This section provides an overview for 3d sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 21 3d sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked 3d sensor companies as of November, 2024: 1.EW Equipment, 2.Vemco Group, 3.HAIMER.
Table of Contents
A 3D sensor is a device that captures three-dimensional shapes. Unlike traditional cameras that capture flat two-dimensional information, a 3D sensor also obtains height information, adding a third dimension to the captured data.
3D sensors act as a substitute for human senses like vision and touch, enabling the perception and analysis of three-dimensional spaces and objects. This technology is broadly referred to as 3D sensing.
3D sensors vary based on their measurement techniques. The three main types of sensing methods used to acquire 3D shapes are time-delay, triangulation, and focus.
This method calculates distance based on the time taken for light to reflect to the sensor. It's capable of measuring distances up to 100 meters or more but with limited accuracy. Common applications include its use in LiDAR systems like TOF sensors for mapping and in automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for object and person detection.
Triangulation involves using laser lines and cameras to measure object height from the displacement of the laser line. Stereo Vision, another triangulation method, uses multiple cameras to calculate height differences based on parallax. Stripe and pattern projection methods also fall under this category, offering high accuracy in static conditions.
Focus methods involve white light interference and confocal optics. White light interference uses light interference from multiple wavelengths for precise measurements, while confocal optics utilize a pinhole to detect light at the focal point. Focusing methods, in contrast, alter the camera's distance to find the best focus position, capturing multiple images for 3D reconstruction.
3D sensors have diverse applications, from automotive to construction machinery. In vehicles, they are essential for real-time recognition and navigation. In construction, they help in unmanned operations by detecting workers and measuring dimensions. The technology also aids in tracking material transport and inventory management.
3D sensing technologies can be classified into passive and active methods. Passive methods use existing light to capture images, while active methods project electromagnetic waves onto objects and measure reflections. Each method has its specific applications and limitations, necessitating careful selection based on the intended use of the 3D sensor.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Wanner Engineering, founded in 1972 and based in Minnesota, United States, is a manufacturer of high-pressure seal-less pumps with three product lines, Hydra-Cell, Vector, and Stan-Cor. It produces positive displacement pumps, pulse-less pumps, T-series, and solenoid pumps. Additionally, it manufactures C-series regulating valves, system components, peristaltic pumps, and non-metallic centrifugal pumps. Hydra-Cell pumps are used in commercial, institutional, industrial, and municipal facilities throughout the world. The Hydra-Cell T100 Series pumps were honored with a "Spotlight on New Technology" accolade during the 2010 Offshore Technology Conference.
Plex, by Rockwell Automation was launched in 2021 in Troy, Michigan, and is a manufacturer of software for industries such as precision metal forming, industrial manufacturing, and food & beverage. The company offers manufacturing execution systems (MES), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and quality management system (QMS) solutions. The products help brands to connect, track, and automate tedious manufacturing processes. Its client list includes Wisconsin Metal Tech, J.J Fredericks AERO LLC, and Olde Thompson.
Sick AG, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, is a manufacturer of sensor and sensor solutions that aid in in production, logistics, and processes automation. The company’s expansive product portfolio includes industrial sensors, encoders, and analyzers. It has over 50 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as several agencies worldwide, and in the 2022 fiscal year, it generated around €2.2 billion. The company established the first subsidiary in France in 1972 and opened another subsidiary in USA in 1975. It changed to a joint stock company in 1996 and the first employee shares were issued in 1999.
ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.
Wenglor Sensoric LLC is a supplier and manufacturer of smart sensor and image processing technologies and solutions. Established in 1983, the company is headquartered in Tettnang, Germany. The company's main activities encompass the design, manufacturing, and distribution of sensor solutions for automation and industrial applications such as Sensors, Machine Vision, Connection and Network Technology and Accessories. Wenglor Sensoric specializes in sensors for position, distance, color, and image recognition, catering to industries like automotive, packaging, and logistics. The company offers a range of services including technical support and consultation.
Lumentum Operations LLC, founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Jose, California, with research and development, manufacturing, and sales offices worldwide, is a manufacturer and supplier of optical and photonic components, devices, and equipment. The company's products include coherent transceivers, tunable transmission modules, and fiber and direct-diode lasers. It also supplies a range of specialty double-clad and triple-clad fiber cable. These products are used for data transmission, precise material processing, and micromachining. It serves sectors that include data centers, submarine networks, and aerospace.
LMI Technologies is based in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, and is a manufacturer of 3D inspection and scanning products that was established in 1979 before its acquisition by the Dutch company TKH Group NV in 2019. The company’s product lineup includes snapshot sensors for capturing high resolution 3D images, line confocal sensors for measuring thickness, shape, and surface roughness using three-dimensional data, and laser line profilers for measuring the dimensions using laser triangulation. The company’s products are commonly used in the manufacture of automotive parts, consumer electronics, and furniture.
Teledyne DALSA was established in 1980 in Ontario, Canada, and is known as the manufacturer, designer, and marketer of digital imaging products and solutions. The imaging products which the company deals in include industry-standard digital frame grabbers, area and line scan image sensors, and laser profiling 3D sensors. The inventory also includes X-ray detectors, infrared detectors, and various systems and software to run the equipment. There are also MEMs and semiconductors for different applications. The industries that benefit from these products are aerospace, medical and life sciences, machine vision and inspection, nondestructive testing, and more.
