DotScan, LineScan, ViScan

[[Ma...]]

Looking at visual options that attach to the RDS.
Does anyone have experience using these?
Although I believe they may have a slight downfall without the backlight feature.
Thanks

[[Ma...]]

*Or any other optical sensor that attaches to the RDS head.

[[Cl...]]

I have the DotScan on two O-inspects. It's not attached to the RDS, It's a separate
sensor. I can't speak on the the lineScan or VisScan, but the DotScan works very
well for tiny flexible parts and is extremely fast. Qualifies quickly too.

[[Ma...]]

How does the DotScan compare to the O-inspect? Does it illuminate such as an optical or just scan the part with a laser to measure? Looking to measure linear dims, break edges, chamfers, etc.

We have a Keyence LM-X, which is great for the vision aspect but lacks in the tactile department. O-inspect may be an option, although I would much rather have a sensor that attaches to the RDS for rotation and cost.

[[Cl...]]

There are three sensors running along the X axis on the O-inspect. Tactile (fixed XXT), Camera, DotScan.
It scans with a white light (similar in concept to a laser), It has limits as far as scanning (YZ) angles >45°.
Nothing beats it for speed.

[[Ma...]]

The Keyence LM-X has the same 3 sensors, only difference is the tactile is only -Z, no option for star.

Laser - I rarely use, really just to double check, no programs I have utilize it
Tactile- some basics like cone angle etc., sits more than is used
Camera- the main bread and butter, utilizing the backlight / toplight / ring light

Attached are a few pics displaying features measured and the image captured from the Keyence.

I wonder if the RDS supports a camera that can attach to a tool bay, such as the DotScan.
The ViScan looks to be this option, but I see little to no info or videos online.. Not sure when this came out, but I 'm really surprised there's not more on the web.

Aerospace, military, and medical are our big 3, in that order. What parts do you work with / features you measure with the O-inspect and DotScan?

1.jpg

[[Ca...]]

I'd be happy to give some general information on our optical sensor trifecta - LineScan, DotScan, and ViScan.

Each of these optical / non-contact sensors functions using very different principles, and are intended for different applications. As with any measurement technology, it's critical to select the sensor that is most well-suited to the job. Here's a basic rundown:

LineScan: This is a laser stripe sensor. It projects a stripe of laser light on the workpiece surface, and relies on the triangulation principle to determine the distance to that surface. It is available in four models (2-8, 2-25, 2-50, and 2-100). The width of the stripe, depth of the measuring field, the standoff distance, and the accuracy specifications of the sensor are the tradeoffs between models (ex: the LineScan 2-8 is the highest accuracy at 2.9 microns on a PRIMSO, 3.3 microns on a CONTURA, but also has the narrowest laser stripe and shortest standoff). Take note that the LineScan 2-8 is a "blue light laser" and the only one in the family that is capable of addressing shiny/polished surfaces without using matte coating sprays. The 2-25, 2-50, and 2-100 varieties are "red light lasers" that are not appropriate for polished surfaces without a coating spray. At this time, the LineScan sensor is completely integrated with CALYPSO 2024, and can be used for true 4th-axis rotary table scanning (with CALYPSO 2024)!

LineScan applications: The LineScan excels at capturing high data densities over relatively large, open surfaces, especially non-standard or freeform-type surfaces - and using this data for evaluations such as surface profiles and nominal-actual/CAD comparison graphics. A CAD model is greatly helpful for LineScan data (both for programming scanning strategies and for meaningful evaluation). LineScan can also be used to report various typical GD&T and dimensional values from features that are extracted from the scanned point cloud. The programming workflow for LineScan within CALYPSO is a little different from that of tactile programming, but easy to learn and leverages powerful evaluation tools designed for very large data sets within the point cloud feature (hundreds of thousands of points+). LineScan is likely not appropriate for any feature whose surface cannot be scanned, like small holes, undercuts, or overhangs. If no CAD model is available, carefully consider the expectations for how the data should be evaluated before selecting LineScan.

DotScan: This is a white light confocal sensor (CFS). The sensor emits a small (~12 microns, give or take, depending on the model) point of white/multicolored light onto the workpiece surface. The lensing of the sensor is such that each wavelength/color of emitted light has a slightly different focal length, and therefore only the light wavelength that focuses on the surface is reflected strongly back to a spectrometer within the sensor. Interestingly, this gives DotScan the capabilities to measure highly polished and completely transparent materials! For relatively thin clear materials, DotScan can even measure both sides simultaneously and calculate the thickness. DotScan is VERY easy to learn from a programming standpoint, as you can generally think of the point of light as a "zero radius stylus" and generally follow your tactile programming approach. DotScan comes in three models (the 1mm, the 3mm, and the 10mm) which (similarly to LineScan) are tradeoffs in accuracy, measuring range, standoff distance, and the amount of acceptable angle between the sensor and the workpiece.

DotScan applications: Scanning of surfaces that are non-rigid or fragile, or otherwise shouldn't be scanned with tactile. Scanning of very small features, such as narrow chamfers or fillet radii. (Essentially, scanning of parts / features where you really wish you had a 12 micron stylus!) Thickness measurement of coatings or transparent layers. DotScan is also fully intregrated in CALYPSO and is capable of 4th-axis rotary table scanning. This is available both on bridge-type CMMs as well as on an O-INSPECT system.

ViScan: This is an "image processing sensor," i.e., a digital camera. The technology is essentially identical to the camera found on an O-INSPECT, with some key differences. A ViScan sensor is a fixed / single magnification, and the illumination types are greatly reduced (only LED ringlight, no coaxial lighting, a backlight option is available but extremely rare in the US market). From a programming standpoint, virtually identical to O-INSPECT camera programming and fully integrated within CALYPSO. Edge detection occurs using various algorithms applied to the pixel grayscale values within an image. ViScans are available in a range of magnifications.

ViScan applications: 2d measurements, such as holes, edges (for ex: of sheet metal-type parts), contours/line profiles. A rotary table can be used for positioning the workpiece relative to the ViScan. High magnification ViScans can be useful for very tiny features.

Although these are all "non-contact optical" sensors, their strengths and limitations are each unique, and they all play a role within the ZEISS sensor portfolio. The key is matching the right sensor to the right application!

[[Ma...]]

Thanks for the info, Carrie!

The DotScan would be the most viable option I've been told, but we may be looking for more of an image/vision sensor vs. scanning. But with the possibility of scanning small features such as narrow chamfer and fillet radii, I'm curious of how it could apply to our needs.

The ViScan sounds like the option I was looking for, but the fact it has limited features vs. the O-inspect model is not ideal. With a fixed magnification and only an LED ring light, I worry it would not suffice but have not ruled it out either.

A sensor that attaches to the RDS for articulating ability is very appealing and the fact we can use our existing MASS supported Conturas', not to mention the price point.

Our rep suggested sending a part to Wixom to have the Zeiss team help identify the best option for us; just as you said, matching the right sensor to the right application!

Best