Z-Trak Express 1K5 3D Laser Profilers: In-Line 3D Measurement and Inspection Applications

Z-Trak Express 1K5 high speed 3D Laser Profilers

The Z-Trak Express 1K5 series of 3D Laser Profilers delivers speed and accuracy for real-time 3D inspection, capturing up to 5,000 profiles per second across the full measurement range. Designed for cost-sensitive applications, the 1K5 family is trusted in industries including lumber, factory automation, automotive, and logistics.

Flexible Performance Options

The Z-Trak Express 1K5 family consists of four models with varying fields of view (FOV).

• The smallest model, 1K5-0040-B2, provides a field of view from 8.3 mm (minimum WD) to 109 mm (maximum WD) with Z-resolution between 8.9 µm and 11.4 µm.
• The largest model covers 959 mm to 1,720 mm with Z-resolution from 191.6 µm to 343.9 µm.

From electronics to large surfaces such as planks, pallets, and automotive body parts, the Z-Trak Express 1K5 family has a solution for all tasks.

Scalable Configurations

A single profiler can inspect narrow or wide objects, while multiple sensors can be synchronized to:

• Measure thickness of moving parts
• Enable 360° continuous inspection
• Expand horizontal FOV without sacrificing Z-resolution

Sensor synchronization between multiple sensors simply with cables and camera configuration and can be synchronised to conveyor or linear movement by using encoders or by fixing motion at a constant speed and fixing a constant scan line rate. Streamlining deployment in this way reduces cost and complexity.

Complete Software Ecosystem

Each Z-Trak Express 1K5 ships with powerful tools for rapid deployment:

• Z-Trak 3D Apps Studio – purpose-built for inline 3D vision, capable of handling diverse surfaces, materials, and geometries.
• Z-Expert – graphical configuration utility.
• Sherlock 8– proven and trusted machine vision platform for machine vision and image analysis plus device integration, with support for Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA, MQTT, Serial, and discrete I/O.
• Sapera LT SDK – for lower level programming of scanning and control with full support for leading 3rd party 3D processing software.

Z-Trak 3D Apps Studio	Sherlock 8

Built for Real-World Conditions

The Z-Trak Express 1K5 combines precision and accuracy with reliability in demanding environments:

• Out-of-the-box calibration – no field calibration required.
• Real-time profile enhancement – including programmable High Dynamic Range mode for specular objects.
• Eye-safe red or blue lasers.
• Rugged IP67 housing for harsh industrial settings.

Key Features

• 5 kHz scan speed at full Z-range
• 1,536 points per profile
• Field of view up to 1,720 mm
• Z-range up to 675 mm
• In-built realtime enhancement at full profile rate
• Micrometre-level measurement precision
• Compact IP67 design for factory environments

Examples of Application Tasks and Challenges that Z-Trak overcomes
PCB inspection Tasks: • Detect and classify parts using positional and height data • Read character strings from PCB silk screened text Z-Trak overcomes Challenges: • Eliminate reflections from specific regions • Dynamic height thresholding for component detection • Extract and read characters
Pipe inspection Tasks: • Inspect the surface of extruded pipes • Identify dents, bumps that meet specified criteria Z-Trak overcomes Challenges: • Combine data from multiple sensors in a ring layout • Remove unwanted reflections from specific sections
Glue bead inspection Tasks: • Inspect profile of a bead for shape and size • Locate and measure critical bead dimensions • Measure area/volume of the bead Z-Trak overcomes Challenges: • Acquire and combine 3D profiles from multiple sensors positioned at +/- 45° from the centre • Locate and correct tilt in the bead base