2D Laser Scanners

A 2D laser profile scanner captures a single cross-sectional slice — measuring height and width along the laser line to deliver data on dimensions, shape, and surface features within that plane.

A 3D scanner builds a full volumetric model by combining multiple 2D profiles as the object or sensor moves, producing a point cloud for complete surface geometry analysis, defect detection, and CAD comparison.

In practice: for pipe diameter, weld bead height, or high-speed profile inspection, a 2D laser scanner is the right tool. For complex 3D geometry — forgings, suspension arms, free-form surfaces — a 3D approach is needed. RF62x and RF63x scanners support both modes depending on system integration.

A 2D laser profile scanner covers a wide range of dimensional and geometric tasks. In a single scan pass it can measure profile shape and contour, width and height, gap and flush, angle and radius, outer diameter and ovality, edge position, weld bead geometry, and flatness of flat components.

RF62x Smart scanners perform these calculations directly inside the scanner according to user-defined algorithms — no external controller or PC required. This makes the system self-contained and straightforward to deploy in automated lines.

Both technologies are based on the same optical triangulation principle, but they serve different measurement tasks.

A laser triangulation sensor measures a single point — it returns the distance from the sensor to one spot on the object surface. This makes it ideal for displacement, position, vibration, and thickness measurements where point-by-point data is sufficient. Riftek RF603 series sensors, for example, cover operating ranges from 2 mm to 1,250 mm with measuring error down to ±1 µm.

A 2D laser scanner projects a full laser line rather than a point, capturing hundreds or thousands of measurement points simultaneously across the object's cross-section. This produces a complete profile in one acquisition — dimensions, shape, and geometry — rather than a single distance value.

The practical difference: use a laser triangulation sensor when you need fast, precise single-point measurement of distance or displacement. Use a 2D laser profile scanner when you need to measure shape, width, contour, or detect profile deviations across the surface.

Sampling rate varies by model and is one of the primary selection criteria depending on your application speed:

• RF627Smart — 520 profiles/s nominal, up to 4,200 profiles/s in ROI mode
• RF627BiSmart — 520 profiles/s nominal, up to 4,200 profiles/s in ROI mode
• RF628Smart — 4,000 profiles/s nominal, up to 16,000 profiles/s in ROI mode
• RF629Smart — 1,000 profiles/s nominal, up to 16,000 profiles/s in ROI mode
• RF6292Smart — 4,000 profiles/s nominal
• RF630 - 3400 profile/s nominal and up to 58000 profiles/s for 1024 resolution in ROI
• RF631 - 1900 profile/s nominal and up to 26000 profiles/s for 2300 resolution in ROI

ROI (Region of Interest) mode restricts the active sensor area to a defined measurement zone, allowing the scanner to operate at maximum speed without processing the full frame. For most inline 2D laser measurement applications — dimensional control, profile inspection, sorting — even the base sampling rate of RF627Smart is sufficient. High-speed models RF628Smart and RF629Smart are designed for fast-moving production lines where profile capture must keep pace with conveyor or extrusion speed.

RF62x and RF63x scanners are available with three laser wavelengths, and the right choice depends on the material and surface condition of the object being measured.

660 nm (red) is the standard option and works well for the majority of industrial materials — metals, plastics, machined surfaces, and painted parts. It offers a good balance of power, resolution, and cost.

405 nm or 450 nm (blue) is recommended for surfaces where red laser performance is degraded: red-hot or incandescent metals, organic materials, rubber, wood, and some translucent plastics. The shorter wavelength does not penetrate into semi-transparent surfaces, which eliminates subsurface scattering and produces a sharper, more stable profile. If you are measuring hot-rolled steel, biological tissue, or food products, blue laser is the better choice.

808 nm (IR) is used for surfaces that absorb visible light or where a laser beam invisible to the human eye is required for safety or process reasons. It is less common but useful in specific material handling and sorting applications.

When in doubt, contact Riftek engineers — the right wavelength is determined by material reflectivity and surface temperature, not by measurement range or accuracy requirements.

Yes, and this is one of the key advantages of the RF62xSmart series. The scanner contains built-in communication protocols for direct interaction with industrial robots and cobots, eliminating the need for additional interface hardware or controllers between the scanner and the robot system.

For CNC integration, the scanner transmits measurement data via Ethernet, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, or UDP — standard protocols supported by most CNC controllers and PLCs. Measurement results, tolerance decisions, and go/no-go outputs can be fed directly into the machine control loop for in-process compensation or post-process sorting.

The RF62xSmart is used as a 2D scanner for CNC applications including weld seam tracking, part profile verification, and in-line dimensional control on machining and assembly lines. The dedicated RF627Smart-Weld variant is specifically configured for welding robot integration, with built-in functions for seam tracking and weld bead measurement.

RF627Smart scanners transmit data via the following interfaces:

• Ethernet / 1000 Mbps — base interface for all models
• Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP — available in the Industrial (Ind) version, enabling direct integration with PLCs and industrial automation systems
• UDP — for high-speed data streaming to external processing systems
• RS422 — synchronization inputs (3 channels) and one output channel for encoder or trigger synchronization
• Logic outputs — for direct actuator control and pass/fail signaling without external processing

The Base version includes TCP and UDP data transmission along with smart profile processing blocks. The Ind version adds Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP support, plus dedicated smart blocks for interaction with industrial robots.

For most factory automation and CNC laser measuring system applications, the Ind version is the appropriate choice. If you are building a custom integration using the SDK, the Base version provides sufficient interface capability.