Non-contact laser thickness gauges for measuring the thickness and width of strips and sheets, DIMES-LTM-LWM series, for industrial applications that combine thickness and width measurement in a single system.
- Twin measuring head for thickness at the edges
- Thickness measurement at the centre of the strip
- Width measurement
- Automatic centring of the measuring point with active edge tracking
- Industrial I/O interface for connection to PLCs and SCADA/MES systems
- Generation of Industry 4.0 standard inspection reports
- Ready for remote assistance and remote control
- Ethernet interface for MES / ERP systems
RODER SRL presents the new DIMES-LTM-LWM series of non-contact laser thickness gauges for thickness and width measurement using LASER technology.
Used in all applications that call for an economical, easy-to-use system, DIMES-LTM-LWM measures the thickness or width of continuous or discontinuous materials by means of laser light sources.
Measurement is performed without contact and allows dimensional checks even on moving materials, on easily deformable materials and on materials that cannot be measured with traditional contact techniques.
The measurement can be displayed directly on the instrument and can drive programmable alarm thresholds or analogue signals proportional to the measurement.
Data can be transferred to a remote data acquisition system or to a large-format display via cable or wireless connection.
The DIMES-LTM-LWM system can be connected to the DATASINK 100 software package for automatic acquisition of measurements and alarms. DATASINK 100 can be supplied with the REDAM remote monitor display for remote process control.
Would you like help choosing the right product ?
Thickness and width measurement on the production line
Systems for measuring thickness and width directly on the production line, for cutting, pickling, treatment and surface coating lines.
Applications built around laser sources of high accuracy and measuring speed, able to operate in environments with industrial characteristics.
The measuring systems are protected from fumes and vapours by an active pressurisation system that ensures accurate, reliable measurement over long periods even in the presence of ambient contaminants.
Compact LASER thickness gauges
Compact LASER thickness gauges are a practical and versatile solution for thickness measurement using LASER technology.
Thanks to their compact design, they are ideal for applications in confined spaces or for direct integration into production processes. These instruments combine accuracy and ease of use, offering an integrated display for immediate viewing of the measured value.
The display not only allows thickness to be monitored in real time, but also makes it easy to set tolerance thresholds, ensuring rapid and effective quality control.
LASER technology, being contact-free, ensures reliable, repeatable measurement on a wide range of materials. Compact LASER thickness gauges are particularly valued for their robustness and their ability to improve production efficiency, making them an indispensable ally in industries that require accuracy and flexibility.
LASER thickness gauges with integrated display
Automatic LASER thickness gauges
Automatic LASER thickness gauges are an advanced solution for the accurate measurement of the thickness of metal sheet and strip.
This technology combines a high-precision LASER thickness gauge with an automatic traversing slide, which moves the instrument across the whole surface of the material.
Thanks to the controlled movement, measurements can be taken at several points, ensuring complete and reliable quality control.
The system uses a LASER beam to detect variations in thickness with extreme accuracy, giving fast results with no physical contact.
These thickness gauges are ideal for industrial applications where it is essential to monitor the conformity of the product with the required specifications.
Moreover, automating the process reduces manual intervention, increasing productivity and minimising errors. An indispensable choice for those aiming at innovation and efficiency in dimensional inspection.
High pass-line modules
Special models with a large sheet passage opening for plants where the movement is very wide.
LASER thickness gauges with a high pass-line can ensure accuracy and reliability even in particularly demanding environments, such as metallurgy, where allowing for wide excursions of the sheet is an essential requirement.
Applications on pickling lines
The use of LASER light, magnetic and optical technologies makes it possible to achieve high accuracy and speed without direct contact between the measuring instrument and the material.
Measurement is possible on plants running at high line speeds or in areas not accessible to operators.
Independent measuring modules are available for system integrators and OEMs. Display of the measurement on a local or remote display, remote data transmission over a serial line or Ethernet, generation of out-of-tolerance alarms.
Possibility of interfacing with management systems.
Contact thickness gauges with flat anvil
The CTM-1000 series is designed for thickness measurement on materials where the use of LASER thickness gauges is not advantageous
Applications with the CTM-1000 family of contact thickness gauges include:
- Thickness measurement on low-density materials
- Thickness measurement on materials with a highly glossy surface
- Thickness measurement on materials with a very irregular surface
- Thickness measurement on textile materials with pile or on surfaces with raised patterns
- Thickness measurement on hides and irregular semi-finished products
Contact thickness gauges with styli
The CTM-1000 series is designed for thickness measurement on materials where measurement has to be taken at a precisely defined point and where there are no contaminants on the surface.
