DEN-10-500 Laser Distance Sensor

The selection should be based on the actual distance, tolerance, target speed, surface, and control system.

• When 100 Hz is sufficient and you want to maintain an accuracy of ±1 mm.
• When the application can work directly up to ~100 m over a natural surface or needs to extend up to 500 m with a reflector.
• For multipoint systems using RS-422/RS-485 or optional industrial Ethernet.
• To replace contact sensors or limit switches when it is important to obtain an absolute distance and not just an on/off signal.

Alternatives within the D Series: DPE-10-500 if 250 Hz or -40 °C is required; DAN-10-150 if 150 m with reflector is sufficient.

Examples of documented applications with Dimetix technology, where distance measurement is used to obtain position, level, deformation, or dimension.

Monitoring of structures and buildings

Laser measurement has been used to record movements in walls, pillars, bridges, and buildings using multiple measurement points. In one structural configuration, several sensors were combined to track displacements during work near existing structures.

Rocks, slopes and slow movements

In geotechnical monitoring, Dimetix sensors have been installed facing reflective plates on rock masses. The distance can be recorded at long intervals and combined with alarms, recorders, and other sensors to detect sustained changes.

Gates and hydraulic elements

The position of a gate can be determined by measuring directly to its surface or by measuring a mechanical component that moves with it. In one installation, multiple gates were monitored from the top of a dam, with travel distances on the order of tens of meters.

Level of silos and bulk materials

Dimetix technology has been used on pellets, dry or wet gravel, and other solids. On irregular surfaces, multiple measurements or sensors can be used to obtain a more stable representation of the level.

• Interfaces: RS-232, RS-422/RS-485 and SSI; USB for configuration.
• Analog output: 0/4…20 mA programmable, max. error ±0.1%.
• Digital I/O: 2 programmable digital outputs + 1 error output + 1 digital input.
• Industrial Ethernet: PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT via optional cover.

• The value of ±1 mm is a typical accuracy @2σ under the specified conditions. According to Dimetix documentation, surface, ambient light, and atmosphere affect range and speed.
• In measurements over several hundred meters, the atmosphere can be an additional source of error. The accuracy of ±1 mm is not constant with distance or ambient conditions.
• The reflective plate must remain completely within the laser spot throughout the movement, and it is advisable to avoid exactly perpendicular incidence.
• If the installation is permanent outdoors, Dimetix recommends protection against rain, snow, pollution and direct sunlight to keep the optics clean.

In critical applications, it is advisable to validate the target surface, ambient light, geometry, optical contamination, speed, and atmosphere before setting the useful range.