Industrial LASER distance meters

LASER distance meters for industrial applications

Industrial LASER distance meters are used for distance measurement from a few millimeters up to three kilometres.

The distance measure represents aconsolidated application for laser technology.

Industrial LASER distance meters use LASER light (pulsed or modulated) to measure distances, heights, lengths, levels and positions without any contact with the object to be measured.

Industrial LASER distance meters allow single accurate measurements to the millimeter and measuring ranges up to several hundred meters.

Typical applications are the non-contact distance and position measurement or applications for controlling the position of large structures (cranes, gantries, boats, vehicles, trains, wagons, dams, bridges and heavy infrastructures).

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LDM42 series LASER distance meters

LASER distance meters for distance measurements up to 30 meters on natural surfaces or 100 meters with reflector
Power supply 24 Vdc
RS232 - RS422 interfaces - Profinet, Profibus and Ethernet / IP
Visible LASER emitter (red) with safety class 2
Accuracy up to +/- 1 mm
Wide range of accessories for high temperature environments or for environments with high contaminants

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LDM300 series LASER distance meters

LASER distance meters for distance measurements up to 3000 meters
Power supply 24 Vdc
RS232 - RS422 interfaces
Wide range of accessories
Suitable for monitoring the position of large structures and objects

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laser distance meters astech lds10 measures distance with led

LDS10A series LASER distance meters

Distance sensing without reflector on various surfaces
Safe operation even in public places thanks to LED lighting (without laser)
Outstanding price-performance ratio
One connection cable for supply voltage, serial data interface, switching and analog output
Personalized parameterization via PC
Programmable analog and digital interfaces
Robust and compact housing, easy to install
IP 67 protection standard

Application kit for laser distance meters for measuring distance, displacement and deformation

Application kit for the immediate evaluation of the LASER LDM42 distance meter.

Applications

Level measurement in tanks, silos or large containers with level display on remote monitors.

The LASER distance meter allows a precise and fast measurement also of liquid products where the reflection index of the surface is such as to allow the detection of the LASER spot. The LASER distance meter is a valid substitute for the contact distance meter or ultrasonic wave detector.

Measurement of size, distance or position of large objects in the metallurgical and iron and steel industry.

Real-time communication of position and distance to PLC, HMI or process control devices. With the LASER distance meters it is possible to check the coil diameter during winding for programming the acceleration or deceleration ramps. It is possible to detect the edge position for tracking the movement or the size, thickness, width and length of billets and slabs.

Measurement of length, diameter, ovality and position in the wood sector.

With LASER distance meters it is possible to measure the position of logs or blocks of material before processing. The position, thickness, length or diameter data can be transmitted in real time to PLC, HMI or SCADA systems. The irregularity of the wood surface is not a problem as the LDM series LASER distance meters constantly correct the operating parameters in order to guarantee a precise and reliable measurement.

Dimensional inspection in the paper and textile industry.

Control of loop and position of the belt or carpet even in the presence of materials with change of color or surface aspect. The distance measurement can be transmitted in real time to the line controller (PLC or SCADA) or displayed on a display or on a giant monitor.

Measurement and dimensional control in the metal industry.

The characteristics of the LDM series LASER distance meters allow a precise and reliable measurement even in the presence of high temperatures, in the presence of fumes and vapors or on hot surfaces. The problems of heat or light emission from the target to be detected can be eliminated or greatly mitigated with the use of protective cases or with the installation of optical filters

Dimensional control in the metallurgical sector on both hot and cold applications.

The LASER distance meter can provide in real time the position, distance and size (thickness, width, length) of slabs, blooms and billets both at room temperature and at high temperatures. The problems of heat or light emission by the target to be detected can be eliminated or greatly mitigated with the use of protective cases or with the installation of optical filters

Position measurement on overhead traveling cranes with anti-collision function.

The LASER distance meters of the LDM family allow real-time measurement of the position and distance on overhead traveling cranes and cranes, guaranteeing the anti-collision function. The installation of the LASER distance meters also allows the detection of the parallelism or lack of synchronization of the two lateral supports. The display of the position, distance or positioning differential can also be viewed on giant monitors or it is possible to generate alarms or remote signals on the control systems.

Supervision of the railway infrastructure.