Applications with the CTM-1000 family of contact thickness gauges include:
- Thickness measurement on materials with lubricants
- Thickness measurement on materials with a highly glossy surface
- Thickness measurement on materials whose surface is contaminated with dust
- Thickness measurement on textile materials with raised patterns
- Thickness measurement on hides and irregular semi-finished products
Inspection stations
Computerised control stations for displaying measurement data and trends and for automatic remote control of the system. Interfacing with management systems for automatic data exchange and programming of inspection recipes.
The connection to IT systems allows inspection reports to be handled with automatic loading of the inspection recipe and automatic downloading of the report of the measurements taken.
Customised software
The software of the DIMES family is built with technologies that make the equipment extremely easy and intuitive to use, so that it can be operated even by unqualified personnel.
The software of the DIMES family is developed from a common development base shared by all the systems, so as to ensure stability and reliability.
The customised modules that allow the system to be correctly integrated into the end customer’s production environment are then added.
LTM-1000 LASER thickness gauge
RODER presents the LTM-1000, the new non-contact measuring systems for thickness and width measurement using LASER technology.
Used in all applications that call for an economical, easy-to-use system, the LTM-1000 measures the thickness or width of continuous or discontinuous materials by means of laser light sources.
Measurement is performed without contact and allows dimensional checks even on moving materials, on easily deformable materials and on materials that cannot be measured with traditional contact techniques.
The measurement can be displayed directly on the instrument and can drive programmable alarm thresholds or analogue signals proportional to the measurement.
Data can be transferred to a remote data acquisition system or to a large-format display via cable or wireless connection.
The LTM-1000 system can be connected to the DATASINK 100 software package for automatic acquisition of measurements and alarms. DATASINK 100 can be supplied with the REDAM remote monitor display for remote process control.
The LTM-1000 can be used on one side only of flat material. The material may be continuous or in sheets. The measurement is displayed within a few tenths of a second and can be compared with two tolerance thresholds, so that the material can be checked with HIGH-GO-LOW classification.
The LTM-1000 can also be used on both sides of flat material. The material may be continuous or in sheets. The measurement is displayed within a few tenths of a second and can be compared with two tolerance thresholds, so that the material can be checked with HIGH-GO-LOW classification. When connected to data acquisition software, charts and reports can be generated using the data from both synchronised LASER thickness gauges.
In depth
Introduction to LASER thickness gauges
LASER thickness gauges are a state-of-the-art technology for measuring the thickness of materials such as strip, sheet, boards and laminates. Thanks to their accuracy and reliability, they are increasingly used in many industrial sectors where dimensional control is crucial to guaranteeing the quality of the finished product and optimising production processes.
How LASER thickness gauges work
LASER thickness gauges use a laser beam to take measurements without contact. The principle is based on the reflection of the laser beam off the surface of the material and on the analysis of the time of flight or the displacement of the beam. This technology achieves high accuracy even on materials with surfaces that are not perfectly uniform, or that are in motion.
Industrial applications of LASER thickness gauges
Metallurgical sector
In the metallurgical sector, LASER thickness gauges are widely used to measure the thickness of strip and sheet during the rolling process. These instruments ensure that the finished product meets the required specifications, reducing scrap and improving the efficiency of the production process.
On steel and aluminium production lines, for example, LASER thickness gauges continuously monitor the thickness of the material to ensure uniform quality, which is essential for applications such as automotive manufacturing or construction.
Woodworking industry
In the woodworking industry, LASER thickness gauges are used to check the thickness of boards and panels during cutting or sanding. Because they measure without contact, they are ideal for delicate or fast-moving materials. This ensures high-quality finished products while minimising material waste.
Plastics and rubber production
For plastic materials and rubber laminates, LASER thickness gauges provide accurate measurement during extrusion or lamination. This is particularly useful in sectors such as packaging, where dimensional tolerances must be strictly met to guarantee the functionality and appearance of the product.
Advantages of LASER thickness gauges
Accuracy and reliability
Thanks to LASER technology, these instruments offer high accuracy, often within a few micrometres. This is essential in sectors where conformity to specification is critical.
Non-contact measurement
Non-contact measurement makes it possible to work on hot, delicate or fast-moving materials without risking damage to the material or to the instrument itself.
Versatility
LASER thickness gauges can be used on a wide range of materials, including metals, wood, plastic and rubber, which makes them extremely versatile.
Automation and integration
These instruments can be easily integrated into automated production lines, allowing continuous, real-time monitoring of production parameters. Being able to program tolerance thresholds makes it possible to identify any deviation immediately, reducing scrap and optimising processes.
Considerations when choosing a LASER thickness gauge
The choice of a LASER thickness gauge depends on several factors, including:
- Type of material: some materials may require specific configurations to ensure measurement accuracy.
