The Opto Engineering TC CAGE is an integrated opto-mechanical system designed
to fully inspect and measure parts from their side without any need of
rotation. Four orthonormal views of an object are provided by a telecentric
lens through an array of mirrors. The optical path is designed so that the
displacement angle between the views is exactly 90°; this optical layout
ensures complete coverage of the object lateral surface. Furthermore,
telecentric imaging makes the system insensitive to part decentering and
therefore suitable for measurement applications. The Opto Engineering TC CAGE
is the perfect solution for inspecting parts whose features would be hidden
when looked at from the top and for all those applications where an object
must be inspected or measured from different sides. Two different illumination
devices are built into the device to provide either backlight or direct part
illumination.
Working principle of telecentric lenses
A telecentric lens observes the object from 4 different positions through a
mirror assembly, ensuring that the optical path is the same for all 4 view
points.
The 4 views are equally spaced every 90° and partially overlapped, obtaining
complete coverage of the object lateral surfaces. The system can thus tolerate
component decentering without any significant decay of the image quality
thanks to the telecentric optics, which ensures that magnification is
maintained in each image segment. The system is designed so as to allow
components to pass unobstacled through the mirror cage, for in-line
applications.
Integrated illumination
The Opto Engineering TC CAGE integrates both direct and backlight illumination
devices.
Direct illumination is provided by a ring illuminator placed on the top of the
part that can be used to enhance surface defects.
Back lighting is obtained by means of a diffusive source which illuminates the
object through the mirror system; this type of illumination is suggested for
measurement purposes or to inspect transparent objects.
Additional port
The Opto Engineering TC CAGE is provided with a 28 mm diameter hole, placed
right above the object.
This port can be used to inspect the top of the part by means of an additional
lens and camera system (i.e. a Hole Inspection Lens, a Macro or a Telecentric
lens). The aperture can also host other types of illuminators.
Models
- Maximum object diameter: 8 mm or 16 mm
- Maximum object height: 32 mm or 68 mm