Overview
The edge break sensor is a compact handheld optical sensor used by operators in the workshop enviroment to identify micron sized defects, without the time consuming processing of taking a wax mold and measuring that mold on a profilemeter. The system was designed and built in partnership with a large industrial manufacturer and is available for purchase from Optics For Hire.
System Description
The handheld sensor captures surface profile information, it works by projecting a pattern of lines onto the region of interest and then capturing images of that pattern for evaluation in software. Using LED optics, this pattern in created by projecting a LED through a grating (shown in green). The grating sits on a piezo stage which moves to three positions.
A second optical channel includes a camera with a zoom and focusing lens (shown in red). This optical channel collects three images of the grating pattern. These three images are used by a software application to extract profile information.


Software

Images
A few reconstructed images are shown below:

Specifications
| Requirement |
Numerical value |
Units |
| Measure radii max |
0.050 |
Inch |
| Measure radii min |
0.005 |
Inch |
| Resolution |
0.0001 |
Inch |
| Absolute calibration |
0.001 |
Inch |
| Measure straightness of facets |
0.0005 |
Inch |
| Working Distance |
Handheld, contact |
|
| Field of View at part |
0.125 |
Inch |
| Exposure Times |
1-100 |
msec |
| Supply Voltage |
100 - 240 Volts AC/50-60 Hz |
|
| Sensor Tips Provided |
Straight, right angle, fast change |
|
| Battery Backup |
UPS with x hr capability |
|
| Sensor Size |
8 x7 x 3 w/handle |
|
| Sensor Focus |
Manual |
|
| Image and profile analysis platform |
Windows XP PC |
|
| Sensor Controller |
Windows XP PC |
|
| Sensor Interface |
Firewire |
|
| Light source |
LED |
|