Common Non-Contact Measurement Devices & Methods

Modern measurement relies on numerous instruments to measure physical properties and phenomena, and these can be segregated into two basic categories: contact and non-contact measurement methods and devices.
In this guide, we’ll discuss non-contact measurement methods, what benefits they offer, and how they compare to traditional measurement methods.

Non-Contact Measurement Methods

As their name implies, non-contact measurement methods involve the use of measurement technologies and measurement techniques to measure physical properties associated with an observed object without making physical contact with said object.
It’s important to note that the application of these methods and the selection of adequate sensors and transducers primarily depends on the physical property being measured and recorded, as well as the application for which the measurements are made. Here’s a breakdown of non-contact measurement methods:

Laser Scanning

Laser scanners use a laser to scan the surface of an object to derive various information, such as surface profile, distance, and even more. Dimensional measurements are captured in one of two ways: either by laser triangulation or by laser displacement.
In both methods, the sensor emits a laser at an object, which then reflects the laser beam back to the receiving element to pick up and interpret. Laser triangulation relies on the angle of the reflected light to calculate distance by applying the triangulation principle on angles formed by the laser, the spot on the object, and the receiver.

A laser displacement sensor, on the other hand, measures the distance to the target by detecting the time it takes for a laser beam to reflect from the target’s surface. This non-contact laser measurement method is also known as the time-of-flight method, and it’s most used in long-range industrial applications.
Laser triangulation is also used in industrial settings, particularly automation, robotics, and quality control processes.

Ultrasonic Measurements

Ultrasonic non-contact measurement devices involve the use of high-frequency sound waves to measure distance. Think of them like laser displacement but with sound; the emitter emits a sound wave, and the supersonic receiver picks it up as an echo.
This non-contact measurement method is a non-tactile and thus non-damaging measurement method that found great use in distance and thickness measurements, as well as liquid fill levels and proximity sensors.

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Benefits of Non-Contact Measurement

The main benefits of non-contact measurement methods are the lack of physical contact between the transducer and the object whose physical property is being measured, as well as the speed and efficiency at which non-contact data acquisition systems capture, process, and store data.

The lack of physical contact significantly reduces the risk of damage, especially when dealing with fragile or thin objects—like semiconductors. This makes non-contact measurement methods incredibly safe but also quick and efficient, as they don’t have to make physical contact with the object to take measurements.

The combination of these benefits makes non-contact measurement systems suitable for high-speed production lines and manufacturing processes where minimizing downtime without sacrificing precision is crucial.

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Non-Contact Measurement Devices

Non-contact measurement methods use non-contact measurement devices to collect the required data, convert them into electrical signals, and process those signals into legible data for further analysis or processing. Here’s a breakdown of non-contact measuring devices:

Laser Sensors

Laser sensors emit laser light, either as a beam or as a line, to scan the object’s surface. These types of non-scanning measuring devices are most used for scanning 3D objects, quality control, and reverse engineering. Laser scanners, or laser sensors, can capture a large number of data points in a rather short time, which makes them suitable for scanning complex geometries.

Infrared Sensors

IR sensors are incredibly versatile. While they’re most used as non-contact measuring devices for measuring temperature, IR sensors are also used to detect distance, gas, object presence, motion detection, etc.

Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic sensors are commonly used as non-contact distance measurement sensors since they work as sonars. They generate a high-frequency sound, which is then reflected from an object and received back by the sensor, which measures an echo to derive distance measurements.

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Non-Contact Measurement Applications

Non-contact measurements found great use in applications that require measurement and profiling of fragile and easily damaged objects, as well as objects that radiate extremely high heat, but also environments that might contain humidity, a specific type of gas, etc.

In the context of dimensional measurements, the use of non-contact measurement methods and devices offers data collection at fantastic speeds with minimal reduction in precision—the precision associated with non-contact dimensional measurements is usually within a single-digit micron.
With everything said, however, non-contact measurement methods and devices provide an alternative approach to those applications where traditional contact measurement isn’t physically possible or financially feasible.

Implementing KEYENCE Non-Contact Measurement Devices

KEYENCE is an industry leader in manufacturing non-contact measuring devices, such as sensors, measurement units, and devices for your data acquisition systems. If you have any further questions regarding non-contact measurement methods and devices, don’t hesitate to ask KEYENCE—our team of measurement experts will gladly help you with any inquiries you might have.

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