Length measuring instrument LaserSpeed Pro

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Overview
The LaserSpeed Pro gauge by Nordson is a non-contact laser encoder for measuring length and speed of moving surfaces with ±0.03% accuracy and ±0.02% repeatability. It uses Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) technology, has no moving parts, is factory calibrated for low-maintenance operation, and is presented as a replacement for rotary encoders. The product is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications (wire & cable, pipe & tube, metals, film, paper, packaging, lumber, rubber, etc.). The gauge is Industry 4.0 ready with expanded Ethernet connectivity, communication, and control capabilities.

Applications

• Continuous length measurement
• Speed measurement
• Differential speed control
• Cut-to-length control
• Tension control
• Discrete product measurement
• Product positioning
• Printing and coating application control

Features & Benefits

• Direct replacement for tachometers and encoders
• No slippage or marking: non-contact measurements on all material types, shapes, colors and textures
• Measures forward and reverse directions and down to true zero speed
• Permanently calibrated, no moving parts; all optics, electronics and I/O are contained in the smart gauge
• Low maintenance and low cost of ownership due to no moving parts

Several Models Available (summary table)
Model suffixes: -401 (LS 4500 only) | -403 | -406 | -410
Standoff Distance: 100 mm (4 in.) | 300 mm (12 in.) | 600 mm (24 in.) | 1000 mm (39.4 in.)
Speed Range (LS Pro 4500): 0.2 to 1700 m/min (0.7 to 5500 ft/min) | 0.4 to 4000 m/min (1.3 to 13100 ft/min) | 0.8 to 8000 m/min (2.6 to 262000 ft/min) | Not available
Speed Range (LS Pro 8500): Not available | 0.4 to 4000 m/min (1.3 to 13100 ft/min) | 0.8 to 8000 m/min (2.6 to 262000 ft/min) | 1.0 to 8000 m/min (3.2 to 262000 ft/min)
Speed Range (LS Pro 9500): Not available | -4000 to 4000 m/min (-13100 to 131000 ft/min) | -8000 to 8000 m/min (-26200 to 262000 ft/min) | -12000 to 12000 m/min (-39400 to 39400 ft/min)
Measurement Depth of Field: 15 mm (0.6 in.) | 35 mm (1.4 in.) | 50 mm (2.0 in.) | 100 mm (4.0 in.)

Contact Tachometers vs. LaserSpeed Pro (comparison)
Standard Tachometer | LaserSpeed Pro
Inaccuracy caused by product slippage, dirt build-up, day-to-day wear problems | Non-contact measurement ensures high accuracy and repeatability
High cost of ownership due to replacement parts and recalibration | No moving parts: permanent calibration and low cost of ownership
Contact measurement can mark or damage the product | Non-contact: no marking or damage

Specialized Series & Housings

• LaserSpeed Pro M Series (X-Housing): proprietary optical engine and unique LDV beam pattern optimized for small, bouncing, unguided cylindrical products (e.g., bare conductor wire, small tubing, hot metal rods).
• LaserSpeed Pro 8500X/9500X: stainless-steel housing with built-in air purge for heavy steam, mist and spray environments; designed for harsh metals manufacturing environments.
• LaserSpeed Pro 8500E/9500E: rugged environmental case with double-sealed protection for hot and hostile environments; suitable for rods, bars, tube, pipe, slabs, cold/hot strip, plates, profiles, lumber, etc.
• LS Pro 8500-C/9500-C: version designed to mount inside an X-ray C-frame; includes gauge, mounting rail, right-angle mirror assembly and safety cover for combined thickness and speed/length measurement in the same location.

ROI and Process Benefits

• Minimizes product waste
• Reduces product shortages and overages
• Increases product quality
• Eliminates maintenance associated with contact encoders
• Minimizes downtime
• Lowers total cost of ownership

Technical specifications

• Technology: Non-contact Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV)
• Accuracy: ±0.03%
• Repeatability: ±0.02%
• Direction: Measures forward and reverse speed; measures down to true zero speed
• Calibration: Factory calibrated, no moving parts
• Industry connectivity: Industry 4.0 ready — expanded Ethernet connectivity, communication and control features
• Model suffix options: -401 (LS 4500 only), -403, -406, -410
• Standoff distances by model suffix: 100 mm (4 in.) / 300 mm (12 in.) / 600 mm (24 in.) / 1000 mm (39.4 in.)
• Measurement Depth of Field options: 15 mm (0.6 in.), 35 mm (1.4 in.), 50 mm (2.0 in.), 100 mm (4.0 in.)
• Speed ranges (examples by series): LS Pro 4500 up to 0.2–1700 m/min (varies by suffix); LS Pro 8500 up to 0.4–8000 m/min (varies by suffix); LS Pro 9500 ranges include bidirectional ranges up to ±12000 m/min depending on suffix
• Environmental options: X-Housing with air purge (8500X/9500X) for steam/mist; E-Housing (8500E/9500E) for sealed protection in hostile environments
• Integration option: C-frame mountable models (8500-C / 9500-C) for combined thickness and speed/length applications
• Mechanical: compact, no moving parts; quick-change window and optional purge for reduced maintenance (depending on housing)