Non-contact Profilometry Machine Vision Systems
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Non-contact profilometry machine vision systems are advanced instruments designed to measure surface profiles, roughness, waviness, and other surface texture parameters without physically touching the surface. These systems utilize optical methods, such as light or laser scanning, to capture detailed three-dimensional (3D) or areal-topography measurements of a surface. They are capable of providing precise and comprehensive data on surface structure and texture across varying scales.
Working Principle
Non-contact profilometry systems operate by optically scanning a surface using light or laser technology. These systems may employ techniques such as triangulation or interferometry to measure or capture a surface profile. The absence of physical contact with the surface under inspection eliminates the risk of damage, making these systems particularly useful for delicate or sensitive surfaces. The optical nature of these systems allows for high-speed and precise measurements, which are crucial for maintaining process stability and enabling almost instant corrective actions in production environments.
Applications
Non-contact profilometry machine vision systems are widely used in various industries for quality control and inspection purposes. For example, they are employed in the production and manufacturing of metal components, where they provide critical data on surface texture and form. These systems are also integrated into factory automation setups, metrology labs, and in-line OEM metrology solutions, offering engineers the ability to monitor and adjust processes in real-time.
Advantages over other Machine Vision Systems
Compared to traditional contact metrology methods, non-contact profilometry systems offer several advantages. They eliminate the risk of surface damage since no physical probe contacts the surface. This also means there is no concern about probe wear or breakage. Additionally, these systems provide higher speed measurements and can capture detailed 3D data, which is not possible with many contact-based systems. The calibration requirements are minimal, as the system only needs recalibration when the LED light source burns out, which typically occurs after about 100,000 hours of use.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, non-contact profilometry systems have limitations. They require precise light orientation and reflective surfaces to function effectively. Additionally, certain complex geometries or steep slopes may pose challenges for accurate measurement. These systems may also struggle with surfaces that have inflection points or are not adequately reflective.
Considerations
When considering the implementation of non-contact profilometry systems, several factors should be taken into account. Initial costs can be significant, given the advanced technology and precision engineering involved. Operating expenses are generally low, as the systems require minimal maintenance and recalibration. However, the durability and accuracy of the system depend on maintaining optimal conditions for the light source and ensuring the surfaces being measured are suitable for optical scanning. Replacement and maintenance costs are relatively low, with the primary concern being the eventual replacement of the LED light source after extensive use.
from Micro-Epsilon Group
The reflectCONTROL sensor is specially designed for the inspection of shiny surfaces. The RCS110-245 2D model, equipped with an integrated controller, is suitable both for stationary measurements and for integration into machines. This compact sensor displays a striped pattern, which is projected... [See More]
- Applications: Assembly Quality; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Flaw Detection; Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Non-contact Profilometry; Presence / Absence; Production & Quality Control
- Image Source: Area Scan Camera
- Feature Resolution: 0.0700
- Modules Included: Cameras or Imagers; Imaging Illuminators; Imaging & Analysis Software
from SICK
SICK's 3D vision series offers a wide range of powerful and flexible products designed for reliable operation in harsh industrial environments. They range from versatile high-speed cameras that deliver high quality 3D and contrast images to smart and configurable stand-alone sensors that facilitate... [See More]
- Applications: Assembly Quality; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Flaw Detection; Food & Beverage; Materials Analysis; Non-contact Profilometry; Pattern Recognition; Pharmaceutical Packaging
- Network: 1
- System Type: Modular / PC-Based
- Image Source: Line Scan Camera
from SICK
