LaserSpeed Pro – Metals
Non-contact Measurement of Speed and Length

Overview
Over the last 30 years, LaserSpeed® gauges have set the standard of innovation for accuracy and reliability for length and speed measurement. With over 8,000 installations worldwide in all types of in-process applications. For the metals industry, this includes applications in continuous casting, hot and cold rolling, temper and skin pass mills, pipe, tube, bar and rod, coil and strip.
LaserSpeed Pro provides a non-contact method to measure process speed and length and is a direct replacement of existing contact rollers and rotary encoders to improve accuracy and reliability of in-process measurement. The LaserSpeed Pro models are the most accurate gauges available on the market today delivering an accuracy of better than ±0.03% and repeatability of ±0.02% on any material irrespective of the surface properties or temperature. The LaserSpeed Pro embraces Industry 4.0 connectivity which means integrating more easily than ever into production networks for providing real-time data exchange and for improving process control and efficiency.
LaserSpeed Applications
Elongation/differential speed measurement | Coil length or speed measurement | Cut-to-length control |
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Hot section saw control | Tube length measurement | Continuous caster speed & length measurement |
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Billet or section length measurement | Process speed or stretch levelling | Forward/reverse positioning applications |
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Operating Principle
LaserSpeed Pro gauges use the principle of dual-beam laser Doppler velocimetry combined with autocorrelation algorithm to delivery outstanding ability to track minute rapid changes in surface speed. The gauge uses the latest solid state technology with no moving parts providing a stable measurement and permanently calibration.
Applications
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LaserSpeed® pedigree
LaserSpeed gauges measure the speed and length of any products using an optical, non-contact technology called Dual Beam Laser Doppler Velocimetry. LaserSpeed gauges were first introduced to the metals industry in 1984 and have been growing in usage ever since. There are now over 8,000 of LaserSpeed gauges installed worldwide There is a wide range of models to suit every application whether measuring hot or cold materials.
High performance
A breakthrough in electro-optics design enables LaserSpeed gauges to produce highly accurate, non-contact speed and length measurements at a reasonable cost. To accomplish this the LaserSpeed gauge uses Laser Doppler Velocimeter technology coupled with autocorrelation, the most advanced, digital signal processing algorithm and a new single-chip integrated circuit technology. LaserSpeed gauges have no moving parts, use 100% solid-state digital technology, and are permanently calibrated – resulting in significant time and money savings.
Replace contact tachometers
With an accuracy better than ±0.03%, irrespective of the material, temperature, surface or speed the LaserSpeed is ideal for replacing traditional contact tachometers that are prone to measurement errors caused by slippage, dirt build-up, and day-to-day wear problems.
Measure zero speed and direction
The LaserSpeed LS9500 models use an enhanced version of autocorrelation, coupled with an Acusto-Optical modulator that enables the gauges to measure down to zero speed and automatic direction detection. These gauges are ideal for measuring the length of material on start/stop processes such as sawing lines. The gauge can even track forward or reverse movement without affecting the length accuracy.
Suitable for harsh environments
All LaserSpeed gauges are extremely rugged with a sealed IP67 housing with built-in air/water cooling facility. For use within a mill environment with extremes of heat, steam and spray additional levels of protection are provided by the E or X versions of the gauge.
LaserSpeed Pro LS8500 & LS9500
Features | Benefits |
Non-contact measurement | Materials that are impossible or difficult to measure with traditional contact methods due to slip or wear can now be measured accurately |
No maintenance | There is no wear compared with contact roll measuring systems, significantly reducing running costs and on-going maintenance |
High accuracy | Measuring to better than ±0.03% means better process control and saving in material and better quality |
Rugged construction | Suitable for use in any mill environment |
explication Permanent calibration | Reduces running costs as frequent recalibration is not required |
Industry 4.0 connectivity | Easy integration to industrial data networks |
LaserTrak software | Supplied with simple Windows software to configure the sensor |
Options & accessories | Large range of accessories means that the sensors are suitable for most applications straight out of the box |
LaserSpeed Pro LS8500 & LS9500 model versions
LS8500 LS9500 | The base sensor for all the models in the LaserSpeed series of gauges. Accuracy is better than ± 0.05%, with built-in electronics. The LS9500 model can measure zero speed and determine the direction the material is moving. | ![]() |
LS8500E LS9500E | The base sensor housed in a second rugged housing for double sealed protection against hot and hostile environments. The LS9500E model can measure zero speed and determine the direction the material is moving. | ![]() |
LS8500X LS9500X | This version offers the ultimate protection where heavy steam, mist and spray occurs. Housed in stainless steel air-purged housing. Suitable for use directly in the mill. | ![]() |
LS8500C | This version is designed to mount directly inside a C-frame of an X-ray thickness gauge. Adjustable mount means that the stand off can be optimised to suit the application. | ![]() |
LaserSpeed Pro LS8000 & 9000 specification
Model | Stand off (mm) |
Depth of field (mm) |
Measuring range (m/min) (LS9500) |
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LS8500-403 / LS9500-403 | 300 | 35 | 0.4…40000 / (0…±4000) | |
LS8500-406 / LS9500-406 | 600 | 50 | 0.8…80000 / (0… ±8000) | |
LS8500-410 / LS9500-410 | 1000 | 100 | 1.0…120000 / (0… ±12000) | |
LS8500-415 / LS9500-415 | 1500 | 200 | 2.0…190000 / (0… ±19000) | |
LS8500-420/ LS9500-420 | 2000 | 200 | 3.0…200000 / (0… ±20000) | |
LS8500-425 / LS9500-425 | 2500 | 200 | 4.0-200000 / (0… ±20000) | |
Accuracy DoF < 100 mm (DoF > 100 mm) | <±0.03% of reading (<±0.07% of reading) | |||
Repeatability | ±0.02% | |||
Measuring rate LS8500 (LS9500) | >50,000/sec (>100,000/sec) | |||
Acceleration rate | >500 m/s² | |||
Measuring rate | 1-64 ms user programmable | |||
Serial I/O | RS232 & RS422, speed, length, quality factor, status | |||
Quadrature pulse output 1 | Selectable pulse rate up to 250 kHz | |||
Quadrature pulse output 2 | RS-422 drivers, Selectable pulse rate up to 5 MHz | |||
Analogue output | 0-2V velocity or QF | |||
Ethernet (optional) | 10/100 UDP, TCP, speed, length, Quality factor, status | |||
Fieldbus | Ethernet (Modbus TCP, Ethernet IP, Profinet IO); Profibus DP | |||
Gauge power LS8000 (LS9000) | 24VDC (±4) @ 1.5 Amp (24VDC (±4) @ 2.0 Amp) | |||
Gauge temperature | 5 to 45 °C | |||
Gauge size (-403, -406) | 203 x 159 x 97.5 mm | |||
Gauge size (-415, -420, -425, 430 models) | 229 x 159 x 97.5 mm | |||
Degree of protection (all models) | IP67 |