Laser scanner modules (laser line profile scanners)

01

Choose measuring range, width and resolution

Micro-Epsilon's scanCONTROL 30x0 datasheet shows how one product family spans different parts. Its four heads cover z-axis measuring heights of 15 mm (77.5–92.5 mm from the sensor), 40 mm, 140 mm and 220 mm, the larger two with extended ranges ending at 360 mm and 460 mm; the measured line width at mid-range is 25, 50, 100 and 200 mm. Every head gives 2,048 points per profile, and z-axis linearity, referenced to a standard object and averaged across the line, is 1.5 µm, 3 µm, 9 µm and 26 µm respectively (±0.01%, ±0.0075%, ±0.006% and ±0.012% of range). [1]

Editorial calculation: 2,048 points across a 25 mm line width at mid-range gives one point every 25 ÷ 2,048 ≈ 0.012 mm (12 µm), while the same points spread over 200 mm give about 98 µm — so choose the smallest head that still covers the part, since width and resolution trade directly. [1]

Give the supplier the part and feature to measure, required z-range and line width, resolution and linearity, profile rate and line speed, surface (shiny, dark, transparent), laser class allowed and wavelength preference, interface (GigE Vision, digital I/O, encoder), software and evaluation, mounting and working distance, ambient light and temperature, IP rating, and quantity.

02

Check profile rate, laser class, interfaces and environment

The same datasheet gives a profile frequency of up to 10,000 Hz; Ethernet GigE Vision output with digital inputs for mode switching, encoder counting and triggering, plus RS422 and analogue or switching outputs via an output unit; a standard laser of class 2M at 658 nm, with class 3R and a 405 nm blue-laser class 2M variant as options; IP67 protection when connected; 2 g vibration and 15 g shock ratings; operation from 0 to +45 °C and storage from −20 to +70 °C; a weight of 415 g without cable; and supply of 11–30 V DC (24 V nominal, 500 mA) or Power over Ethernet. [1]

Editorial calculation: at 10,000 profiles per second a part moving at 1 m/s is profiled every 0.1 mm along its length; at 0.1 m/s, every 0.01 mm. Check that the profile rate at full resolution and exposure for your surface still meets the spacing you need. [1]

03

Compare ranges, laser colour, class and ruggedness across makers

RIFTEK's RF62x profiler datasheet spans measuring ranges from 10 to 1,010 mm with Z linearity of 0.01% of range, red (660 nm), blue (405 or 450 nm) and infrared (808 nm) lasers, laser safety Class 2M to IEC/EN 60825-1:2014 or Class 3B on request, Gigabit Ethernet with Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP and UDP, trigger and encoder synchronisation, a web interface, 9–30 V supply, IP67 enclosure, 20 g vibration from 10 to 1,000 Hz, 30 g/6 ms shock, and storage from −20 to +70 °C. Versions within the series range from 640 or 1,280 X points at over 4,000 profiles/s to 1,280 or 2,560 points at 1,000 Hz (16,000 Hz in a region of interest). [2]

RIFTEK's RF631 series, announced in May 2025, lists 4,600 points per profile without interpolation, 1,200 Hz at full field of view and 6,000 Hz in a region of interest, compatible with the RF62x series. [3]

In the United States, 21 CFR 1040.10 requires each laser product to be classified in Class I, IIa, II, IIIa, IIIb or IV by its highest accessible emission; Class IIIb levels are an acute hazard to skin and eyes from direct radiation. Ask for the class under both IEC 60825-1 and the US rule if the scanner will be used in the US. [4] [2]

Editorial calculation: 0.01% linearity is 0.1 mm on a 1,010 mm range but 1 µm on a 10 mm range, so linearity in µm depends on the head chosen as much as on the stated percentage. [2]

04

Line-laser 3D cameras on the linked site, and the data to request from any bidder

OPT Machine Vision, the linked maker, lists its LPE2 series of line-laser 3D cameras.

When requesting quotations, ask each supplier for measuring range, points per profile, linearity on your surface, profile rate at full resolution, laser class, interfaces and software.

05

Laser line projector, optics and receiver, processing, interfaces and housing

The optics-and-receiver row fixes z-range, line width and point count, so it is the row chosen by head size: 15, 40, 140 or 220 mm of z-range in the scanCONTROL 30x0 family. [1]

06

z-range and width, points per profile, linearity, profile rate, laser, supply and environment for a scanner order

The values are scanCONTROL 30x0 figures; RIFTEK's RF62x above gives a second set to compare for range (10–1,010 mm), laser wavelengths and supply (9–30 V). [1] [2]

07

Send the part, tolerance and line together

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Part: [feature; size; surface]
Range: [z; x]
Accuracy: [resolution; linearity]
Speed: [line speed; profile rate]
Laser: [class allowed; wavelength]
Interface: [GigE; encoder; I/O; software]
Environment: [temperature; IP; ambient light]

See manufacturer records Send an enquiry through CNFX