Highly accurate with an unmatched measurement speed, the new generation Ruler 3000 3D cameras will be the number one choice for machine vision system integrators and industrial applications. Being powered by the unique 3D CMOS sensor from SICK tailored for superior image processing, their... [See More]
- Applications: Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Flaw Detection; Food & Beverage; Materials Analysis; Non-contact Profilometry; Pattern Recognition
- Network: 1
- System Type: Modular / PC-Based
- Image Source: Line Scan Camera
from SICK
Put an end to wasted material or faulty products. Put an end to long setup times or expensive reconfiguration when the product is changed. Put an end to complicated integration or data trapped on the shop floor. The Inspector83x is designed to make quality control easy and efficient. The... [See More]
- Applications: Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Flaw Detection; Food & Beverage; Materials Analysis; Non-contact Profilometry; Pattern Recognition
- System Type: Modular / PC-Based
from Tordivel AS
The Scorpion Laser Length Measurement system is a general purpose length measurement system. Download Laser Length Measurement System – 1MByte pdf. The system assumes that the other end of the object has a fixed position and direction during the measurement. The camera is mounted directly over... [See More]
- Applications: Non-contact Profilometry
- Image Source: Line Scan Camera; Confocal Laser
- Network: RS-232, OPC and TCP/IP
- Modules Included: Cameras or Imagers; Imaging & Analysis Software
from KEYENCE
General-purpose Model [IM-6015] Just place and press. A totally new dimension measurement system born from a new concept which eliminates the need for X-Y stages. With a built-in ø100 optical lens, this model enables all points in the entire field of view to be measured in a batch. Field of view:... [See More]
- Applications: Alignment / Guidance; Assembly Quality; Biotechnology or Medical; Edge Detection; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Flaw Detection; Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Non-contact Profilometry; Pattern Recognition; Production & Quality Control; Tool & Die Monitoring; GD&T
- Feature Resolution: 0.0400
- System Type: Embedded / Vision Engine; Modular / PC-Based
- Mass Storage: 160
from Smartmore Corporation Limited
A 3D laser camera employs the advanced line laser technology to detect defection and output results in the level of submicron. The result comes in the form of the combination of 2D and 3D informtion. Therefore, it is often used in the field of 3D industry, automobile industry, metal detection and... [See More]
- Applications: Alignment / Guidance; Assembly Quality; Bar / Matrix Code; Biotechnology or Medical; Color Mark / Color Recognition; Container or Product Counting; Edge Detection; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Electronics Rework; Flaw Detection; Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Food & Beverage; ID Detection / Verification; Materials Analysis; Non-contact Profilometry; Optical Character Recognition (OCR); Parcel / Baggage Sorting; Pattern Recognition; Pharmaceutical Packaging; Presence / Absence; Production & Quality Control; Seal Integrity; Security & Biometrics; Tool & Die Monitoring
- Features: AlarmAlarm or Reject Trigger
- Image Source: Line Scan Camera
from Tordivel AS
The Scorpion Laser Profile Measurement System is a single camera 3D measurement system dedicated to the verification of object geometry and dimensions. Download Laser Profile Measurement System – 818 kbyte pdf. A junction box containing the camera and laser is placed about 60 mm from the... [See More]
- Applications: Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Non-contact Profilometry
- Image Source: Line Scan Camera; Confocal Laser
- Network: RS-232, OPC and TCP/IP
- Modules Included: Cameras or Imagers; Imaging & Analysis Software
from KEYENCE
Wide-field Model [IM-6120] Just place and press even for large targets. Redesigned from the ground up, this dimension measurement system allows measurements for a whole part to be carried out in an instant. The Wide-Field Model gives you a 200mm x 100mm field of view to fit even more parts [See More]
- Applications: Alignment / Guidance; Assembly Quality; Biotechnology or Medical; Edge Detection; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Flaw Detection; Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Non-contact Profilometry; Pattern Recognition; Production & Quality Control; Tool & Die Monitoring; GD&T
- Feature Resolution: 0.0200
- System Type: Embedded / Vision Engine; Modular / PC-Based
- Mass Storage: 160
from Smartmore Corporation Limited
