Following the introduction and success of the Gocator 2000 all-in-one 3D smart sensor, LMI Technologies has launched a new 2300 series with megapixel resolution. The Gocator 2300 family effectively doubles the feature detail that can be detected within a part while maintaining backward compatibility (SDK, geometry, operational functions) with the 2000 series.
Higher resolution allows Gocators to see smaller features common in markets such as electronics. Although the Gocator 2000 family can detect features from sub-millimeters (hundreds of microns) to millimeters, the 2300 family reaches down in scale by an order of magnitude to 10s of microns; effectively at the scale of a blade of grass.
In addition to the launch of a new sensor series for megapixel resolution, LMI has released version 3.0 of its Gocator firmware. This firmware version is a free upgrade to existing Gocator users and offers exciting new functionality such as whole part mode, intensity output, multi-language support, and networking protocols for direct PLC communications.
With the new whole part mode, Gocators automatically detect the start and end of discrete parts to build complete 3D cloud sets ready for volumetric measurement tools. Whole part includes detection logic that scans and builds datasets for multiple parts simultaneously, full record/playback support, exporting of part datasets, SDK acquisition functions, and intuitive pseudo-color visualisation.
The new intensity output builds a 2D image of scanned parts based on laser reflection information suitable for SDK access and processing by traditional 2D image processing libraries (for finding blobs, edges, patterns, symbology decoding, etc). The multi-language option localises the web-based user interface dynamically upon login offering non-native English speakers a more friendly experience. In order to connect the decisions made by the Gocator directly to the factory floor, the 3.0 release now supports common PLC protocols starting with Modbus over TCP. This powerful communication capability allows PLCs direct control over starting, calibrating, or stopping sensors as well as receiving measurement data.
Gocators are a continuously evolving family of 3D smart sensors. The launch of the 2300 series and 3.0 firmware release delivers an exciting new level of performance.
