary of the hardware.
 
I’ve used the Keyence LR-T and was very impressed with it. My application was not a distance measurement application so cannot speak to that. I had to use a time of flight since I was detecting products of varying color, emissivity, shape (inconsistent round edges), and transmissiveness. The TOF sensors are very impressive and I wouldn’t hesitate to try one if I needed distance measurement and could set up ideal or semi-ideal conditions.

I would not expect accuracy better than 1-3mm though. If you need a better accuracy than that over a long distance I would look to a cable encoder or mounting an encoder wheel to the device that is moving.
 
What is your min/max distance, I am currently using:
OPT2011 Wenglor photoelectric laser sensor, diffuse, 50 x 50 x 20mm, Class 1 laser light emission, 0.05-3.05m sensing distance, 18-30 VDC operating voltage, NPN/PNP, 0-10 VDC or 4-20 mA analog output, 4-pin M12 quick-disconnect.
Automation Direct $300
 
http://www.ifm.com/products/us/ds/O1D100.htm
We started using these a few years ago and have been very satisfied. If you have a very dusty or steamy environment, you could have problems with false reflections. The lens is reasonably tolerant of crud but that's another thing to consider. Grease the connector threads in a caustic washdown environment.
 

Similar Topics

Hi everyone, I don't know much of PLCs but it happened that i need to connect Leuze AMS358i Ethernet laser measurement to Productivity 1000...
Replies
0
Views
1,049
We make a project for sandwich panel plant by s7-300.The conduct of a sandwich panels production line is usually managed by operators,and there...
Replies
0
Views
1,806
Hii!!! I'm new in automation and i have a Banner LTF Laser distance sensor (LTF121IC2LDQ). I want to connect it on a Allen Bradley PLC. Is the...
Replies
3
Views
2,559
Does anyone know of any USB distance measuring devices? Looking for a stand-alone system where we can attach a laser to a machine, plug it into...
Replies
7
Views
2,120
Hello Everyone. I need some advice on how to control a servo drive with a laser displacement sensor (SICK or Keyence). There will be an X and Z...
Replies
3
Views
2,014
Back
Top Bottom