OPTIMESS CCD

ADOR Tech, with the help of its international partners, design, and manufactures the OPTImess CCD laser sensors for distance measurements. OPTImess CCD laser sensors are developing into a nearly universal measuring device in the areas of research & development, production, quality control, and testing.

Benefits:

• Small size
• High measuring frequency
• High accuracy 
• operate in nearly all environmental conditions

Models:

OPTIMESS M/ OPTIMESS MLC/ OPTIMESS MC/ OPTIMESS MMR/ OPTIMESS MR/ OPTIMESS MSR

At ADOR, as Dr. D. Wehrhahn's representative in Canada, we have integrated our engineering and commercial expertise to provide customers with tailor-made solutions. We are ready to provide technical and engineering services for sophisticated and complex necessities of every inquiry based on the skills and experience of our staff, resources, and capacities. Get in touch to discuss your requirements!

MEASURING METHOD

In geodesy, distance measurements by optical triangulation have been used by the Ordnance Survey for decades. With the help of a known basic length and two angles, it is possible to determine the exact position of a point. It is the same method that is used by the OPTImess CCD sensors.

The laser beam, which is projected by an optical installation, appears on the measuring object’s surface as a diffuse reflecting light spot. This spot is again projected by a second optical installation onto the detector (CCD-detector). Each movement of the measuring object in the direction of the beam towards the receptor will result in a movement of the projected spot on the photodetector, which is proportional to the distance.

MEASUREMENT OF RAIL WAVINESS with OPTImess CCD laser

During production, the waviness of the running area is mainly caused by the necessary setting process. In later operations, this will lead, for example, to amplified running noise and will require additional re-grinding of the rail. Apart from high costs, this grinding process will also cause abrasion of the hardened sections in the rail head. According to the norm, the waviness is determined by placing a metal ruler of a fixed length (e.g. 3 m) and measuring the minimal and maximal deviation by means of a thickness gauge. Apart from the long test periods, this measuring method is not absolutely independent of the tester and allows only limited possibilities of documentation in the form of a test protocol.

Therefore, a non-contact measuring device is in operation at a major rail manufacturer for several years. By means of 4 laser sensors, the running area is scanned online, in a non-contact method during production. The software of a high-performance computer is capable of determining the amplitude and wavelength of the surface waviness by Fourier Transformation. By means of a ruler created by the software, the min. and max. values are being determined analog to measuring by hand.

Comparative measurements over a longer period have shown that deviations of max. 0.05 mm between both measuring methods occurs. Just recently, also the rail evenness at a 90° angle to the running surface is being registered. The measuring system has been examined and approved by leading railway companies. This year, a further rail manufacturer has incorporated this measuring system into his production.