Test & measurement
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recision sensor supplier Micro-Epsilon has extended its confocalDT range of confocal chromatic measurement systems with two new confocal controllers that build on the success of its compact controller first introduced last year. Maintaining the compact size, they enable even higher precision for non-contact distance and thickness measurements in industrial environments on almost all surfaces. Confocal Chromatic sensor technology has become the preferred technology when laser sensors cannot achieve the measurement requirement. They offer significant advantages over laser sensors including the use of a white LED light source, not laser, which is much more stable and has lower noise on reflective surfaces. They measure in direct axis and not in triangulation, so can measure against very shiny or even mirrored surfaces and because of this, confocal sensors do not suffer from shadowing when scanning over a surface or object. Furthermore, confocal chromatic sensors are able to measure on transparent and liquid surfaces without problems. The new confocalDT IFC2411 and 2416 confocal controllers are compatible with all confocal sensors in the Micro-Epsilon portfolio, while setting new standards in precision and speed. Modern interfaces enable rapid integration into industrial machines and control systems.
FASTEST CONTROLLER IN ITS CLASS The new confocalDT IFC2416 controller is the fastest in its class with a measuring rate of up to 25 kHz, achieved through a greater LED light intensity. This enables precise, stable measurements at high speed, even on challenging materials and surfaces. Its compact design makes it ideal for high resolution (up to 2 nm) distance and thickness measurements in almost all industrial sectors – from
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NEW CONFOCAL CONTROLLERS PROVIDE GREATER CHOICE FOR ADVANCED AUTOMATION TASKS
the production line to semiconductor machines. Due to the multi-peak measurement function, even multi-layer thickness measurements (up to five layers) can be carried out on transparent objects. The IFC2416 controller is also versatile: it is compatible with all Micro-Epsilon confocal sensors, so that the measuring range, base distance and special sensor properties such as vacuum suitability, measuring angle or beam path can be chosen as required.
Due to its extremely small, unique design, the controller requires hardly any space and fits into even the smallest of control cabinets. At just 460 g, the controller is also extremely light, enabling fast, easy installation on a DIN rail. The entire configuration of the controller and sensors is carried out via an easy-to-use web interface (accessed via an Ethernet connection) without requiring any additional software. A material database is available to store thickness parameters, which can be expanded as required.
WORLD’S SMALLEST CONTROLLER The confocalDT IFC2411 controller delivers high precision measurements at a resolution of 2 nm and
has an adjustable measuring rate of up to 8 kHz. Due to a wide range of interfaces, including a new Ethernet connection, the controller offers maximum flexibility for integration into machines and systems. The housing is up to 300 per cent smaller than comparable controllers and weighs just 335 g, enabling it to be mounted on a DIN rail in the smallest of control cabinets. The introduction of the direct Ethernet interface completes an impressive lineup of interface options available for the IFC2411 controller family. This includes fieldbus versions for EtherCAT, ProfiNET and Ethernet/ IP, an RS422 serial interface, as well as analogue output. Further integration possibilities include direct encoder input channels and trigger input options. The confocalDT IFC2411 and 2416 controllers are compatible with all confocalDT sensors from Micro-Epsilon, covering measuring ranges from 0.1 to 30 mm. The introduction of these new compact controllers complements the existing confocal portfolio and offers customers even greater flexibility when it comes to selection for their control system environment and advanced automation setups.
Micro-Epsilon
www.micro-epsilon.co.uk April 2025 Instrumentation Monthly
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