The ProTrak TM laser scanners are now LabVIEW compatible, opening up this technology to an infinite number of dimensional inspection applications. These line scanners provide calibrated 2D profile data (X,Z ordered pairs) in real time by utilizing the laser triangulation principle. Scanning over a part or process provides a 3D point cloud (X,Y,Z), using an encoder as a Y axis reference. Intensity data for each point is also provided and can be very useful in some applications. Working in challenging inspection applications where traditional cameras fail, the ProTrak TM G laser displacement sensor measures in the Z axis and is lighting independent, seeing only the laser energy and ignoring ambient light. Traditional applications for this type of technology have included gap, step height, angle, width, seam location, and others. Now, by combining the ProTrak TM profiling laser hardware with the power, ubiquity and scope of National Instruments’ LabvVIEWsoftware, the number of applications is seemingly limitless. Examples of more complex inspection applications include connectors, printed circuit boards, tires, threaded parts, aerospace and automotive parts, extrusions, and many, many more.

This 2D / 3D laser displacement sensor included SDK also supports software development in C++ and other programming environments. Custom turnkey systems are available through National Instruments Alliance Partner integrator.