3D triangulation cameras

In 3D laser triangulation, the synergy between the camera and the laser is the key to precise 3D measurements. With this technique, the laser emits a beam toward the object, and the camera detects how the laser light is reflected off the surface. By analyzing this reflection, the system calculates distances and angles, thereby enabling the creation of an accurate 3D profile of the object.

Photonfocus’s 3D laser triangulation cameras play a central role in this process and serve as the linchpin for maximum precision and speed. In a wide range of applications where precise 3D measurements are required, Photonfocus cameras are the key component that unlocks the full potential of 3D laser triangulation technology. Selecting the right camera—based on professional advice from our camera experts—is also crucial to their efficiency.

Reliable measurement results

Our 3D cameras use on-board camera filters that minimize disruptive influences. The robust algorithms in the camera’s FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) were specially developed by Photonfocus to suppress artifacts and reflections. This is particularly important when dealing with highly reflective materials, as it ensures that the correct laser line can be reliably identified.

Faster data processing

Thanks to the on-board processing in the FPGA of our cameras, data can be processed directly within the camera, resulting in a significant reduction in data bandwidth and considerably faster results. Filter functions such as Multi-ROI (Multiple Region of Interest), Moving-ROI, and Line-Skipping also allow for the inspection of only relevant test areas. This saves time and resources.

Electronics manufacturing

Inspection of solder joints:

• A 3D profile provides detailed information about the shape and dimensions of the joint
• Detection of manufacturing defects such as insufficient solder, solder bridges, misalignment, and irregularities in solder joints

Food processing

High-speed meat slicer:

• Specifies the start and end points of a cut line
• Determines the optimal cut thickness

Food processing

Inspection of cookies:

• Circularity test
• Checking for missing or incomplete “pieces”

Infrastructure maintenance

The sewer inspection detects:

• Cracks in the pipe
• Breaks in the line
• Blockages
• Deposits

Material processing

Metrological inspection of lumber / logs:

• Surface inspection
• Determining the trunk diameter
• Preselection for an optimal cut

Structural monitoring

Inspection of steel cables:

• Helps assess structural integrity and material condition
• Detection of structural damage, wear, or overload; identification of physical damage, corrosion, and cracks
• Measuring the displacement of steel cables
• Ensuring timely maintenance and repairs

Inspection of rail tracks:

• Accurate information about the track profile
• Detecting deviations from the target profile
• Identifying defects: cracks, wear, irregularities
• Enables predictive maintenance

Inspection of railroad wheels:

• Quality and wear testing
• Measuring wheel thickness
• Use of lasers under the tracks in the railroad maintenance shop

Tunnel inspection:

• Survey of tunnel geometry
• Assessment of the tunnel’s condition
• Identification of defects
• Ensuring structural integrity
• Tunnel maintenance and safety

What you’ll learn in our white paper:

• The Advantages of our LineFinder algorithms for 3D laser profiling
• The accuracy of laser line detection in complex measurement scenarios
• The importance of special onboard filters for precision and speed
• How precise laser line detection works on reflective surfaces