The confocal measurement principle is designed to provide OEMs with high accuracy, non-contact displacement distance and position measurement against almost any surface. Included amongst these are surfaces which are solid, transparent, polished mirror, low reflective or matt: and even some liquids. If a surface is transparent, by using Micro Epsilon equipment a one-sided thickness measurement can be achieved with inbuilt correction for the published refractive index of the material concerned.
It is common for Micro Epsilon confocal sensors to be selected when laser triangulation or other optical sensors are not either accurate or stable enough on the surface which is being measured. In addition, confocal sensors from Micro Epsilon have an extremely small spot diameter, typically a few microns, and measure in the vertical plane, so do not suffer from shadowing of the reflected light. This also enables Micro Epsilon products to effect measurement into small bores and holes. Almost all industries benefit from this measurement principle as it can be used across both R&D and in-process measurements. In particular, the semiconductor, micro lens, automotive parts, medical, glass, and MEMS industries use this sensor technology extensively in a variety of ways. This innovative measuring equipment for electronics manufacturing, and much more besides, can be discovered, discussed and evaluated on the Micro Epsilon stand at the forthcoming PCB Live event on March 12th.
PCB Live, together with Engineering Materials Live, FAST Live and Make Measurement Matter are all part of the Engineering Solutions exhibition. Entry to the event is free of charge by pre-registration. It takes place at the acclaimed British Motor Museum, located adjacent to the Aston Martin and JLR plants at Gaydon south of Warwick and just 1 minute from the M40. There is abundant free parking, and for visitors arriving before 1030, a free bacon roll and brew too. Tea and coffee is provided free of charge all day at the event, and pre-registered exhibition visitors can also visit the superb Museum, with almost 300 fascinating cars on show, free of charge too (standard adult entry fee otherwise is £14.50).
