Laser distance sensors: High-precision, non-contact measurement
Laser distance sensors provide accurate, reliable, and non-contact measurement of distance, displacement, and position. Designed for high precision and versatility, these sensors are ideal for industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to robotics and automation.
With cutting-edge technologies like laser triangulation and time-of-flight (ToF), laser distance sensors from ifm deliver unmatched performance in even the most challenging environments.
These sensors provide precision and reliability when measuring short ranges with micrometer-level accuracy or monitoring long distances from 3mm to 24m. They perform reliably at steep or unusual mounting angles and consistently identify a wide range of textures, colors, and other characteristics.
Users can find the right laser distance sensor for any application within this comprehensive product lineup. Whether a compact short-range sensor or a high-power, long-range solution is needed, ifm offers a model to suit all requirements.
| Laser distance sensors | Error-proofing | ||||||||
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| Precision laser, OGD M18 cube |
Precision laser, O6D |
Long range laser, O1D rectangular |
Laser, O5D rectangular |
Laser, OID M30 barrel |
Laser for food and beverage, OID M30 barrel |
PMD Laser Line Profiler, OPD |
High-accuracy laser, OMH |
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| Description | Detects deviation in the positions of tiny parts | Detects all objects in 3m any color or material | Long-range object detection in harsh conditions | Error poofing independent of target color and reflectivity | Error poofing independent of target color and reflectivity | Error proofing in harsh situations with reliable background supression | Contour analysis for quality control | Error proofing with millimeter precision | |
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Sensing range | 2 m | 3 m | 10 m | 2 m | 2 m | 2 m | 300 mm | 500 mm |
| Accuracies at various ranges | |||||||||
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@300 mm | 3 mm | 5 mm | 14 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm | 0.5 mm | 1 mm |
| @ 500 mm | 4 mm | 5 mm | 14 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | - | 3 mm | |
| @ 1 m | 5 mm | 10 mm | 14 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | - | - | |
| @ 2 m | 10 mm | 20 mm | 14.5 mm | 30 mm | 25 mm | 25 mm | - | - | |
| @ 10 m | - | - | 47 mm | - | - | - | - | - | |
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IP Rating | IP65,IP67 | IP65,IP67 | IP67 | IP65,IP67 | IP65,IP67 | IP65,IP67,IP68,IP69K | IP65 | IP65,IP67 |
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Interface | Pushbuttons, IO-Link |
Pushbuttons, IO-Link |
Pushbuttons, IO-Link |
Pushbuttons, IO-Link |
Setting ring, IO-Link |
Set via IO-Link only | Pushbuttons, IO-Link |
Pushbuttons, IO-Link |
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Display |  |
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For industrial automation, Type OGD |
For industrial automation, Type O6D |
For long range applications, Type O1D |
For applications with reflective environments, Type O5D |
With adjustment dial, Type OID |
For harsh environments, Type OID |
For object profile checking, Type OPD |
With 0.01 mm resolution, Type OMH |
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Explore options for applications requiring distance measurement.
Why choose an ifm laser distance sensor?
Laser distance sensors from ifm are IO-Link enabled. Setup can be completed in a few minutes using the moneo | configure software on a laptop or the moneo | blue app on a mobile device.
Key features
- High accuracy and precision: Achieve linearity deviations as low as ±0.03% and repeatability down to 0.12 μm.
- Versatile measurement ranges: From compact short-range sensors to long-range solutions up to 24 m.
- Robust design: Engineered to withstand harsh conditions with waterproof and high-temperature-resistant options.
- Seamless connectivity: Supports IO-Link, Modbus, PROFINET, and more for easy integration into any system.
- High sampling rates: With rates up to 70 kHz, our sensors are ideal for high-speed applications such as vibration measurement and quality control
Laser distance sensors from ifm combine advanced technology, intuitive operation, and a compact design to meet today's demands. With features like surface-independent measurement and ambient light suppression, ifm sensors deliver consistent results even on challenging surfaces.
