Acuity’s smallest sensor offers excellent resolution and sensitivity

The AR200 line of entry-level laser measurement sensors is Acuity’s most compact series of triangulating laser displacement sensors. Available in Canada from Durham Instruments, the series features a wide selection — a hand full of models that cover metric measurement ranges from six to 50 millimetres. 

Features and applications

Models AR200-6M, -12M, -25M, -50M and -100M all boast a 0.03 per cent resolution across their entire measurement span, and come standard with analog, limit switch and serial outputs. These are the only sensors of their kind that feature pushbutton selection of these output signals. Plus, these laser sensors can be programmed using serial commands through a PC computer.

The AR200 family offers excellent resolution and sensitivity. The AR200-50 sensor, for example, measures 50 mm to within 15 mm. However, the most accurate model measures distances over six millimetres with a resolution of two millimetres. 

The sensors are designed to withstand difficult industrial environments in temperatures from zero to 60 degrees C, including applications in the forest products, medical and high tech industries. Common applications are wafer fabrication, automobile brakes, laser calipers, steel strip mill and postal automation.

How the sensors works

The AR200 sensors operate by projecting a beam of visible laser light on a target surface. Reflected light from the surface is viewed from an angle by the CMOS line scan camera that’s inside the AR200 sensor. Next, the target’s distance is computed from the image pixel data. 

It’s important to know that the AR200 cannot be overloaded. It measures accurately to mirror-like surfaces where nearly the entire light beam reflects back to the detector. 

More information

The sensors are available with a variety of options, including cables, software, a connectivity kit and a touch panel display. 

For additional details, contact Durham Instruments. 

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