Detection of the position and speed of trains and moving parts. The ability to detect a distance of up to 3 km allows the detection of objects that move over large distances or that must be intercepted at great distances. The ability to work on even very different surfaces or with very high color and reflectivity variations allows you to measure distance, position and speed even on very different objects.

Measurement and control of the position, deformation and vibrations of large structures or located at very large distances.

The ability to work on even very different surfaces or with very high variations in color and reflectivity allows the detection of distance, position and oscillation even on very different objects. The use of intelligent data loggers allows constant and continuous monitoring even over observation periods of weeks or months. Remote data transmission also allows the monitoring of multiple measurement points or multiple structures from a single observation and control point.

Process monitoring in steelworks and rolling mills
Distance measurement on hot incandescent steel up to 1300 ° C
Level measurement in silos and heaps
Monitoring and positioning of cranes and transport systems
Position monitoring of vehicles and boats
Lifting system monitoring / lifting height measurement and lift positioning
General distance measurement and position monitoring
Measurement of the diameter of the rolls / reels
Distance measurement in mining, construction, forestry and material handling technologies
Detection of thickness, length and width of metal products
Measurement of the diameter of the steel coils
Detection of fast moving objects
Use as a proximity switch
2D and 3D scanning applications
Precision altimeters for cranes and gantries
Deformation and oscillation measurement of large structures such as dams, bridges, skyscrapers
Monitoring of mountain slopes or critical points.
Measurements of slabs, blooms, billets or semi-finished products in the metallurgical industry
Measurement of cutting position for saws and shearing machines
Material feed control on presses for molding
Winding or unwinding material measurement on reel
Loop control in cutting lines and slitter
Speed measurement on moving targets
Level measurement of paints and chemicals
Measure and control position of ships in port or on approach

Technical insights

LASER distance meters consist of a laser emitter, optical transmitters and receivers, photosensitive diodes and sophisticated electronics with algorithms for time measurement or phase measurement. The distance measurement is obtained using different optoelectronic principles such as flight time, phase comparison and LASER pulse with "back-mixing" technology.

Using LASER distance meters is possible measure on natural surfaces or on special reflectors obtaining fast and precise results even in harsh conditions.

The LASER distance meters work using visible or infrared optical radiation and are classified in accordance with the regulations in force in class 1 or 2 (safe classes for operation even without protective goggles).

The compact construction allows easy installation of the LASER distance meter even where space is limited or in industrial applications. All devices offer standard interfaces, analog or digital data output and customizable switching outputs.

Integration in plants

The family of LASER LDM distance meters is particularly used for applications in the industrial sector with analog (4 - 20 mA) or digital (Ethernet, Profinet, Profibus, RS232, RS422, SSI ).

High precision even without the use of reflectors and ease of use even on natural surfaces (carpentry, walls, concrete, logs, dust, grains, raw metal, paper, wood).

Interfaces RS232, RS422, analog 0-10V or 4-20 mA, Profinet, Profibus, Ethernet and Ethernet IP. Interface cables and accessories able to satisfy any type of application and connection with the production environment.

Interconnection software for active tracking of the target position with calculation of the displacement speed. In level control applications it is possible to determine the weight or the volume of the product contained in the silo based on the level measurement performed with the LASER distance meter.

Ease of use and installation given by the use of a visible and easily traceable LASER source on the reference target. Astech LDM42 series LASER distance meters use a red LASER which is easily visible even at a great distance.

Cement level measurement applications in storage warehouses

In level measurement it is detected and yes displays the level of a product in a tank or in a silo with the aid of a LASER distance meter, then converting the measurement into an analog electrical signal or into a data packet to be sent to a remote supervisor. The level signal can be viewed directly on site via a local display or integrate into a process management and/or control system.

In the storage depots, the cement is distributed by train or large trucks to several large storage boxes. Several laser distance meters of the type are employed to provide the crane operator with accurate information about the amount of cement that each of the crates can still contain. Communication via Profinet or Ethernet / IP facilitates the collection of distance information from various measuring devices in a central location. Efforts for the wiring of the measuring points are substantially reduced whether a wireless connection or an existing Ethernet network is used. The functional reliability of the entire system is constantly monitored thanks to the control system distributed over the Profinet or Ethernet network.

