gapCONTROL for gap measurement

The laser scanners of the gapCONTROL series record, measure and evaluate gaps on very different target surfaces. With gapCONTROL, Micro-Epsilon offers a measurement system specially matched to the demands of gap measurement. The gapCONTROL Setup Software makes configuration of gapCONTROL sensors fast and easy. No matter if gap measurement is required for quality control, manufacturing processes or automation, the different types of sensors always provide the best solution.

The sensors of the gapCONTROL series differ in the measuring range. The selection of the adequate sensor is effected according to the resolution reqiurements and the gap width to measure.

The gapCONTROL Setup Software which comes with the gapCONTROL sensors offers a fast possibility to parametrise the gapCONTROL sensors, define measurements and output measurement values. Special importance was attached to simple user guidance and usability.

	gapCONTROL 2611-25/2911-25	gapCONTROL 2611-50/2911-50	gapCONTROL 2611-100/2911-100
Reference resolution	2µm	4µm	12µm
Typical gap width	up to 10mm	up to 20mm	up to 50mm
Typical field of acquisition (width x height)	25x26mm	50x60mm	100x265mm
Output of measurement values	Modbus TCP (Ethernet) Modbus RTU (RS422 interface) ASCII-Format (RS422 interface) Analogue (via optional Output-Unit) Digitale switching signals (via optional Output-Unit)

	gapCONTROL 2711-25	gapCONTROL 2711-50	gapCONTROL 2711-100
Reference resolution	4µm	10µm	15µm
Typical gap width	up to 10mm	up to 20mm	up to 50mm
Typical field of acquisition (width x height)	25 x 40mm	50 x 100mm	100 x 300mm
Output of measurement values	Modbus TCP (Ethernet) Modbus RTU (RS422-interface) ASCII-format (RS422-interface) Analogue out (via optional Output-Unit) Digital switching signals (via optional Output-Unit)

Different types of gaps

Edgeless gap

With an edgeless gap, the two objects possess a clearly defined end point. These two points are used as references when calulating the gap. The two objects need not be arranged on the same plane. They can freely vary in their spatial position. The distance between the two end points is always given as the output.

Typical applications:

Welding processes
Joining processes
Measuring flushness
Proximity monitoring

Typical values measured:

Gap width
Height differences
Centre position

Projected gap

The projection gap consists of two objects that are arranged at an angle to each other. The gap clearance is typically pre-determined by an edge. The user defines the length of the gap by means of the gapCONTROL Setup Software.Often the term "projected gap" is used as one edge is projected onto the second in order to obtain a defined gap measurement.

Typical applications:

Welding processes
Joining processes
Measuring flushness
Proximity monitoring
Collision avoidance

Typical values measured:

Gap width
Minimum distance
Angle

General gap

For this kind of gap the ends of the measuring object are not predefined. The point at which the gap measurement starts is set by the software. To do so, either points are defined on the profile or projected points are defined with a straight line reference.

Typical applications:

Production control
Joining processes
Measuring flushness
Proximity monitoring

Typical values measured:

Definition of straight line references
Projecting measuring points from profile

V-gap

The V-gap is often used during pipeline welding processes. When assembling the two ends of a pipeline, the ends have to be aligned to each other as exactly as possible. To produce a stable weld seam, the flanks are prepared to form a "V" and then welded together, step by step. For automatic welding it is important to know the current filling level, the gap width and the centre of the gap.The exact guidance of the welding head is determined from this data. The most important characteristics can be selected, calcualted in one measurement and then output.

Typical applications: