What Is a 3D Line Confocal Sensor?
A 3D line confocal sensor is a high-precision, non-contact optical measurement device that leverages chromatic confocal technology to perform ultra-fast, high-resolution surface scans.
Unlike traditional point-based systems, this sensor captures an entire line of data in one pass, making it ideal for inspecting curved, transparent, or reflective surfaces.
Thanks to chromatic aberration—where different wavelengths of white light are focused at different depths—the sensor can accurately detect distance based on the wavelength of reflected light. This enables precise distance measurement that’s independent of surface reflectivity, delivering stable results even with black rubber, transparent films, or liquids.
Products
- Line length 5.9mm
- Measurement range 3 mm
- Z-axis repeatability 0.1μm
- X-direction resolution 2.9μm
- Mirror angle compatibility ±20.5°
- Line length 5.9mm
- Measurement range 2.4mm
- Z-axis repeatability 0.2μm
- X-direction resolution 2.9μm
- Mirror angle compatibility ±15°
- Line length: 13mm
- Measurement range: 6mm
- Z-axis repeatability: 0.15μm
- X-direction resolution: 6.3μm
- Mirror angle compatibility ±13.5°
- Line length 4.3mm
- Measurement range 0.7 mm
- Z-axis repeatability 0.04μm
- X-direction resolution 2.1μm
- Mirror angle compatibility ±15.1°
- Line length 18.5mm
- Measurement range 6 mm
- Z-axis repeatability 0.25 μm
- X-direction resolution 9 μm
- Mirror angle compatibility ±13°
- Line length 2.3mm
- Measurement range 1.4 mm
- Z-axis repeatability 0.1 μm
- X-direction resolution 1.1 μm
- Mirror angle compatibility ±45°
- Line length 10mm
- Measurement range 6 mm
- Z-axis repeatability 0.4 μm
- X-direction resolution 4.9 μm
- Mirror angle compatibility ±22°
- Power supply 19V≥5A
- Power MAX.80W
- Optocoupler isolation
| Model | Line Length(mm) | X Direction Resolution (μm) | Repeatability in Z direction (μm) | Measuring Range(mm) | Scan Rate at Full Range (Hz) |
| HPS-LCF1000 | 5.9 | 2.9 | 0.1 | 3 | 5000 |
| HPS-LCF2000 | 5.9 | 2.9 | 0.2 | 2.4 | 5000 |
| HPS-LCF3000 | 13 | 6.3 | 0.15 | 6 | 5000 |
| HPS-LCF4000 | 4.3 | 2.1 | 0.04 | 0.7 | 5000 |
| HPS-LCF5000 | 18.5 | 9 | 0.25 | 6 | 5800 |
| HPS-LCX1000 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 1.4 | 6500 |
| HPS-LCX3000 | 10 | 4.9 | 0.4 | 6 | 5000 |
Key Applications of Line Confocal Sensors
Our line confocal sensors are widely used across industries that demand high-speed and high-precision optical inspection and measurement.
Typical Applications:
Glass inspection & surface defect detection
→ Detect cracks, particles, and surface waviness in transparent materials3D profile measurement for electronics & semiconductors
→ Capture detailed topography of wafers, PCBs, and micro-componentsInline inspection of reflective & transparent materials
→ Stable, repeatable measurement even on complex optical surfacesThickness and flatness analysis in automotive and metal parts
→ Verify coating thickness, flatness, and layer uniformityGap and step height measurement in precision assembly
→ Accurate measurement of flushness and alignment in assembled products
These chromatic confocal displacement sensors are perfectly suited for integration into inline production lines, quality inspection systems, and R&D environments.
Curved Surface Profile Scanning
Gap and Step Height Detection
Foreign Particle, Air Gap, and Bubble Detection
Surface Flatness Measurement
Surface Topography and Dimension Inspection
Step Difference and Height Analysis
Measurement Principle
3D Line Confocal Sensors operate by utilizing specially designed optics to extend the chromatic focal dispersion of different light wavelengths. This technique creates a magnified chromatic aberration, where each color focuses at a different distance from the lens.
When measuring, the distance between the target and the sensor determines which specific wavelength is sharply focused on the surface. By detecting the wavelength of the reflected light, the sensor precisely calculates the object’s distance — independently of the intensity of the reflected light.
Because the measured distance is unaffected by reflection intensity, the sensor delivers consistently accurate results even on materials with challenging optical properties, such as highly absorbent black rubber, transparent glass, or liquid surfaces. This makes it ideal for demanding industrial and scientific applications where material diversity and surface characteristics vary significantly.
Triangulation
Coaxial measurement
Looking for point-based measurements instead? Explore our Chromatic Confocal Sensor solutions for ultra-precise displacement analysis.
Advantages of 3D Line Confocal Sensor
Excellent Adaptability to Various Materials
High-precision measurement is possible across almost all material types, including highly reflective surfaces such as glass, metals, and mirrors, ensuring reliable performance in diverse industrial environments.
