Micro‑Epsilon Launches Affordable, High‑Performance 3D Snapshot Sensor – surfaceCONTROL 3D 3200

Precision sensor manufacturer Micro‑Epsilon expands its surfaceCONTROL portfolio with the new surfaceCONTROL 3D 3200, a cost‑effective yet high‑performance 3D snapshot sensor designed for automated, inline inspection of geometry, shape, and surface quality.

The 3D 3200 offers a compact footprint and an exceptional Z‑axis resolution of 1.5 µm, coupled with a repeatability of 0.6 µm—setting a new benchmark in high‑precision 3D measurement. Its rapid data processing speed, delivering up to 2.2 million 3D points per second, boosts productivity across demanding applications.

With its attractive price‑performance ratio, the 3D 3200 is ideal for a broad spectrum of inspections, including:

• Surface defect detection and flatness testing of circuit boards
• Planarity checks of unpopulated PCB substrates and component placement verification on fitted PCBs
• 3D measurement of high‑precision mechanical parts
• Rivet width, tilt angle, and positional analysis
• Break detection and evaluation on clutch discs
• 3D text recognition of embossments where 2D imaging fails due to low contrast
• Height and thickness assessment of adhesive beadings on smartphone shells
• Shape‑deviation detection on injection‑moulded parts

The 3D 3200 is available in two models, each offering a distinct measuring area and depth of field. Both models are rugged industrial sensors, rated IP67, and feature passive cooling by default, with optional active cooling for elevated operating temperatures.

Micro‑Epsilon’s surfaceCONTROL series now encompasses three ranges: the flagship surfaceCONTROL 3D 3500, the new 3D 3200, and the upgraded surfaceCONTROL 3D 2500.

The 3D 2500 targets diffuse surfaces on larger targets, providing measuring fields up to 575 × 435 × 300 mm³ and a lateral resolution of 0.25 mm. Its control unit supports the latest GigE Vision and GenICam standards and is fully compatible with Micro‑Epsilon’s 3D Inspect software.

Designed for non‑reflective surfaces—matte, plastic, unpainted, and bare metal—the 3D 2500 excels in automotive press‑shop and body‑in‑white inspections, as well as aerospace manufacturing where surface finish consistency is critical.

Typical use cases include inspection of injection‑moulded components such as car fenders, fuel filler caps, sliding roofs, composite parts like tailgates and spoilers, dashboards, and furniture fronts.

All surfaceCONTROL 3D systems support the latest GigE Vision and GenICam standards for seamless integration with third‑party image‑processing software. A comprehensive software development kit (SDK) enables customers to build custom analysis tools.

Included with the sensor is Micro‑Epsilon’s 3D View software, offering a user‑friendly interface for fast commissioning, evaluation, parameter optimisation, and precise object positioning.

For further details on the surfaceCONTROL series, visit www.micro‑epsilon.co.uk or contact our sales team at +44 (0)151 355 6070 or [email protected].