Level measurement of grains and powders in food silos

The silos are structures in which the products of the agri-food industry are stored. They are mainly dedicated to the storage of cereals (corn, wheat, rice, legumes and similar). The importance of knowing the level of material contained in each silo is important for the logistic management of materials and for the homogeneous distribution of available resources. The LASER distance meters allow the non-contact measurement of the level of grains, whole or ground, inside the silos. Based on the geometric shape of the silo, it is possible to determine the volume of stored material and to determine its weight at an approximate level.

Reliable measurement of position and distance

During the operation of the cranes it is essential to have information on the current position of the moving parts. In these cases, laser distance sensors are used with the support of reflectors. With a measurement uncertainty of ± 2 mm and a speed of up to 50 measurements per second, the devices are perfectly suited for reliable position measurement.

Level monitoring with giant displays and remote data transmission

REDAM series remote display monitors for displaying data from LASER distance meters or other related sensors (force sensors, strain sensors, anemometers, tensiometers, temperature meters, linear transducers, data acquisition systems). The REDAM series monitors allow not only the display of data in real time but also archiving of measurements dividing them by acquisition date, by geographical area, by production lot or by acquisition batch.

Remote data transmission with wireless systems

The measurement carried out by the LASER distance meters can be transmitted remotely through yes modules wireless transmission operating with Wi-Fi or LoRa networks. The remote transmission of the data measured by the LASER distance meter considerably simplifies the wiring and also allows the use of existing Wi-Fi networks, considerably reducing the complexity of the application. The use of Wi-Fi networks also allows the connection of LASER distance meters on an Ethernet network with the possibility of transmitting the data remotely even with Internet monitoring.

Accessories for the protection of LASER distance meters

The LASER distance meters can be protected with special ones protective cases to allow the use of the instruments even in particularly harsh environments or in the presence of environmental contaminants. Cases are available with protection from atmospheric agents (rain, snow, wind) or cases that allow the instrument to be used even in presence of dust and vapors. The pressurization of the housing allows the use of LASER distance meters even in environments with high contamination by dust and vapors. The presence of an internal heater allows the use of LASER distance meters also a very low temperatures and in outdoor environments.

Common technical characteristics

The LDM series distance meters are able to measure the distance between the sensor and almost all surfaces, whether solid or liquid.

Wide sensing distances
Distance measurements up to 300 m without reflector
Measurements of distances up to 3000 m with a suitable reflective system or with particularly reflective targets
High detection accuracy
Optoelectronic measurement methods with latest generation optical and electronic components
Accuracy up to ± 1 mm
Constant precision independent of target distance
Easy integration into automation systems or data acquisition systems
Flexible parameterization of all working parameters and interfacing with the outside world
Easy adaptation to the application and type of system
Various interfaces suitable for industry
4 mA .... 20 mA, Profibus, Industrial Ethernet, RS422, RS485, RS232
Reliable and robust construction
Aluminum enclosures with degree of protection IP 65 or IP 67
Integrated heating for outdoor applications
Use in bright outdoor environments with a high percentage of constant or diffused light
Safe and harmless
Visible and infrared laser radiation
Laser class 1 or 2
No special precautions for use or additional certifications are necessary

Integration

RODER SRL can provide all the necessary support for the integration of LASER distance meters in the industrial sector or in the structural control sector.

All LASER distance meters can be interfaced through a physical connection (with copper cable or optical fiber) or through a wireless connection (Wi-Fi or proprietary radio link).

RODER SRL can supply standard or customized software for the continuous monitoring of the physical quantities detected by the LASER distance meters.

The use of intelligent data loggers allow the control of the physical quantities monitored even for long periods of time and the real-time communication of any anomalies, even remotely, through web-servers or remote control systems.

RODER SRL can provide not only the data acquisition and archiving software but also all the hardware necessary for the realization of the final application.

Single or multi-channel data acquisition units, point-to-point acquisition systems or distributed control systems are available. It is also possible to centralize the data coming from several distance meters on a single control and data storage station.

Accessories

REDAM series remote display monitors for data visualization coming from LASER distance meters or from other related sensors (force sensors, deformation sensors, anemometers, tensiometers, temperature meters, linear transducers, data acquisition systems). The REDAM series monitors allow not only the visualization of data in real time but also the archiving of measurements by dividing them by acquisition date, by geographical area, by production batch or by acquisition batch.

