Albion Devices Introduces New Noncontact, Long Stand-Off Distance, Thickness and Position Gaging Systems
08/21/2013 - Albion Devices, Inc., an engineering firm specializing in precision measurement instrumentation, recently announced the introduction of its non-contact ultrasonic gaging and positioning systems.
These gages use air coupled, pulse echo acoustic technology which permits noncontact gauging for many industrial applications. Noncontact ultrasonic dimensional gauging applications include measurement of thickness, distance, position, perpendicularity, shape, and orientation. Accuracy is 0.0005 in. over a dynamic range of 2.5 to 6.0 in., and the greater of plus or minus 0.2% of range or +/- 0.001 in., over a dynamic range of 6.0 to 18.0 in. Accuracy is due to the development of an advanced technology capacitive transducer that transmits and receives a high frequency unambiguous sound pulse. In addition, environmental factors that affect the speed of sound in air have been largely eliminated through extensive signal processing. The controller and Windows 7 compatible software provide communications with other devices via several options. On board software permits the selection of sample rates for rapidly moving targets, high and low limits, relay configuration, echo selection, target filtering, and diagnostics. Other options for gauging include the use of parabolic mirrors for focusing, tilting mirrors for sound directional changes, and shaded apertures for surface detail in cluttered backgrounds.
In 2009 Albion Devices, Inc., acquired the non-contact gaging technology of Ultrasonic Arrays Inc., of Woodinville, Wash. Since then work has been in progress to update that technology for reintroduction using state-of-the-art hardware and software. As a result Albion is now pleased to announce the availability of the following new products:
Model UT 200: Noncontact Thickness or OD measurement
Includes: Two ultrasonic sensor heads, single controller with all boards and hardware to output thickness or OD measurement, standard Windows 7 compatible DigiSonic control and gaging software.
Model UI 210: Noncontact Internal measurement
Includes: Two ultrasonic sensor heads, single controller with all boards and hardware to output sum of measurement, standard Windows 7 compatible DigiSonic control and gaging software.
UT 200 and UI 210 Specifications, at stable temperature.
Range: 2.5 to 6 inches (0.0635 to 0.150 m)
Resolution: 0.0005 inch (0.0127 mm)
Repeatability: +/-0 .0005 inch (+/-0.0127 mm)
Outputs: RS232, RS 422, USB, Relay, 0 – 10 volts dc output range 0 to 18 inches (0 to .0572 m)
Model UD 100: Noncontact Distance, Position, Fill Level or Movement measurement
Includes: Single sensor, controller with all boards and hardware to output distance to target, standard Windows 7 compatible DigiSonic control and gaging software.
UD 100 Specifications, at stable temperature.
Range: 2.5 to 18 inches (0.0635 to 0.4572 m)
Resolution: 0 .0005 inch (0.0127 mm)
Repeatability: 0.02% of distance to target
Outputs: RS232, RS 422, USB, Relay, 0 – 10 volts dc output range 0 to 18 inches (0 to .0572 m)
With these new products Albion intends to offer industrial users reliable, noncontact means to control production of such items as particle board, acrylic sheets, plywood and glass, and to measure distances, movement and fill levels, among many potential quality control applications. The large spot size allows use on rough or holed surfaces. Spot size can be reduced by use of customized cones. Ultrasonic sound waves can be used on transparent materials and many surfaces on which other technologies are less effective.
Additional information can be viewed on Albion’s web site: http://www.albiondevices.com/Ultrasonic_Products.htm
