Home —» Monitoring of distances, positions, lengths and depths with LASER distance meters and visualization on giant displays for the metallurgical and steel industry

Monitoring of distances, positions, lengths and depths with LASER distance meters and visualization on giant displays for the metallurgical and steel industry

Applications for measuring distance, positions, lengths and depths with industrial laser distance meters for the steel and metallurgical sector. Generation of out-of-tolerance alarms with visual signaling (light turret) or with electrical contact for sirens and alarms. Direct connection to PLC, SCADA systems or remote data acquisition systems. Viewing the…

Laser distance meters for industrial applications in the metallurgical and iron and steel sector

Measurement applications of distance, positions, lengths and depths with industrial laser distance meters for the steel and metallurgical sector

Generation of out of tolerance alarms with visual signaling (light tower) or with electrical contact for sirens and alarms. Direct connection to PLC, SCADA systems or remote data acquisition systems.

Measurement visualization on giant displays with management of remote transmission of acquired data or with integrated data logger for process traceability.

Measurement of objects up to 30 meters on a natural surface and up to 100 meters on a reflective surface.

RODER presents the new series of REDAM LDM giant displays to create display and monitoring systems to be connected to LDM series LASER distance meters.

The REDAM LDM series has been specially developed for the connection with LASER LDM series distance meters allowing the real time display of the measurement made by the LASER distance meter.

The visualization takes place on a giant display, visible even from a great distance, or transmitted to remote terminals through Wi-Fi networks or Ethernet networks.

All the displayed measurements can be compared with tolerance thresholds in order to generate alarms in case of out-of-tolerance when certain thresholds are exceeded or visual signals able to guide the operator to any adjustment operations (red value represents an out-of-tolerance value, yellow represents a warning signal, green value the measurement is acceptable).

Typical applications

  • Checking the diameter of coils and coils
  • Size measurement of billets, blooms and slabs
  • Position control of overhead cranes with anti-collision or parallelism control function
  • Loop control on unwinders and winders
  • Position measurement of trolleys
  • Measurement of cutting position on mobile carriages

Products used in this application

LDM40 series LASER distance meters

  • LASER distance meters for distance measurements up to 30 meters on natural surfaces or 100 meters on reflective surfaces
  • Power supply 12-24 Vdc
  • Analogue, RS232, RS422, Profinet, Profibus and Ethernet / IP interfaces
  • Visible LASER emitter (red) with safety class 2
  • Accuracy up to +/- 1 mm and resolution up to 0.1 mm
  • Wide range of accessories for high temperature environments or for environments with high contaminants

CodeModelDescription
15-09-96
LDM42A-RS422
LDM42 series LASER distance meter with RS422 serial port and 50 Hz response time

redam roder remote monitors for remote monitoring of physical process quantities

REDAM series giant monitor

  • Giant monitor in 32, 40, 55 inch or larger format
  • 230 Vac power supply
  • HDMI interfaces for direct connection with Logobrain series RODER devices
  • Standard VESA connection for wall or control console mounting
CodeModelDescription
XX-XX-XXREDAM-32P-MON32 inch monitor with VESA connection and HDMI video input
XX-XX-XXREDAM-40P-MON40 inch monitor with VESA connection and HDMI video input
XX-XX-XXREDAM-55P-MON55 inch monitor with VESA connection and HDMI video input
XX-XX-XXREDAM-32P-TV32-inch TV with VESA connection and HDMI video input
XX-XX-XXREDAM-40P-TV40-inch TV with VESA connection and HDMI video input
XX-XX-XXREDAM-55P-TV55-inch TV with VESA connection and HDMI video input

LASER-Logobrain connection cables

  • Connection and power cable for RODER Logobrain systems and LDM series LASER distance meters
  • Single cable for powering the sensor and for data transmission
CodeModelDescription
XX-XX-XXLDM-CV-6P-05MPower and data transmission cable for LDM 5 meters long
XX-XX-XXLDM-CV-6P-10MPower and data transmission cable for LDM 10 meters long
XX-XX-XXLDM-CV-6P-20MPower and data transmission cable for LDM 20 meters long
XX-XX-XXLDM-CV-6P-30MPower and data transmission cable for LDM 30 meters long
XX-XX-XXLDM-CV-6P-40MPower and data transmission cable for LDM 40 meters long
XX-XX-XXLDM-CV-6P-50MPower and data transmission cable for LDM 50 meters long

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LOGOBRAIN LDM series electronic controller

  • Embedded electronic controller with integrated diskless and fanless processor
  • Standard power supply 12-24 Vdc
  • Connection interfaces with LASER distance meters and REDAM remote display systems
  • Per-installed software for quick and easy commissioning
  • Continuous monitoring of data from LASER distance meters or other types of sensors with serial data output
  • High strength aluminum container suitable for environments with high environmental contamination
CodeModelDescription
XX-XX-XXLGB-STD-422-24VLOGOBRAIN LDM series electronic controller with 24 VDC power supply and HDMI video output

