High precision sensors in medical technology and pharmaceutical production

Stents play a critical role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. To ensure their functionality, precise adherence to the diameter is crucial. Optical micrometer sensors from Micro-Epsilon perform diameter checks and wire inspections of the stents during and after production, ensuring the highest level of quality assurance. The shadow cast principle even allows transparent materials to be measured accurately.

One-sided thickness measurement of tubes and membranes

The thickness of medical technology products can be measured using confocal chromatic sensors. The confocal sensors measure the wall thickness of transparent materials such as tubes, membranes and balloons, from just one side and deliver accuracy in the micrometre range. Uniform wall thickness is essential for the durability and function of tubes. The sensors measure the thickness without contact and so ensure consistently high quality during production, as they have no influence on the material.

The confocalDT sensor series from Micro-Epsilon defines the standard for maximum precision and dynamics in confocal chromatic measurement technology. Due to a wide range of sensors and interface options, this series is suitable for various measurement applications in medical technology. The confocalDT systems are characterised by their fast measuring rates, which are specially designed for dynamic measurement tasks. Dynamic control of the exposure of the CCD line in the controller continuously adapts to the colour and reflectivity changes of the measuring object, which significantly optimises the measurement accuracy even at high speeds. With sensor sizes starting at a diameter of just 4 mm, the confocalDT systems enable easy integration even in confined installation spaces. The availability of models with a 90° angle also reduces the required installation depth, which facilitates installation in complex machine arrangements. The measuring systems offer different aperture angles, whereby models with a large aperture angle or a high numerical aperture enable a particularly small light spot as well as excellent lateral (X-Y) and vertical (Z) resolution. Even the smallest of details can be detected with extreme precision.

Draw-wire displacement sensors are used for position monitoring, for example, when moving patient couches. Sensors with potentiometer output are used for tasks that require medium accuracy. Draw-wire sensors with absolute or incremental encoders are used for high precision measurements such as those required in computer tomographs.

Draw-wire sensors provide an effective solution for measuring displacement, distance and position with an impressive measuring range of up to 50,000 mm. These sensors are particularly well suited for use in hard-to-reach places, which makes them indispensable in many industrial applications. They enable accurate measurements even under demanding conditions. In addition, they are characterised by simple, quick and flexible installation, which makes them ideal for various applications, including customer-specific configurations.

The compact design of the sensor housing contrasts with its large measuring range, which makes the sensors particularly versatile. They also ensure a high level of operational reliability and a long service life.

During pharmaceutical tablet production, different concentrations of active ingredients influence the tablet colours. The ACS7000 colour measuring system from Micro-Epsilon precisely detects subtle colour differences, which enables the composition of the active tablet ingredients to be continuously checked during production.

colorCONTROL ACS7000 is one of the most advanced inline colour measuring systems in the world. The measuring system not only recognises reference colours by comparison, but also identifies individual colours clearly from their coordinates in the colour space. Due to its very high measurement speed, the colorCONTROL ACS7000 is suitable for applications where colours and shades must be examined on-the-fly and to very high accuracies. Due to the very high measuring accuracy, the system is also used in laboratories. Different sensor models are available to suit various measurement tasks.

There are numerous other applications in medical technology where colours are measured with high precision in order to automate and accelerate processes while maximising the level of quality. The colorSENSOR CFO is a highly developed controller, specially designed for precise colour detection tasks. This series impresses with its high colour accuracy and modern interfaces, combined with intuitive user guidance. CFS sensors are connected to a controller with integrated fibre optic cables and can be specially configured for different measurement tasks.

In medical technology, the colorSENSOR CFO is used, for example, for colour detection of interior parts such as headrests for couches, packaging control and for sorting medical components by colour, such as closures or labels. It offers a high measuring speed of up to 30 kHz, making it ideal for dynamic processes. Fast output of measured values (Lab/XYZ) up to a frequency of 500 Hz and a large colour memory enable the management of different test batches with extraordinary precision, with a colour accuracy of ΔE ≤ 0.3.

The CFO offers a choice of colour spaces, including XYZ, xyY, Lab*, Luv* or u'v'L*, and uses a white light LED as the light source. The available interfaces include Ethernet and RS232, as well as additional USB ports. Additional interfaces such as Modbus (TCP/RTU) and gateways for PROFINET, Ethernet/IP and EtherCAT are also available.

The controller is also characterised by a robust aluminium housing and IP65 protection rating, which makes it particularly resistant to environmental influences. Customer-specific calibrations are also possible in order to meet specific requirements in medical technology.

The SOLOASSIST II is a product from AKTORmed, which is part of the Micro-Epsilon Group. It offers numerous advantages for medical practice. With this device, the endoscope can be positioned stably and vibration-free to produce a wobble-free image that allows the surgeon to work without fatigue. It is easy to operate using a joystick or voice control, which makes handling intuitive.

The SOLOASSIST is characterised by uncomplicated handling and rapid operational readiness. It enhances the image of a clinic with its innovative technology. The SOLOASSIST is always available as an assistant, even outside normal working hours. It is easy to integrate and compatible with all standard operating tables and endoscopes. This enables seamless integration into the existing workflow. The SOLOASSIST also relieves valuable staff by taking over static endoscope guidance, leaving more demanding tasks to the assistant. By taking the pressure off the resident during endoscope guidance, he or she can follow the trainer's explanations more closely and be integrated as a fully-fledged team member at an early stage.

For more information, please visit www.micro-epsilon.co.uk or call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email info@~@micro-epsilon.co.uk