LED is used as the light source! It measures length and speed safely and non-contact!
The VLM manufactured by Astec measures the length and speed of the target object without contact. The VLM is equipped with an LED light source. During measurement, the LED illuminates the target object, and the reflected light is received by a CCD sensor. Signal processing is performed by a built-in processor in the VLM, allowing it to output pulse signals. In other words, the VLM gauge head can be used similarly to a rotary encoder. During measurement, the VLM outputs pulse signals, which can be converted into speed and length by a PLC or data logger, allowing them to be applied as control signals to machinery or used for signals for fixed-length cutting.
In the steel industry, there is a demand for high-precision non-contact measurement in processes such as skin pass, slitting, and winding, and the VLM can be applied to measure materials such as strip steel, aluminum, copper, and metal foils.
In the paper industry, there are applications for continuous measurement of paper in roll-to-roll processes and winding processes, as well as applications for non-contact measurement of paper pulp in headboxes using the VLM. Additionally, there are various applications for glass cloth, carbon fiber composites, films, fibers, and more.