Industrial Inline Inspection Expands with Confocal Precision Measurement

[Erkan Teskancan]

Micro-Epsilon has expanded its confocal measurement portfolio with the 2-channel confocalDT controllers IFC2412 and IFC2417, featuring Ethernet data output, and the IFD2410 and IFD2415 all-in-one sensor systems. These solutions are developed for industrial applications requiring high precision, speed, and seamless integration into automated production environments. They are particularly suitable for use in semiconductor manufacturing, battery cell production, and optical quality inspection in mechanical engineering.

### Advanced Functionality in Confocal-Chromatic Measurement Systems
The new controllers complement the existing portfolio with 2-channel variants, enabling double-sided thickness measurement with a single device. Integrated processing functions allow for direct calculation of measurement values, reducing the need for additional hardware and offering more compact system configurations.

Confocal-chromatic sensor technology is based on the spectral analysis of reflected light and performs measurements with high precision even on transparent or reflective surfaces. This method is becoming increasingly common in automated inline inspection systems where critical quality parameters need to be continuously monitored.

### Technical Specifications of the 2-Channel Controllers

• The IFC2412 offers two measurement channels with an adjustable 8 kHz measurement rate and submicron resolution below 2 nm.
• The IFC2417 operates at a 25 kHz measurement rate and supports multi-peak measurements, analyzing up to five material layers simultaneously.
• Active exposure control of the CCD line ensures stable measurement results even under challenging surface conditions.
• Both controllers are protected by a robust IP40 aluminum housing and are designed for DIN rail mounting, supporting OEM integration and high-volume industrial production environments.

### All-in-One Sensor Systems with Ethernet Output
The IFD2410 and IFD2415 systems have been expanded with an integrated Ethernet interface. Measurement values can be transmitted directly with 32-bit resolution, facilitating integration into digital production networks and data-driven quality assurance systems.

The compact systems operate without fiber optics and are designed for space-saving inline installations in machinery and production systems. In addition to Ethernet, industrial fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP offer flexibility in integration.

### Integration with Digital Production Environments
Integration into customer-specific software environments is supported by the MEDAQLib software and driver library. This enables real-time data processing and connection to higher-level systems, ensuring compatibility with automated inspection processes and closed-loop quality control systems.

Micro-Epsilon's new confocal-chromatic controllers and sensor systems aim to provide scalable and automated solutions for modern industrial production processes, meeting the requirements for high-precision optical measurement, compact system design, and standard communication interfaces.