Empty Box Check on Conveyor Lines via 2D/3D Profile Sensors
In logistics centers, shipping boxes are transported to the packaging station via a conveyor line. It must be ensured that no residual particles are present in the boxes. For this purpose, a 2D/3D profile sensor is installed above the conveyor belt, which checks the passing boxes for content. The data is evaluated using the uniVision image processing software. If residual particles are detected, the crate is sorted out. The sensor detects residual particles regardless of the color.

Biomass Volume Calculation in Industrial Heating Systems with 2D/3D Profile Sensor
Volumetric flow measurements of the biomass are carried out to optimize the efficiency of industrial biomass heating systems during the ongoing process. The calculation of the volume can be used to draw conclusions about the energy quality of wood chips or rice husks, for example, and thus optimize the energy efficiency of the boiler. A 2D/3D profile sensor is installed above the conveyor line for this purpose, which generates a 2D height profile of the biomass. Together with the belt speed, the volume can be calculated using 3D software.

Determining the Ideal Packing Volume of Shipping Boxes Using 2D/3D Profile Sensors
Packing volume plays a key role in large logistics centers. Logistics experts must therefore determine the minimum volume required for final packaging in order to reduce storage costs, save filling material and ultimately define the right size for the outer packaging. For this purpose, the highest point of the object is determined via a 2D/3D profile sensor before the packaging process. The box is then individually reduced and sealed. In addition to the highest point, the profile sensor detects the position of the lid flap to accurately identify the box format.

Inline Length Measurement of Wood Battens in Sawmills with 2D/3D Profile Sensors
Before the packaging process, cut and planed wood battens are precisely measured for length in large sawmills. For this purpose, two 2D/3D profile sensors are installed on the side above, which detect the battens during lateral transport via laser triangulation. For improved accuracy, the recording frequency is increased and average values are then calculated. The measurement data from the two sensors is now combined using the VisionApp 360 software and output as an overall length value – fully automated at high conveyor speeds of over 200 objects per minute.

Volume Calculation of Potato Rösti on Conveyor Belt with 2D/3D Profile Sensor
In the production of potato rösti, the exact ratio of salt to raw potato mass must be determined. Before adding salt, the volume of the rösti mass must be calculated. A 2D/3D profile sensor in stainless steel housing (IP69K degree of protection) mounted above the conveyor belt first generates a 2D height profile via laser triangulation. Its evaluation is carried out using uniVision software, which, in combination with the belt speed, calculates the volume. This ultimately allows the calculation of the amount of salt required.

Contour Measurement of Car Seats with 2D/3D Profile Sensor
When manufacturing car seats for passenger cars, it is important to ensure that the position of the side cushions and spine cushions is identical on each seat and conforms to the specifications. For this purpose, the seats mounted on a carrier system are automatically measured on a test station from top to bottom by a 2D/3D profile sensor. Symmetries are evaluated, contours measured, the filling rate recorded or seams and the position of the seat detected. Every product can be checked and corrected before final assembly.

Positioning of Liquid Steel Tubes at 1,300 °C with 2D/3D Profile Sensors
In foundries or blast furnaces, steel tubes which liquid steel passes through must be recorded to micrometer accuracy for quality control at temperatures up to 1,300 °C to detect their position. A 2D/3D profile sensor which tracks the red-hot tube is installed on the robot arm for this purpose. An appropriate cooling housing enables accurate measurement even at extreme temperatures. Thanks to the safe, certified laser shutdown, the sensor can remain on when the safety circuit is broken, thus avoiding long restart times.

Height and Angle Measurement of Ice Cream Cups via 2D/3D Profile Sensors
After ice cream is filled cups, it has to be checked that the applied cardboard lids are present and in the correct position. A 2D/3D profile sensor with IP69K degree of protection detects the entire width of the production line via laser triangulation – and thus all tracks of the conveyor technology simultaneously. Both the presence as well as the cup height and the angle of the placed lids are precisely measured – to the nearest millimeter. Web-based visualization directly on the system reports the status of the results.

Rough Edge Detection in Longitudinal Transport in Sawmills via 2D/3D Profile Sensors
Wooden boards from the edge area of the tree trunk often have sharp-edged areas, so-called rough edges, before being cut in woodworking centers. In order to keep the waste as low as possible, it is necessary to accurately detect this rough edge – before it is cut off by the saw. For this purpose, the boards are measured in longitudinal transport via a 2D/3D profile sensor from below and from above via laser triangulation. The optimal saw position is then set using the measurement results. The sensors also detect the thickness, length and width of the board.

Profile and Diameter Testing of Used Tires with 2D/3D Profile Sensors
Used car tires on fleet vehicles are often in good condition so that they can continue to be used. To precisely determine the tread depth, diameter and radius of these tires, special test systems are used with 2D/3D profile sensors installed on the sides and overhead. During rotation, the tires and their tread are measured with micrometer accuracy by laser triangulation. If the tires still have a sufficient tread depth, they can continue to be used. If the tread has worn down too much, they are recycled. Large quantities of tires can be checked thanks to the high measuring rate.

Measurement of Half-Carcases of Pigs for Classification Using 2D/3D Profile Sensors
In large-scale slaughterhouses, the half-carcases of pigs must be classified into different categories – depending on the thickness of different parts such as leg or shoulder ham or lean meat. For this purpose, the halves, which are transported securely on hooks, are guided continuously through a test station, where four 2D/3D profile sensors measure the lateral contours of the halves. The blue light sensors with a large measuring range detect the objects with micrometer accuracy. VisionApp 360 software combines the individual 3D data into a point cloud, which is then used to classify the carcases.

Counting Baked Goods with 2D/3D Profile Sensors
To ensure the quality of baked goods and reduce waste, these goods must be monitored and counted during production. This is made possible by a 2D/3D profile sensor, which detects and counts different types of bread products after the freezing process – regardless of their position, including sideways or upside down. Several tens of thousands of objects are detected per hour with a precision of +/–0.1 percent via laser triangulation. The bread type and the counter values are configured via an Ethernet interface and controlled via a touch display on the system.