Sensors & Applications Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing

High-precision position monitoring

Monitoring the tilted squeegee Capacitive sensors monitor the position of the squeegee. Two synchronized sensors measure with high resolution both ends of the squeegee to provide exact statements about its tilt angle. This is to ensure that the powder bed has been pulled off evenly. capaNCDT 6200 ■ Capacitive multi-channel measuring system for machine position monitoring ■ Displacement and distance measurements down to the nanometer with measuring ranges from 0.05 to 10 mm ■ High frequency response for dynamic measurements ■ Ideal for long-term stable measurements ■ Multi-channel controller for...

Position monitoring of printing processes

Detection of platform tilt and position Draw-wire displacement sensors are used to continuously check the tilting of girder platforms. The sensors are mounted outside the pressure chamber. The measuring wire is guided into the pressure chamber via deflection pulleys. Therefore, this design is also suitable for environments with high temperatures and dust formation. The compact sensors have large measuring ranges and can therefore detect the tilt even if the position of the platform varies. Sensor: wireSENSOR MK Print-head calibration in Z-axis direction To obtain repeatable print results, the...

Monitoring of printing processes

High-precision sensors for print head tracking Precise positioning of the print head is particularly necessary for 3D printing of complex components as well as for PCB printing. Confocal sensors are used to check positioning with submicrometer accuracy. These detect the distance with the highest precision and high measuring rate. This also allows dynamic pressure processes to be controlled. Sensor: confocalDT Temperature measurement of the powder bed and the carrier platform In certain 3D printing processes, the powder bed is heated to ensure defined processing temperatures. Miniature thermoMETER...

optoNCDT 1420 ■ Powerful laser displacement sensor for print head control ■ Measuring rate of 8 kHz for precise and high speed measurements ■ Compact sensor design with integrated controller ■ Robust and long-life design

Glue bead measurement in dispensing systems After the reflow soldering process, glue is applied on some points to protect the circuit. The glue bead thickness is a critical factor that is reliably inspected using laser sensors. Sensor: optoNCDT 1420 High-resolution fine positioning when printing PCBs With printing, soldering and assembly processes of printed circuit boards, the exact height positioning of the print head is crucial for a flawless process. optoNCDT laser sensors enable precise positioning of the print head. Regardless of surface reflections, these sensors provide precise measurement...

■ Compact laser scanner with integrated controller ■ High profile frequency for dynamic measurements ■ Synchronization enables multi-scanner applications ■ Various measuring ranges ■ Blue Laser Technology for high precision with various

Robot path calculation in repair welding processes In order to calculate the robot path, scanCONTROL laser scanners determine the areas that need to be welded. Providing a high profile resolution and profile frequency, these laser scanners enable quick repairs. Sensor: scanCONTROL 3060 High-precision 3D measurement in final inspection To check the dimensional accuracy of printed components, surfaceCONTROL 3D sensors are used. These generate highresolution snapshots of the components in a very short timeframe. The powerful 3DInspect software evaluates and outputs the point clouds. Sensor: surfaceCONTROL...

Sensors and systems for displacement, distance and position Sensors and measurement devices for non-contact temperature measurement Measuring and inspection systems for metal strips, plastics and rubber Optical micrometers and fiber optics, measuring and test amplifiers Color recognition sensors, LED analyzers and inline color spectrometers 3D measurement technology for dimensional testing and surface inspection More Precision Whether it is for quality assurance, predictive maintenance, process and machine monitoring, automation or R&D – sensors from Micro-Epsilon make a vital contribution to...