High-quality connection cable for the LDM41A and LDM42A laser distance sensors

Wi-Fi transmission system for the remote transmission of LASER distance meter data. The wireless interface allows remote transmission of the value measured by the sensor and, if necessary, parameterization of the sensor without having direct access to the installation point of the LASER distance meter.

In some cases it is useful to reduce the signal level of the laser distance sensors to avoid measurement errors caused by an overload of the receiver diode. This depends on how strongly the target reflects the transmitted laser beam.
For the laser distance sensors of the LDM4x series, optical filters with double and quadruple attenuation are available. They are mounted directly on the optical support of the measuring instruments together with an adapter, inclined at 10%.
Two spacer rings supplied with the product facilitate the exact alignment of the inclined surface to the measuring device.
The filter glass has been equipped with a seven times higher broadband anti-reflective coating for operation in industrial environments. The additional top layer is characterized by greater hardness and water-repellent and dirt-repellent qualities, which greatly facilitate the cleaning of the gray filter.

The PHSS4x housing is used to protect the sensors of the LDM4x series from humidity and dirt. It is made of sturdy stainless steel and is perfectly suitable for outdoor use. The window which has been adapted to the laser wavelength range can be easily cleaned. The serial programming interface of the sensor is always available on an external port. The power supply and other signals are connected via cable gland to an internal terminal block. The sensor can be mounted directly in the factory. Special customized versions are available on request.

The SLS series enclosures are specially designed for use on particular LASER distance meters or on triangulation sensors for protection from dust, vapors and fumes. The presence of a compressed air pressurization duct allows the maintenance of a low operating temperature and at the same time preserves the optics of the LASER sensor from contaminants, fumes, vapors.

The LMI series enclosures are designed for the protection of LASER sensors where it is necessary not only the protection from dust or vapors but it is also necessary to maintain the temperature within a range of values capable of stabilizing the behavior of the sensor even in the presence of large temperature ranges.

If the LDM4x series laser distance sensors are to be used at high ambient temperatures, the water-cooled PHSS4x-w protective enclosure is used. It protects the sensor not only from hot temperatures, but also from cold, humidity and dirt. A connection flange is provided for the programming interface. The power supply and other signals are connected via a through cable. The housing is available with optional window heating, an air purge tube and a pan / tilt support.

With the help of the mounting bracket, the measuring instruments of the LDM4x and LDM30x series can be easily and conveniently mounted on the application site. The construction of the angle facilitates the subsequent alignment of the laser beam over a range of 10 ° in a horizontal and vertical direction. With the sensor's visible laser beam, it is also possible to target remote targets. The sensor is adjusted on the bracket and fixed with the four M6 screws supplied.

The PAX series displays are extremely versatile in use and provide useful additional functions. PAXD shows analog input signals, e.g. the analog output of an LDM41A, on a five-digit display. The scale factor can be adjusted directly on the device using the keys. The display is available in a robust steel housing with IP 65 protection rating or for mounting on a switch panel. It can be supplied with additional functions, such as limit value monitoring or a serial interface.

With the LDMTool software all the laser distance sensors of the LDM series that have a serial interface can be conveniently parameterized from the PC. A simple user interface displays all the available parameters of the currently connected sensor and all measured values and the status of the different output signals. A terminal window for direct communication has been implemented. In addition, a logging function (Log Window) and a graphical display (distance-time diagram) are available with the full version of LDMTool.

The PT4x-AIR protection tube has been developed to protect the optics of the laser distance sensors of the LDM4x series from dirt and water in industrial environments. It is screwed directly onto the measuring instrument. Compressed air can be brought into the tube through the side fitting. The continuous air flow that develops keeps dirt particles and water drops away from the lens system.

Interfaces

The LASER distance meters of the LDM family can be configured with an Ethernet or Ethernet / IP communication interface for complete integration in latest generation automation systems or in "PC based" IT systems.

The LASER distance meters of the LDM family can be configured with RS232 or RS422 communication interface for direct connection to PLC or data acquisition cards based on microprocessors or microcontrollers. The RS422 communication line allows remote connection of data acquisition systems even in the presence of severe environmental disturbances.

The LASER distance meters of the LDM family can be configured with a PROFINET type communication interface for direct connection on production lines and systems that are based on the PROFINET communication standard.

The LASER distance meters of the LDM family can be configured with a PROFIBUS communication interface for direct connection on production lines and systems that are based on the PROFIBUS communication standard.