Non-Contact Gaging Systems Use Ultrasonic Sound Waves

Albion Devices offers a range of non-contact ultrasonic gaging and positioning systems that use air-coupled, pulse-echo acoustic technology. The gages are suitable for quality-control measurements including thickness, distance, position, perpendicularity, shape and orientation. Accuracy is 0.0005" over a dynamic range of 2.5" to 6.0", and the greater of ±0.2 percent of range or ±0.001" over a dynamic range of 6.0" to 18.0". A capacitive transducer transmits and receives a high-frequency unambiguous sound pulse for improved accuracy. Extensive signal processing is said to reduce environmental factors that affect the speed of sound in air.

On-board software enables the selection of sample rates for rapidly moving targets, high and low limits, relay configuration, echo selection, target filtering, and diagnostics. The controller and Windows-7-compatible software provide options to communicate with other devices. Other gaging options include parabolic mirrors for focusing, tilting mirrors for sound directional changes and shaded apertures for surface detail in cluttered backgrounds. Models featuring one or two ultrasonic sensor heads are available.