Meta Vision Systems Ltd (Oxford, UK) has announced the release of a new triple stripe laser sensor specially designed for key applications in the Tube & Pipe industry.  This is believed to be the first three stripe laser seam tracking sensor on the market.

The unique feature of the new sensor, designated MTH35, is that it projects three parallel laser stripes onto the workpiece instead of the conventional single stripe.  Combined with the high-resolution micro video camera built into the sensor, the use of three stripes results in the following end user benefits:

• Superior performance including improved weld tracking
• More accurate measurement of key part features
• Increased productivity
• Reduced scrap and rework

Two particular applications where the new sensor is expected to have an immediate impact are in gap control of spiral pipe mills and in fitup measurement before and after welding on ERW mills.

According to Dr Bob Beattie, Meta’s MD: “We have been aware for some time that there are tube and pipe mills where using multiple stripes gives major benefits for users of laser seam tracking and measurement systems.  After evaluating various multiple stripe patterns, we chose the three stripe configuration because it provides major performance benefits in a compact and relatively inexpensive package.  We believe that the advantages of the triple stripe sensor will consolidate our position as the leading supplier of laser seam tracking systems to the Tube and Pipe industry worldwide.”

The new sensor is planned to be the first of a range of triple stripe laser sensors.  Eventually the range will include sensors with small, medium and large fields of view able to cope with any application in the Tube and Pipe business which requires weld seam tracking or accurate non contact dimensional measurement.