Superior sensing

Hayley Everett

Introducing a new laser distance sensor with enhanced measuring range and speed.

Laser distance sensors are designed for non-contact distance measurements, used for positioning in a range of transport and machine building and handling equipment applications. Precision sensor supplier Micro-Epsilon has introduced a non-contact laser distance sensor that measures distances up to 270m with a resolution of 1mm.

Designed primarily for outdoor use, the new optoNCDT ILR1171-125 sensor measures reliably even on difficult surfaces such as dark, structured or weakly reflecting objects. Without any special adaptations to the target, the sensor has an impressive range up to 125m, while adding a reflector to the target extends the measuring range to 270m.

Key features

Capable of measuring 20 times faster than its predecessor, the optoNCDT ILR1191, the new laser distance sensor is also more cost effective. Due to the time-of-flight principle, a larger infrared laser measurement spot and a measuring rate of up to 40kHz, the laser can achieve high laser pulses to enable stable measurements with very good signal quality. The sensor is able to provide accurate measurements even in poor visibility conditions such as smoke, fog, steam and rain. It is also resistant to ambient light up to 50,000 lux, and can be used in ambient temperatures from -20°C to 60°C.

Due to being protected by a robust IP67 die cast aluminium housing, the sensor is suitable for a wide range of applications, ranging from transport, logistics and conveyor systems to the monitoring of buildings, cranes and wind turbines.

In terms of technical performance, the sensor provides repeatability of less than 25mm, resolution of 1mm and linearity of less than 60mm, resulting in stable measurements and good signal quality. Meanwhile, its small footprint of 25 x 46 x 81mm and 140g weight allows it to be easily installed in narrow or restricted spaces.

Particularly useful in transport applications, the optoNCDT ILR1171-125 can measure on both static and dynamic targets, and is easily integrated into existing systems. The sensor provides continuous measurement output via a 16-bit, scalable, 4-20mA analogue output or via RS232/422 serial communication. Additionally, two digital switch outputs are available for simple process monitoring, while a trigger input provides opportunities to control when the sensor takes a reading.

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