Selecting a Displacement Sensor and Measuring System

Measurement accuracy varies greatly depending on the measurement system used.
The ideal measurement system will vary depending on the range of measurements sought. For those measurements, it's also necessary to look at the capabilities supported by each measurement system, such as whether the results can be viewed with the naked eye, or if the measurements need to be viewed using software.

When selecting a measurement system according to the application, it's necessary to take into account the shape of the target in order to select the most appropriate device.

When selecting a device, the number of people that will use it and the degree of frequency those people will use the device at the measurement worksite should also be taken into account. The price and availability of equipment investment should be considered when selecting a measurement system.

There are several different types of displacement sensors, and choosing the correct one depends on your application. KEYENCE offers a wide range of different displacement sensors, each suited to different applications.

Conventional systems for measuring displacement are typically very manual and don’t feature the same level of reliability as non-contact, automated methods. Most conventional measurements are conducted by human operators and inspectors using manual tools.
However, the inherent imperfections associated with hand tools and manual measuring techniques — paired with the human susceptibility to errors — further decrease the reliability of conventional systems.
Displacement sensors, on the other hand, aren’t plagued by such shortcomings. KEYENCE’s range of displacement sensors is characterized by high accuracy, very high reliability, and measurement repeatability. This makes them suitable for a wide range of precision applications across various industries.

As stated above, different displacement sensor types are used in a wide variety of applications in numerous industries. They’re near-universally used in quality control in manufacturing, food and beverage industries, electronics, aerospace, and research and development.
However, displacement sensors also fit applications beyond quality control. They can precisely navigate machinery and entire production processes. They’re often used in vehicle testing and design, component and part positioning, the positioning and placement of semiconductor elements in PCB and circuit design, and the measurement of material deformation under loads.

Not all sensors are made the same, and where some excel, others aren’t as effective. Thus, selecting the right sensor demands the careful consideration of numerous factors.
One of the most important considerations is the material, the size, and the shape of the object of measurement. Its consistency and shape can significantly affect sensor selection. An ambient environment is also important since both the object and the sensors might be exposed to ambient temperatures, oils, water, dust, and shocks.
Next are the technical aspects of the sensors themselves. Measurement accuracy refers to the sensor’s ability to provide accurate readings that are within tolerances. In most common applications, the accuracy should be 10× higher than the desired tolerances of the inspected part.
Measurement range is also an important factor. For laser displacement sensors, the range refers to the maximum part travel that the sensor can see. For 2D laser profilers, the range also refers to the width of the part.
Interested in learning more about displacement sensors and how they can improve your production processes? Contact KEYENCE today for a consultation and see the difference precise measurement can make in your industry!