LaserSpeed: Not All Non-Contact Length and Speed Encoders Are Created Equal

Not All Non-Contact Length and Speed Encoders Are Created Equal

Non-Contact Laser MeasurementNon-Contact Laser Encoder

Today’s Speaker

Regional Market Manager Veteran of high-tech

measurement controls industry

Mechanical engineer & engineering metrologist

20 yrs with Beta LaserMike Extensive expertise in non-

contact measurement

Stuart Manser, Beta LaserMike


Presentation Overview Intro: Why it’s important to know the difference

between all the gauges on the market

Comparing device performance through tests

Comparing feature sets

Application example

Conclusion

Questions


Introduction Non-contact length & speed

measurement is becoming increasingly cost effective

Significantly better than contact methods

But, not all non-contact encoders are created equal

There are accuracy and performance differences that affect ROI

Important to verify and compare gauge performance at your facility and with your product


Test Setup

Items needed: Quadrature outputs Counter or meter panel Calibrated standard

Installation and configuration Mount encoders close to each

other Connect counters to quadrature

outputs Tie reset signals to each counter Discuss test plans with each

encoder manufacturer


Comparison Tests

Test 1: Length Measurement During Steady Speed

1. Start up line and bring to normal operating speed

2. Reset counters and mark product

3. Run for certain length

4. Mark product and record counter lengths

5. Compare actual verified length with reported counter lengths

Evaluating encoders under various situations


Comparison Tests

Test 2: Length Measurement During Acceleration & Deceleration

1. Reset counters

2. Start up line

3. Run line with as many acceleration/deceleration periods as possible

4. Stop line

5. Compare actual verified length with reported counter lengths



Comparison Tests

Test 3: Measurement Acquisition Times

1. Start up line

2. Switch counters to speed/rate

3. Block each laser beam

4. Watch how long it takes for the speed to drop to zero

5. Wait an additional 30 seconds

6. Unblock each laser beam

7. Watch how long it takes for the counter to display the actual line speed



Comparison Tests

Test 4: Length Measurement Under Varying Temperature Conditions

1. Start up line and bring to normal speed

2. Reset counters and mark product

3. Run for certain length

4. Mark product and record counter lengths

5. Compare verified length with reported counter lengths

6. Repeat steps 1 – 5 and cool gauge

7. Repeat steps 1 – 5 and heat gauge



Comparing Feature SetsFor usability and ease of integration

Feature 1: Stand-off Distance Long stand-off distance protects

gauge from damage Short stand-off distance allows you

to mount gauge in tighter area Key Point: Look at the different

stand-off distances available for your unique application.

Note: stand-off distance affects the size of measurement area



Feature 2: Depth of Field (Measurement Area) Region where product moves

through sensor’s laser Larger measurement area = more

tolerance Determines if operator needs to

reposition the gauge when product approaches limits

Key Point: Look at the different depth-of-field ranges available to meet your measurement needs.



Feature 3: Speed Range All non-contact length & speed gauges have

a specified speed range Key Point: Choose a gauge that covers your

entire operating range for all production processes.

Example: Line speed 3000 ft/min for 25,000 ft Gauge has min speed of 1.3 ft/min Line running below 1.3 ft/min for .5 sec at

startup and when line is stopped Assume worst case: 1.2 ft/min during 1 second Max. additional error = 0.02 ft or 0.0008%

over the 25,000 ft



Feature 4: Outputs How do you plan to use the gauge? Replace encoder: same outputs?

Can outputs be scaled? Identify length and speed update rate RS-232 or other comm ports

available? Status indicator: working/not

working? Key Point: Compare gauge outputs.

Choosing the right gauge means the difference between optimal or marginal communication capabilities.



Feature 5: Environmental Specifications

Consider temperature during all seasons and at installation location Cooling options? Cooling ports? Install fan or cooling unit near

gauge? Key Point: Be sure to compare

operating temperature ranges and IP rating (or degree of protection).



IP rating is 2-digit number describing the gauge’s protection against solid objects and liquids.



Feature 6: Gauge Measurement Flexibility

Can the gauge measure all products you manufacture? Shape Color Surface texture Reflectivity

Key Point: Look for measurement versatility. This helps you change quickly from product to product without having to make time-consuming gauge adjustments. Also, minimizes # of spares required.



Feature 7: Optional Components Interfaces or interface converters? Environmental protection?

Air wipes Quick change windows or housings

Diagnostic software? Key Point: Compare options closely

to get the added performance edge.


Application Example Profile: Communication Cable

Length Problem: Inaccurate Length. The

installed non-contact encoder can’t track the rapid acceleration/deceleration, ramp-up/down on the production line.

Solution: LaserSpeed >> tested by customer and found to follow the line ramp-up/down.

Results: Accurate cable reel lengths to +/- 0.05%. Secondary cabling process has predictable lengths for each component cable.


LaserSpeed Performance LaserSpeed technology in

marketplace since mid-1980s +/-0.05% accuracy, +/- 0.02%

repeatability Measure product speeds to

65,600 ft/min (20,000 m/min) Stand-off distances to 98.4 in

(2.5M) Depth of field to 8.0 in (200 mm) Measures Forward, Reverse, and

down to Zero Speed


LaserSpeed Performance - continued

Variety of industrial outputs: quadrature, RS-232, etc.

100,000 measurements per second Combats intermitted readings

in contaminated environments Customizable pulse rates to 5

MHz Experienced team with

extensive application knowledge

Global service & support


Conclusion

Jump from contact to non-contact measurement may seem expensive

Look at it carefully Consider it an investment Advantages are numerous:

Significant cost savings Increase product quality Improve processes

Important to evaluate all aspects


Product & Contact Information

www.laserspeedgauge.comwww.laserspeed.eu

USA: +1- 937-233-9936UK: + 44 1628 401510Germany: +49(0)231 758 93 0Asia: +86 21 6113 3688

eMail: [email protected]

LaserSpeed: Not All Non-Contact Length and Speed Encoders Are Created Equal

Technology

Transcript of LaserSpeed: Not All Non-Contact Length and Speed Encoders Are Created Equal