With more than 50 years of experience in industrial automation, ifm is recognized for excellent price-to-performance ratios and superior customer service.
Laser distance sensors are trusted across industries for their ability to deliver precise, repeatable measurements in a wide range of applications. From quality inspection in manufacturing to roll-to-roll monitoring in industrial processes, these sensors provide the accuracy and reliability needed for critical operations.
Industries and use cases
Our laser distance sensors are designed to meet the unique demands of various industries, including:
- Manufacturing: Ensure precision in assembly lines, quality control, and material handling.
- Logistics: Optimize warehouse operations by accurately measuring distance for inventory management and overfill prevention.
- Robotics: Enable precise tool positioning and navigation for automated systems.
- Electronics: Handle delicate positioning tasks on glossy or metallic surfaces, such as PCB substrates.
- Automotive: Inspect battery cases and monitor roll diameters in production lines.
Applications
Laser distance sensors excel in a variety of tasks, including:
- Object detection: Identify and measure objects with high precision, even in complex environments.
- Positioning: Achieve repeatable and accurate tool positioning for assembly and manufacturing processes.
- Monitoring: Track roll diameters, material levels, and other critical parameters to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
- Level measurement: Monitor bulk materials and liquids with non-contact precision.
- Surface-independent measurement: Adapt to varying object colors and brightness levels for consistent results.
Understanding the technology behind laser distance sensors can help you choose the right solution for your application. These sensors use advanced optical principles to measure distance, displacement, and position with unparalleled precision.
Key technologies
Laser distance sensors rely on two primary technologies to achieve accurate measurements:
- Laser triangulation: This method detects the angle at which a laser beam reflects off an object. By analyzing the position of the reflected beam on a detector, the sensor calculates the distance with micrometer-level accuracy. This technology is ideal for short-range, high-precision applications.
- Time-of-flight (ToF): ToF sensors measure the time it takes for a laser pulse to travel to an object and back. This enables accurate distance measurement over long ranges, making it suitable for applications such as inventory management and roll monitoring.
Overcoming challenges
Our sensors are engineered to deliver consistent results, even in challenging conditions:
- Surface-independent measurement: Automatically adapts to different object colors and brightness levels by dynamically optimizing exposure time
- Ambient light suppression: Reliable performance in environments with high ambient light, with advanced optical designs and intelligent algorithms
- Environmental durability: Reliable performance in harsh environments with waterproof and high-temperature-resistant options
Measurement principles
Laser distance sensors excel at measuring a variety of parameters:
- Distance and displacement: Measure the exact distance between the sensor and an object or track changes in position over time
- Position: Precisely locate objects in automation systems or manufacturing lines
- Level: Monitor material levels in tanks or silos with non-contact precision
Our laser distance sensors are packed with advanced features and cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of modern industries. From high accuracy to robust design, these sensors are built to deliver reliable performance in every application.
High-accuracy and precision
- Unmatched precision
- Versatile measurement ranges
- High sampling rates
Outputs and displays
- Clear readouts: Select models with integrated displays for real-time measurement feedback
- Precise units: Outputs in meters, millimeters, or micrometers to match your requirements
Robust design
- Durable construction: Built for harsh industrial environments with waterproof and high-temperature options.
- Compact and lightweight: Designed for easy integration into tight spaces without sacrificing performance.
- Optional accessories: Enhance performance with air jackets, splash guards, or heaters for challenging environments
Seamless connectivity
- Wide protocol support: Integrate effortlessly with IO-Link, Modbus, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, and more.
- IIoT-ready: Enable real-time data sharing and monitoring for smarter automation systems.
- Flexible outputs: Choose from analog, digital, or pulse outputs to suit your specific application
Easy installation
- Plug-and-play setup: Simplify installation with intuitive interfaces and pre-configured settings.
- Customizable options: Adjust parameters such as exposure time, filters, and invalid-value suppression to optimize performance.
- Compact design: Save space without compromising on functionality