Laser Triangulation Sensors Now With Laser Class 1

Laser sensors from the Micro-Epsilon product portfolio usually use a semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 670nm (visible, red) and an output power of max. 1 mW. This means that a large part of the sensors fall under laser class 2. When used as intended, laser class 2 does not require any special protective measures and thus enables the sensors to be used in industrial measurement tasks as well as in research and development. Occasionally, however, users place higher demands on the laser class of sensors and require sensors with laser class 1. In this case, the radiated power is max. 390 µW and thus far below that of laser class 2 sensors.

Automobile manufacturing demands sensors with laser class 1

Especially in automobile manufacturing, manufacturers place higher demands on the safety of their production systems and therefore require the use of sensors with laser class 1. This is the case, for example, when handling devices for attaching or installing interior parts and laser sensors for alignment are used. Under unfavorable circumstances it can happen that the worker looks directly into the laser beam or the reflections of the beam. At higher laser classes, the beam can cause irreparable damage to the person's retina.

With the new Opto NCDT 1420 CL1 models, Micro-Epsilon provides a sensor that meets the requirements of the automotive industry both in terms of performance and in terms of the laser class.

Laser class 1 is also often required in the pharmaceutical industry. In some applications, laser sensors are used to determine distances from sensitive surfaces or to measure substrates. Class 2 lasers can cause a chemical or thermal reaction of the surface under certain circumstances. Sensors with laser class 1 are used in these areas because the low laser power does not cause any chemical or thermal reaction. (jv)