Published 10/7/2010

Laser-Based, Non-Contact Surface Roughness Measurement

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

Schmitt Industries says its Lasercheck line of surface roughness measurement gages uses patented laser “light scatter” technology to provide surface roughness measurement with durability, speed and repeatability. Suited for a range of industrial applications, the gages measure to smoother than 1 microinch in a fraction of a second. Featuring a durable design, the surface roughness gages are made specifically for “point of measurement,” online use in production and manufacturing environments.

The fully automated system features a choice of measurement head sizes and a controller with touchscreen display to ease data entry, the company says. Data output options include USB flash memory, RS 232/485 or Ethernet. According to the company, the system is easy to set up, calibrate and use. It can perform non-contact, in-process roughness measurements in micron, microinch, RMS or Ra output values right at the machine without interrupting the manufacturing operation. The system’s one-time setup and calibration eliminates maintenance as well as re-calibration time and cost, the company says.

The system enables operators on the production floor to easily and quickly check products, ensuring process and quality control, the company says. A full line of accessories are available, including mounting fixtures, a touch-panel mounting arm, proximity sensors and feedback electronics for process adjustment and automatic rejection of bad parts.

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