- Process speed: in high-speed processes it is essential to use instruments with a high sampling rate.
- Operating environment: in harsh industrial environments, such as those with high temperatures or the presence of dust, robust and protected instruments must be chosen.
Non-contact thickness and width measurement
Thickness and width measurement without contact using laser technologies is now a reality. Laser technologies, and thickness measuring instruments in particular, offer major advantages over traditional contact measurement.
Thanks to their high performance, these technologies can transform the way thickness and width are measured in industrial production. Laser measuring systems deliver accurate, reliable data even at high speeds and in difficult ambient conditions.
Laser systems provide instant, accurate information on the thickness or width of the material being examined. Once installed on production lines, laser systems can be adjusted quickly to suit different types of material or sizes, making production extremely flexible and offering a high degree of measurement accuracy.
Laser sensors can also operate fully automatically and remove the need for the costly, frequent maintenance required by traditional contact measurement. Another major advantage is that laser systems do not require the material under test to be prepared before measurements are taken.
The machine can be configured with on-board software supporting a great many standard industrial protocols, which makes it a leader in the Industry 4.0 field.
LASER thickness gauges are among the most advanced technologies on the market for applications dedicated to the exact measurement of thickness and width. This solution offers very high reading accuracy and operating speed throughout the production process: thickness or width can be read with no direct contact with the material being processed, ensuring ease of use and accurate results in every operating cycle.
The combination of ultra-precise sensors and high-definition optics gives excellent accuracy regardless of the material being analysed and of the surrounding ambient conditions. In short, thanks to modern technologies such as LASER thickness gauges, industry now has the tools for fast, accurate readings.
Introduction to non-contact thickness measurement
Non-contact thickness measurement is an innovative solution in many industrial sectors. The use of laser thickness gauges yields thickness data with an accuracy and a speed that traditional measuring methods cannot match. This article looks at laser measurement technologies, how they work, their applications on the production line and their advantages over other methods.
How laser thickness gauges work
Laser thickness gauges work on the triangulation principle. A laser light beam is projected onto the surface to be measured; the reflection of the beam is then captured by a sensor. The position of the point of reflection is used to calculate the distance between the sensor and the surface, which makes it possible to determine the thickness of the material. This method gives accurate measurement even on irregular or moving surfaces.
Advantages of non-contact measurement
Adopting non-contact measuring technologies offers numerous advantages, including the elimination of the risk of damaging the material during measurement. In addition, no physical intervention is required, which reduces production downtime. The speed of measurement is particularly valuable on high-speed production lines, where timely data is crucial for quality control.
Industrial applications of laser thickness gauges
Laser thickness gauges are used in a variety of industrial sectors. In the automotive sector, for example, they are used to monitor the thickness of paints and coatings. In the packaging industry, these instruments are essential to ensure that materials meet strict specifications. Other fields of application include metal production, the food sector and the pharmaceutical sector, where quality and accuracy are of the first importance.
Integrating laser thickness gauges into production lines
Integrating laser thickness gauges into an existing production system requires careful planning. It is essential to consider the positioning of the sensors so as to maximise efficiency and minimise interference. It is also necessary to ensure that the data acquisition and analysis software is compatible with the production control systems already in use.
Measurement accuracy and repeatability
A crucial aspect in the choice of a measuring system is accuracy and repeatability. Laser thickness gauges are designed to provide highly accurate measurement, with tolerances that can reach a few micrometres. Regular calibration of the instruments is essential to maintain high quality standards and to ensure consistent measurement over time.
Real-time quality control
One of the greatest advantages of laser thickness gauges is their ability to provide data in real time. This allows companies to monitor the production process continuously and to make immediate adjustments when deviations from quality standards are detected. This responsiveness helps reduce defects and improve the overall efficiency of the production line.
Cost considerations and return on investment
Although the purchase of laser thickness gauges may involve a significant initial investment, the long-term benefits often justify the cost. Fewer defects, higher productivity and improved quality contribute to a positive return on investment. Analysing the total cost of ownership, which includes maintenance and calibration, is essential for an accurate assessment.
Future prospects in non-contact measurement
As technology advances, laser thickness gauges will continue to evolve. Innovations such as artificial intelligence and integrated data analysis could further improve measurement accuracy and efficiency. Applications in the field of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 are already showing significant potential for optimising production processes.
Frequently asked questions
Vuoi un aiuto nella scelta del prodotto ? Copyright by RODER SRL – Oglianico (TO) – Italy
Website: www.roder.it
Machine vision division: www.rodervision.com
Measuring instruments division: www.innovacheck.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.