SMore 3D camera (SMI-3DBL-400-02),it is a professional product for 3D positioning guidance and 3D measurement, and it has high precision and is also an industrial aluminum alloy shell. It is integrally formed and can meet various harsh working conditions. - Out-of-the-box: Pre-calibrated before... [See More]
- Applications: Alignment / Guidance; Assembly Quality; Bar / Matrix Code; Biotechnology or Medical; Color Mark / Color Recognition; Container or Product Counting; Edge Detection; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Electronics Rework; Flaw Detection; Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Food & Beverage; ID Detection / Verification; Materials Analysis; Non-contact Profilometry; Optical Character Recognition (OCR); Parcel / Baggage Sorting; Pattern Recognition; Pharmaceutical Packaging; Presence / Absence; Production & Quality Control; Seal Integrity; Security & Biometrics; Tool & Die Monitoring
- Features: AlarmAlarm or Reject Trigger
- Image Source: Line Scan Camera
from KEYENCE
High-precision Model [IM-6140] Just place and press even for micro machined parts. An innovative stage designed for reducing measurement time achieves place-and-press measurement even for micro machined parts. Hundreds of points can be measured in seconds without concerns of target placement and... [See More]
- Applications: Alignment / Guidance; Assembly Quality; Biotechnology or Medical; Edge Detection; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Flaw Detection; Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Non-contact Profilometry; Pattern Recognition; Production & Quality Control; Tool & Die Monitoring; GD&T
- Feature Resolution: 0.0040
- System Type: Embedded / Vision Engine; Modular / PC-Based
- Mass Storage: 160
from Smartmore Corporation Limited
High frame rate: 3fps;. - Ultra high precision: the highest repeatability of Z axis can reach 1um;. - 3D point cloud preprocessing: with multiple user-settable point cloud filtering functions;. - Support CUDA calculation acceleration: faster point cloud reconstruction speed;. - Various... [See More]
- Applications: Alignment / Guidance; Assembly Quality; Bar / Matrix Code; Biotechnology or Medical; Color Mark / Color Recognition; Container or Product Counting; Edge Detection; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Electronics Rework; Flaw Detection; Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Food & Beverage; ID Detection / Verification; Materials Analysis; Non-contact Profilometry; Optical Character Recognition (OCR); Parcel / Baggage Sorting; Pattern Recognition; Pharmaceutical Packaging; Presence / Absence; Production & Quality Control; Seal Integrity; Security & Biometrics; Tool & Die Monitoring
- Features: AlarmAlarm or Reject Trigger
- Image Source: Line Scan Camera
from Smartmore Corporation Limited
SMore 3D camera (SMI-3DBL-400-01),it is a professional product for 3D positioning guidance and 3D measurement, and it has high precision and is also an industrial aluminum alloy shell. It is integrally formed and can meet various harsh working conditions. - Out-of-the-box: Pre-calibrated before... [See More]
- Applications: Alignment / Guidance; Assembly Quality; Bar / Matrix Code; Biotechnology or Medical; Color Mark / Color Recognition; Container or Product Counting; Edge Detection; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Electronics Rework; Flaw Detection; Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Food & Beverage; ID Detection / Verification; Materials Analysis; Non-contact Profilometry; Optical Character Recognition (OCR); Parcel / Baggage Sorting; Pattern Recognition; Pharmaceutical Packaging; Presence / Absence; Production & Quality Control; Seal Integrity; Security & Biometrics; Tool & Die Monitoring
- Features: AlarmAlarm or Reject Trigger
- Image Source: Line Scan Camera
from Smartmore Corporation Limited
The technical term “3D structured light camera ” may puzzle you at the first glace but you will definitely have your “Aha ” moment if I mention it is applied to facial recognition which you possibly use on a daily basis. 3D structured light camera is a subclass of 3D camera. [See More]
- Applications: Alignment / Guidance; Assembly Quality; Bar / Matrix Code; Biotechnology or Medical; Color Mark / Color Recognition; Container or Product Counting; Edge Detection; Electronics or Semiconductor Inspection; Electronics Rework; Flaw Detection; Gauging, Scanning & Dimensioning; Food & Beverage; ID Detection / Verification; Materials Analysis; Non-contact Profilometry; Optical Character Recognition (OCR); Parcel / Baggage Sorting; Pattern Recognition; Pharmaceutical Packaging; Presence / Absence; Production & Quality Control; Seal Integrity; Security & Biometrics; Tool & Die Monitoring
- Bus Type: GigE
- Operating System: Windows Linux
- Features: AlarmAlarm or Reject Trigger