Laser micrometers are used extensively by modern manufacturing plants for in-process diameter measurement on many types of products, such as:
The ability of laser micrometers to deliver in-process diameter measurement leads to higher-quality products that comply with precise specifications. Laser micrometers are also instrumental in reducing direct costs from faster production times and lower raw material usage.
The History of Laser Micrometers
In the 1970s, the Techmet Company pioneered the world’s first laser-scanning micrometer — a device they aptly named “LaserMike”. Fast forward to the early 1990s, the Techmet Company would undergo multiple changes, rebranding to LaserMike Inc. and being acquired by a new parent company.
Due to the wide adoption of laser micrometers in manufacturing and other industrial companies, the LaserMike brand would ultimately become synonymous with the term laser micrometer.
Laser Micrometers: Driving Breakthroughs in Laser Diameter Measurement
Traditionally, cylindrical parts were measured with a micrometer — a mechanical hand-held device comprised of:
- Precision-calibrated screw
- A graduated scale
- Anvils that lightly touch the surface being measured.
The invention of the laser micrometer enabled the non-contact measurement of the diameter of cylindrical parts with unparalleled precision. This development would open the floodgates for measurement applications where traditional contact micrometers were unsuitable. This includes processes such as measuring soft materials — when a contact measurement device would deform the measured object.
Furthermore, laser micrometers allowed manufacturers to continuously measure the diameter of manufactured objects in-process. This gave companies a breakthrough in manufacturing, allowing them to:
- Improve process control
- Reduce material usage
- Improve product quality through tight tolerancing.
But how exactly does a laser micrometer accomplish all this?
What Is a Laser Micrometer and What Does It Do?
| A laser micrometer is a device used for measuring the diameter of cylindrical objects. The laser principle means objects are measured at a high scanning frequency without contact.
The non-contact and rapid measurement rate of laser micrometers makes them particularly suitable for in-process measurement in modern manufacturing plants. |
Laser micrometers come in one, two, three and four-axis versions.
- As the name suggests, a single-axis gauge measures an object’s diameter in only one plane. It does not provide any information about the object’s shape or ovality.
- In contrast, a multiple-axis gauge provides both the diameter and ovality of the object being measured. Measuring the diameter of all axes allows manufacturers to get an average diameter — a useful measurement for objects that are not perfectly round.
What Is the Operating Principle of Laser Micrometers?
Laser micrometers use a “shadow” technique to measure the diameter of an object. A typical laser micrometer consists of a transmitter and a receiver.
TransmitterThe transmitter creates a parallel laser scan that is viewed by the receiver. When a round object is presented in the laser scan, a shadow is created that is the same size as the object. |
ReceiverThe receiver measures the shadow and displays this as the actual part diameter. The software then converts the data into accurate measurements. |
With their average measurement rate of more than 2,000 measurements per second, laser micrometers are ideal for measuring the diameter of objects on high-speed production lines. In addition, they can accurately measure vibrating products, such as on wire drawing lines.
The Importance of Precision Measurement in Manufacturing and Engineering
When manufacturing a product, all its components have dimensional tolerances that should be maintained. These tolerances are designed to ensure that the product will work as intended by the designer and is fit for purpose.
If the tolerances are not maintained, the product may not work as intended, and it could compromise the product’s quality, mechanical properties, or safe use. In other words, round or cylindrical products need to be accurately measured so they stay within upper and lower tolerances.
Manufacturing Scenario
Consider a cable manufacturer producing an electrical cable made from conducting wires sheathed in plastic insulation. The importance of maintaining correct diameters includes:
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Manufacturers can address these challenges by using a laser micrometer to measure the wire conductor diameter continuously during the manufacture to ensure it is produced to the correct diameter. Later in the process, the cable sheathing thickness can be monitored online. Measuring the diameter before and after sheathing with two laser micrometers allows the real-time measurement of the sheathing’s thickness.
Furthermore, once an accurate diameter measurement using laser micrometers has been deployed on a production line, smart manufacturers can use the measurements provided for automatic process control. This approach offers multiple advantages, including:
- Removing the need for manual intervention from operators
- Maintaining tighter diameter control
- Improving product quality
- Reducing material usage and scrap production.
Learn More about Laser Micrometers
Continuous in-process diameter measurement using laser micrometers enables manufacturers to improve efficiency and product quality. Learn more about laser micrometers through the links below:
- Learn more about how laser micrometers work
- Learn more about the different types of laser micrometers.
Explore Our Range of Laser Micrometers at LIMAB UK
Our team of product specialists at LIMAB UK can analyse the unique needs of your business and provide one-to-one support to find the best non-contact measurement solution for you. Request a consultation today by calling +44 (0)1823 668633, emailing hello@limab.co.uk or submitting a contact form.
