M3DS 3D Sensors – Precise 3D Data for Robotics and Inspection
The M3DS series 3D sensors generate detailed 3D point clouds for demanding applications in industrial image processing, robotics and quality control. They precisely capture the shape, position and height information of objects and thus reliably evaluate complex geometries, different object positions and the finest details. In addition, the intensity and confidence image provide information on the intensity of the received light and the quality of the individual measuring points. Integrated filters prepare the 3D point cloud directly in the sensor.
M3DS 3D Sensors at a glance
Two methods for different measuring tasks
Detailed point clouds with high resolution
False color representation, confidence and intensity images
Model variants for small and large measuring volumes
GenICam interface and SDK for flexible integration
Rugged Housing with IP67 Degree of Protection
Stripe and Phase Method for Different Requirements
Depending on the measuring task, you can choose between the stripe and phase method. The stripe method is suitable for robust data capture on reflective metal surfaces or short exposure times. The phase method enables the detailed mapping of the finest height differences and surface structures.
Additional Image Information for Comprehensive Evaluation
In addition to the 3D point cloud, the sensor provides a confidence image that visualizes the quality of each individual measurement point. Uncertain or incomplete measuring ranges become immediately visible and allow precise evaluation of the captured 3D data.
The intensity image represents the surface reflection as a high-resolution gray value image. Together, the 3D point cloud, confidence and intensity image provide geometric and optical information for identification, inspection and quality control.
Fast Data Processing Directly in the Sensor
The high pick-up speed enables reliable detection at short cycle and cycle times. Since the complete computation of the 3D point cloud takes place directly in the sensor, no separate graphics card or external computing hardware is required. The 3D data is transferred to the downstream systems via the 1 to 10 Gbit/s Ethernet interface. This simplifies the system architecture, reduces the integration effort and enables efficient integration into demanding production processes.
Detailed 3D Data Through High Resolutions
Robust 3D Sensors for Industrial Environments
Temperature Stability
Precise 3D measurements require measurement results that remain stable regardless of ambient conditions. Active heating and cooling with integrated fan ensures that the sensor reaches its optimal operating temperature faster and keeps it constant. This shortens warm-up times, minimizes temperature deviations and ensures long-term reproducible measurement results.
Shock and Vibration Resistant
The robust mechanics and optics are designed specifically for use in industrial environments and ensure high reliability. Even in the event of vibrations, shocks or machine movements (e.g. on the robotic arm), the sensor delivers reliable and precise measurement results. This ensures stable operation even under demanding production conditions.
Dust and Water Protection
The IP67 degree of protection reliably protects the sensor against dust, dirt and temporary ingress of water. It is therefore particularly suitable for use in production areas with increased environmental influences, such as moisture or dust. The encapsulated design protects the sensitive sensors and contributes to high system availability and low-maintenance operation.
3D Sensors for Different Measuring Volumes
M3DS1 for Small Measuring Volumes
The M3DS1 series sensors have 5 and 12 megapixel resolutions and cover measuring volumes from 65 × 50 × 40 mm to 295 × 245 × 200 mm. They are suitable for applications with small objects or fine structures.
M3DS2 for Large Measuring Volumes
With measuring volumes of 590 × 490 × 400 mm to 1,300 × 1,000 × 1,000 mm, the M3DS2 series is optimally designed for large working ranges. This enables precise detection of boxes, pallets and larger objects.
Filter Options for Prepared 3D Data
Various filters can be applied directly in the sensor to the generated 3D point cloud. They remove irrelevant measurement points, reduce the amount of data and facilitate subsequent processing in the downstream system.
Median Filter
SOR Filter
Height Filter
The height filter limits the point cloud to a defined area and hides measurement points outside this area.
Quality Filter
Factory Calibration for Precise Measurement Results
The M3DS series sensors are factory calibrated and fully tested. As a result, full measuring accuracy is available immediately after initial startup without the need for additional calibration steps or regular recalibration. This reduces initial startup and maintenance and ensures stable and reproducible measurement results during operation.
Easy Initial Startup Thanks to Preconfigured Functions
The M3DS sensors offer various features that enable quick initial startup. Auto adjust, selectable speed and accuracy settings as well as predefined presets reduce set-up effort and make it easy to adjust for different measurement tasks.
Auto Adjust
Auto adjust automatically adjusts the most important recording parameters to the captured scene. This simplifies sensor configuration and ensures consistent 3D point cloud quality.
Speed or Accuracy
Depending on the application, 3D capture can be oriented to either a higher capture speed or increased measuring accuracy. This allows the sensor to be specifically adapted to short cycle times or particularly high accuracy requirements.
Presets
Dark objects
Coordinated parameters support the capture of dark and light-absorbing surfaces to ensure stable signal capture and complete 3D point clouds.
Reflective objects
Specially tuned settings reduce overexposure and measurement artifacts on reflective or metallic surfaces.
Transparent objects
Optimized recording parameters minimize the effects of light penetration and scattering in translucent materials.
High accuracy
This setting maximizes the measuring accuracy and quality of the point clouds for precise measurement and inspection tasks.
Easy Integration in Industrial Systems
GenICam
Thanks to support for the GenICam standard, the 3D sensors can be seamlessly integrated into existing machine vision systems. The standardized parameterization reduces the integration effort and enables integration into software solutions such as MVTec HALCON, NeuroCheck and other GenICam-compatible image processing systems across manufacturers.
Software Development Kit
Integration into Robotic Applications
The M3DS sensors can be easily integrated into applications such as bin picking, pick-and-place or robot guidance with prepared calibration examples. Functions such as hand-eye calibration enable precise spatial assignment between 3D sensor and robot. Example projects based on the SDK support implementation and reduce the integration effort.
Program Examples on GitHub
Reference implementations and sample projects for the integration of the 3D sensors are available on GitHub. The solution approaches provided can be used as a starting point for your own applications.
Applications with 3D Sensors
3D Sensors for Robot Guidance
3D Sensors for Inspection Tasks
3D Surface Inspection of Die-Cast Motor Housings
In the production of die-cast aluminum housings for electric motors, quality inspection of the castings must be ensured down to the micrometer range. To this end, geometric parameters are inspected in three dimensions using light in a fully automated process. The resulting 3D point clouds provide information on all inspection values of the object, thereby enabling a seamless quality check.
Mixed Packaging Palletizing in Logistics
Packaging palletizing automatically arranges cartons of various sizes and shapes into stable pallets. At the infeed, 3D sensors capture the dimensions, position, and orientation of the cartons. A second system monitors the construction of the pallet. The 3D data enables the robot controller to place the cartons precisely and operate without collisions.
