Precise length measurement of flexible hoses on conveyor belts is a decisive factor for process reliability in industrial production. Elastic, transparent or differently shaped hoses pose challenges for conventional measuring methods. Modern 2D/3D profile sensors in combination with intelligent software offer an automated solution for reliable measurement results.
In practical applications, the 2D/3D profile sensor is installed above the conveyor belt. The hoses are guided evenly under the sensor while it operates at high frequency. This produces measured values at intervals of a few tenths of a millimeter, which record every bend and height of the hose.
A laser line is projected onto the hose, while a dark background prevents reflections. This ensures a clear separation between the hose and its surroundings – crucial for precise detection, especially with transparent hoses.
The sensor generates a 3D point cloud of the hose. The conveyor belt is differentiated from the hoses by color, and each height of the hose is represented by color gradients. The upper areas are evaluated for the length measurement, as the beginning and end of the hose are relevant.
The software converts the 3D data into a depth image and uses it to create a 2D representation. The system then automatically recognizes the hose, marks the start and end points and calculates the exact length in millimetres. All processes run in the background so that the measurement can be seamlessly integrated into the conveyor belt process.
To avoid interfering pixels at the ends of the tubing, the cutting process should be stable. The solution is suitable for tubes of different materials, diameters and degrees of transparency and can be flexibly integrated into existing production lines.
The automated solution offers several advantages: precise length measurement of flexible hoses, reliable detection of the start and end, fast integration into conveyor belt systems and immediate data for quality assurance. This increases process reliability, reduces waste and optimizes production processes.
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