±45° Wide Measuring Angle with Coaxial Design
Thanks to its coaxial optical structure, the incident and reflected light share the same optical path — eliminating angle deviation. This design ensures highly accurate and real-time measurements, even on surfaces with steep inclines or complex geometries.
±45° large measurable angle
No angle-induced distortion
Ideal for tilted, curved, or irregular surfaces
Maintains accuracy across varied shapes and materials
Multilayered Materials Inspection
Thanks to its unique line chromatic confocal scanning technology, the 3D Line Confocal Sensor can construct precise 2D and 3D data of multiple transparent layers with a single scan. It ensures excellent performance across surfaces and curved edges (up to ±20.5°), enabling accurate inline defect detection, including chips and cracks, regardless of the glass thickness.
3D Glass and Side Seam Gluing Inspection
The sensor delivers outstanding inspection capabilities, detecting defects such as scratches, surface unevenness, and contour mismatches, even at high speeds on assembly lines.
One-Step Line Confocal Scanning
By applying a unique line confocal scanning method, the sensor captures various high-resolution data types in a single scan, including:
3D point clouds
2D contour images
High-definition depth images
High-definition grayscale images
This detailed raw data supports integration into complex measurement and inspection systems.
Detailed Surface Inspection
With 2,048 scanning points per line and a minimum point interval of just 2.9 μm, the sensor reveals surface topography in exceptional detail. Tiny defects such as concavities or convexities can be detected with a Z-axis repeatability of up to 0.1 μm for highly accurate measurement results.
Ultrahigh-Speed Scanning
The sensor achieves speeds up to 35,000 lines per second, making it ideal for high-volume, high-precision factory applications. It supports multidirectional 3D imaging analysis for various needs, such as:
Dimension and surface roughness measurement
Topography and flatness analysis
Defect and thickness inspection
Tomography and step height measurement
Gap and flush evaluation
3D Topography & 2D Contour Detection
Equipped with an advanced AI-based image recognition algorithm. It not only detects and analyzes 2D contour features but also captures precise 3D height and depth measurements, making it ideal for high-precision surface inspection tasks.
Geometry & Dimensions
Size & Shape
Morphology
Flatness
Thickness
Break Height
Volume
Scope
Surface Analysis
Surface Roughness
Clearances & Step Differences
Surface Flatness Variations
Defect Detection
Cracks & Faults
Glitches & Flicker Issues
Structural Defects
Complete SDK and Software Support
The system offers simple installation, user-friendly programming, and an intuitive software interface. It is backed by customizable service options, ensuring a seamless and worry-free integration into your production or research environment.
FAQS
What is the difference between line and point confocal sensors?
A point confocal sensor measures one point at a time, making it slower for scanning large areas. A line confocal sensor captures a full line in a single scan, significantly increasing measurement speed while maintaining high accuracy.
What materials can line confocal sensors measure?
Line confocal sensors work with a wide range of materials, including transparent glass, mirror-like metal surfaces, black rubber, and curved plastics. Their adaptability makes them ideal for complex industrial environments.
What industries use chromatic line confocal sensors?
These sensors are widely used in industries requiring high-precision inspection, including semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, medical device production, automotive parts, and advanced glass processing.
Why Use a 3D Line Confocal Sensor?
✔️ Accurate measurement on glass, metal, and plastics
✔️ Works even on curved or angled surfaces
✔️ Detects tiny defects during fast production
✔️ Captures 3D and 2D images in a single scan
Can these sensors measure on curved or uneven surfaces?
Yes. Thanks to their coaxial optical design and wide mirror angle compatibility (up to ±45°), they accurately measure angled, curved, and irregular surfaces without distortion.
What is the typical measurement resolution and repeatability of these sensors?
Depending on the model, resolutions range from about 1.1 μm to 9 μm in the X direction, with Z-axis repeatability as precise as 0.04 μm, suitable for micro-scale measurements and quality control.
Are 3D line confocal sensors suitable for transparent or multilayered materials?
Absolutely. They excel at inspecting transparent films and multilayer structures by using chromatic confocal scanning to detect defects, thickness variations, and surface irregularities even on complex layered surfaces.
How fast can 3D line confocal sensors scan surfaces?
They support ultra-high scanning speeds, with some models capable of capturing up to 35,000 lines per second, ideal for high-volume inline production without sacrificing precision.
What kind of data output can I expect from these sensors?
They provide rich datasets including 3D point clouds, 2D contour images, high-definition depth maps, and grayscale surface textures, enabling comprehensive surface characterization.
Is it possible to integrate these sensors into existing production or research setups?
Yes. These sensors come with user-friendly software interfaces, complete SDKs, and customizable options to facilitate smooth integration into various industrial automation and R&D environments.
Can the sensors detect minute surface defects like scratches, gaps, or particles?
Yes, their high resolution and repeatability enable detection of subtle surface defects such as micro-cracks, particles, step heights, and flatness variations, ensuring rigorous quality assurance.
Do these sensors require special environmental conditions or maintenance?
Generally, they operate reliably under standard industrial conditions but may require periodic calibration and protection from dust or extreme environmental factors to maintain optimal performance.
Interested in a custom solution? Contact us or request a quote today.