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation, founded in 1980, is a Japanese manufacturer headquartered in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, specializing in sensing devices and integrated circuit (IC) products. The company’s product offerings include magnetic sensors, current and gas sensors, audio devices, and specialty devices. These products have diverse applications, such as in personal electronics, where AKM provides compact and low-consumption features for sound and magnetic sensing. They offer CO2 sensors and transceiver IC for millimeter-wave radar with high spatial recognition for smart homes. Additionally, AKM provides rotation angle sensors in industrial equipment like robots and motors to achieve accuracy and off-axis alignment simultaneously.
LMI Technologies Inc., founded in 1998 and currently a subsidiary of TKH Technologie Deutschland AG, is a manufacturer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in 3D scanning and inspection. The company offers an array of 3D sensors and scanners, including 3D line confocal sensors, 3D line profilers, 3D multipoint sensors, 3D point profilers, and 3D snapshot sensors. Chroma and scan multipoint scanners, as well as 3D line confocal sensors, are other products offered by the company. These products find applications across industries such as automotive, electronics, packaging. They are also utilized in other industries like electronic vehicle (EV) batteries, semiconductors, and wood optimization.
Located in Austria and Germany, Ams-Osram is a sensor design and manufacturing company that specializes in compact form factors, low power, high sensitivity, and multi-sensor applications. They were established in 1981 and were formerly known as austriamicrosystems AG. In 2012 it changed its name to ams AG. They have a technology portfolio for sensing, lighting, and visualization, ranging from light emitters and optical components to micro-modules, integrated circuits, and related software. Their work develops technology for use in the consumer, industrial, medical, and automotive sectors.
Westinghouse Electric Corporation, founded in Central Bridge, New York, in 1846 is a manufacturer of generators and power solutions. The company's product portfolio includes Industrial Power Systems, Renewable Energy Solutions, pressure washers, lawn and garden tools and dual fuel generators. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, customized services, technical support and customer service.
Micro-Epsilon was originally founded in Osaka and Micro-Epsilon America was founded in 1998, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Micro-Epsilon develops, manufactures, and distributes sensors to aerospace, battery production, glass production, wind power, precision optics, medical technology, transportation, semiconductor, and other industries. Micro-Epsilon’s sensor product categories include inductive, capacitive, laser, confocal, laser distance, magneto-inductive, draw-wire, rotation speed, color, paint thickness measurement, and fiber optic sensors in addition to interferometers and other sensor equipment.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
TOPPAN INC., a company founded in 1900 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in electronic components and materials. The company’s product portfolio includes color filters, functional films, photomasks, TFT-LCDs, and semiconductor package substrates. These products are utilized by various industries, including electronics manufacturing, display technology, semiconductor manufacturing, consumer electronics, and education and research. The company provides customer services including metal etching services, consultation and turnkey solutions, and customer collaboration. The company has offices in various countries, including China, France, Germany, the USA, and Singapore, for global reach.
Teledyne e2v (UK) Ltd is a manufacturer of electronic components and subsystems for various industries. The company is established in 1940 and headquartered in United Kingdom. The company offers an extensive portfolio of products such as imaging sensors, radio frequency devices, semiconductors, and microwave solutions. The company delivers cutting-edge solutions in areas such as aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and science. Its global existence ensures the delivery of impactful solutions that cater to evolving market demands.
OEM EESTI OÜ, established in 2005 and headquartered in Pärnu, Estonia, is a distributor that operates as a sales organization for manufacturers in the Baltic markets. The company provides a wide range of industrial components, including electronics components and vehicle hydraulic components. It also offers cooling products from Sanyo Denki. Its components ensure longevity through the testing protocols. It serves various industries with its range of industrial components, including electronics, automotive, manufacturing, engineering, construction, and more.
HAIMER, founded in 1977 and based in Igenhausen, Germany, is a manufacturer and distributor of metal cutting products. The company designs and produces products for metal cutting as well as for other branches including automotive, aerospace and general machining. Its product portfolio includes tool holders in all popular interfaces and lengths, including our shrinking and balancing machines, as well as solid carbide cutting tools. It also offers microset tool presetting technology that optimizes the machining processes. The company has obtained ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 50001:2018 for energy management system.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | EW Equipment |
10.9%
|
2 | Vemco Group |
9.5%
|
3 | HAIMER |
8.8%
|
4 | Wanner Engineering, Inc. |
7.5%
|
5 | OEM EESTI OÜ |
6.8%
|
6 | LMI Technologies Inc. |
6.1%
|
7 | wenglor sensoric LLC |
5.4%
|
8 | SmartRay GmbH |
4.8%
|
9 | ams-OSRAM AG |
4.8%
|
10 | Plex, by Rockwell Automation |
4.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the 3d sensor page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 6 | 37.5% |
Canada | 3 | 18.8% |
Germany | 2 | 12.5% |
Japan | 1 | 6.3% |
Austria | 1 | 6.3% |
Estonia | 1 | 6.3% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 6.3% |
Denmark | 1 | 6.3% |
13 products are listed.
Links Inc.
30+ people viewing
HELIOTIS's light -interfere faucer measurement 3D sensor measures the three -dimensional shape of the object with high accuracy of Submicron. Helii...
Micro-Epsilon JAPAN K.K.
40+ people viewing
Micro Epcilon has prepared a new generation of 3D sensors based on a common software platform, with three sensor systems, Surfacecontrol, ReflectCo...
Links Inc.
30+ people viewing
It is a three -dimensional focus line sensor that accurately measure height due to the difference in the wavelength spectrum reflected depending on...