Laser-based Flatness and Contour Measurement for Leveling, Cut-to-length, Shearing Lines
The alpha.fi compact is a laser-based measurement system designed for the precise evaluation of flatness and contours of sheets and blanks. With its automated inline capability, it enables real-time quality control, ensuring production efficiency and adherence to international standards.
Key Features and Benefits of alpha.fi compact:
- High-Precision Measurement – Contactless laser technology provides accurate flatness and contour assessment for flat geometries of any shape, including materials with cutouts and holes.
- Scalable and Flexible System – Accommodates sheets and coils with dimensions up to 5000 mm in length, 3200 mm in width, and thickness starting from 0.5 mm.
- Fast Inspection Process – Supports measurement speeds of up to 0.5 m/s, enabling rapid analysis, such as a 4-meter sheet in just 8 seconds.
- Inline and Offline Operation – The scalable portal system can operate in automated production lines or standalone environments for maximum flexibility.
- Unmanned Production with Full Automation – The integrated inline measurement system ensures continuous operation with minimal manual intervention, reducing production downtime.
- Comprehensive Quality Assurance – 100% inspection and documentation in compliance with DIN/EN, ASTM standards, enabling precise process control and defect prevention.
- Safe and Easy to Use – Laser Class 2 certification means no additional safety precautions are required, allowing seamless integration into manufacturing workflows.
Advanced Measurement Capabilities
Continuous High-Density Data Acquisition
The system collects high-resolution measurement data in real time, allowing for precise evaluation and visualization of material flatness and contours.
- Scanning Operation with High Sampling Rate – Captures detailed measurement points to ensure reliable and repeatable analysis.
- 2D and 3D Visualization – Flatness and contour data are graphically displayed on the control panel immediately after scanning, with results available as heatmaps and 3D models.
- Integrated Process Feedback – Measurement results are fed directly into process management, preventing costly production errors and optimizing manufacturing efficiency.
Flexible Measurement Setup
The alpha.fi compact can be adapted to various production environments with its scalable gantry system and precise linear guide with servo drive.
Designed for inline or offline operation:
- Dynamic Portal Scanning – The gantry system moves while scanning stationary sheets, ensuring accurate data capture.
- Versatile Object Compatibility – Supports measurement of flat materials with any shape, including cutouts and holes.
- Customizable Gantry Width – Scalable design accommodates different sheet sizes and production requirements.
- Integrated Reference Ruler – Comes with a protective cover for long-term accuracy and durability.
- High-Precision Motion Control – A servo-driven linear guide delivers stable and reliable scanning performance.
- Customer-provided Measurement Base – To meet specific customer needs for seamless integration.
High-density Measurement Data
2D or 3D visualization
A 2D or 3D graphic shows the contactless measured flatness and contour of each sheet manufactured in the production line. After the passage it is directly shown on the control panel. Through feedback of the measurement results into the process management additional cost-intensive errors in the production are avoided.
Flat objects of any shape and any cutouts/holes
Standard System Configuration
The alpha.fi compact is designed for seamless industrial integration, offering:
- Compact portal system with built-in measuring technology
- Automatic monitoring using MSA Method 1
- Control cabinet (2100 x 1200 x 800 mm) with IPC for data evaluation
- Operator PC (desktop version with monitor, keyboard, and mouse)
- 30-meter cable set (extendable up to 80 meters)
- Safety interfaces for emergency stop and door monitoring
- Standard communication protocols: Profinet, TCP/IP
- Remote maintenance access via Ethernet
- Graphical result visualization with 2D heatmap & 3D view
- Storage capacity of 4 TB for measurement history and data management
- Real-time display and storage of warnings and fault messages