Wall mounting bracket for monitor

  • Bracket for fixing to the wall, on a vertical column or on a support base (application on control console)
  • Standard VESA mount
  • High strength and stability

CodeModelDescription
XX-XX-XXHLD-100Wall or post mounting bracket with VESA 100 connection
XX-XX-XXHLD-200Wall or post mounting bracket with VESA 200 connection
XX-XX-XXHLD-300Wall or post mounting bracket with VESA 300 connection

Case for LDM40 series LASER distance meter protection

  • Protective case for LDM40 series LASER distance meters
  • Impact and dust protection
  • Active pressurization of the internal chamber to prevent the entry of solid contaminants or dust
  • Suitable for the protection of sensors, LASER distance meters, cameras or optical systems in general

CodeModelDescription
XX-XX-XXCST-200Protective case for LDM42 series LASER distance meters

Option for wireless installation

For applications where a wireless connection is required, or in applications where the distance between sensor and monitor is not easily manageable with a cable connection, it is possible to provide an additional kit that manages the Wi-Fi connection between the laser sensor and the monitor. display.

The Wi-Fi Connection Kit can use the normal existing IT connection infrastructure or create a new independent and autonomous wireless network, thus making the application completely independent from existing systems.

Typical applications of LASER distance meters

use of laser roder distance meters
  • Process monitoring in steel mills, rolling mills, shears, cutting lines, pickling lines.
  • Distance measurement on hot incandescent steel up to 1300 ° C
  • Level measurement in silos, heaps, storage rooms and warehouses
  • Position monitoring of cranes, transport and storage systems
  • Position monitoring of vehicles, means of transport and boats
  • Control of lifting systems
  • Lift height measurement and lift positioning
  • General distance measurement and position monitoring in automated warehouses
  • Measurement of the diameter of rolls, coils, coils
  • Distance measurement in mining, construction, forestry and material handling technologies
  • Detection of thickness, length and width of metal products
  • Measurement of the diameter of pipes and large artifacts
  • 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 and steel industry
  • Cutting position measurement for saws and miter saws
  • Material feed control on presses for molding
  • Measurement of winding or unwinding of material on reel or accumulation drums
  • Loop control in cutting lines and slitter
  • Measurement of speed and position on moving targets
  • Level control of paints, glues and chemicals in tanks and drums
  • Measurement and control of the position of ships in port or approaching the quay

Other applications with LASER distance meters

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

The LASER distance meter allows a precise and fast measurement even of liquid products where the surface reflection index is such as to allow the detection of the LASER spot.

The LASER distance meter is a valid substitute for the traditional contact float or ultrasonic wave detector.


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 sections 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 color change or change of surface appearance

Real-time measurement of reel diameter during winding or unwinding operations.

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 dimensions (thickness, width, length) of slabs, blooms and billets both at room temperature and at high temperatures.

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


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 color and reflectivity variations allows you to measure distance, position and oscillation even on very different objects. The use of intelligent data loggers allows for constant and continuous monitoring even over observation periods of weeks or months.

The remote data transmission also allows the monitoring of multiple measuring points or multiple structures from a single observation and control point.



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 color and reflectivity variations allows you to measure distance, position and oscillation even on very different objects.

The use of intelligent data loggers allows for constant and continuous monitoring even over observation periods of weeks or months.

The remote data transmission also allows the monitoring of multiple measuring points or multiple structures from a single observation and control point.


Technical characteristics of REDAM-LDM systems

REDAM-LDM series systems are suitable for the realization of measurement and control applications in industrial, geological, railway and port areas

  • Wide sensing distances
  • Distance measurements up to 30 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
  • Data output 4-20 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 with Wi-Fi wireless networks

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.


Learn more about LASER distance meters

The LASER LDM family of distance meters consists of a series of optoelectronic distance measuring devices for industrial applications with analogue interface (from 4 mA to 20 mA) or digital (Ethernet, Profinet, Profibus, RS232, RS422).

The LDM series LASER distance meters are used for the precise measurement of distances from a few meters to three kilometers. The distance measurement represents aconsolidated application for laser technology.

These optical sensors use LASER (pulse or modulated) light to measure distances, heights, lengths, levels and positions in a non-contact process. To achieve this, all components work together in a perfectly coordinated overall system.

Measuring principle

The LASER distance meters consist of a laser emitter, an optical transmission and reception system, photosensitive semiconductors and sophisticated electronics with algorithms for time measurement or phase measurement.

Different optoelectronic principles are used for the determination of the measurement, such as time of flight, phase comparison and LASER pulse with back-mixing. These different methods allow singles accurate measurements to the millimeter and measuring ranges up to several hundred meters.

Reliable and accurate measurements

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

The LASER distance meters proposed by RODER use visible or invisible optical radiation and are classified in compliance with the regulations in force in class 1 or 2 (safe classes for operation even without protective glasses).

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

With the REDAM-LDM family of remote displays it is also possible to monitor processes with multipoint sensors and with a multi sensory acquisition network.