4mm sensor peeks into tiny holes
The German sensor specialist Micro-Epsilon has developed a miniature displacement sensor with a diameter of just 4mm, making it small enough to take measurements inside confined spaces such as drilled holes, bores and narrow cavities.
The optoNCDT 2402 sensor, based on a technology known as confocal sensing, is claimed to be the smallest diameter sensor of its type. When operating at a measuring range of 1.5mm, it has a resolution of 0.06µm at 0.004% of full-scale output.
Typical applications include: measuring surface defects; checking the concentricity of drilled holes; measuring grooves in pipes; and gauging the thickness of transparent materials, including glass and film, as well as reflective surfaces.
The titanium-housed sensor weighs just 50g. It contains no electrical or moving parts, and is linked by an optical fibre cable to a controller. As well as straight versions, it is available in a 90-degree angle version, suitable for inspecting the inner surfaces of small components.
