Project
A materials research company was conducting tests of brake pad materials. A calibrated force is applied to the surface of a rotating test pad for an extended period. Post-test examination of the wear track is required to determine material suitability. Sub-micron precision, an automated measurement sequence, volumetric calculations, data storage and retrieval, and graphical analysis and reports are required. 

Result
We designed and delivered a dedicated turnkey measurement system for this task. The fixture incorporates a 3-axis precision stage, part platform, and a Keyence LT confocal laser displacement sensor with integral video camera. The custom software orchestrates the entire surface scan process. A built-in database records all scan data for each part for later review. Detailed graphical analysis with zoom and automatic calculations using customizable "Setups" for measurement area definition are included. 

Technologies utilized

• High-speed synchronized analog acquisition
• Background (thread) motion sequencing and monitoring
• Built-in database (native format)
• Laser displacement sensor
• Video capture
• User-defined "Setups" (recipes) for varying part type handling
• Graphical data analysis with scanning cursor and zoom
• Multi-level debug trace output capability

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