For a variety of materials, especially those that are hot, elastic, highly sensitive, or ”dough-like”, it is impossible to use tactile sensors such as odometers or tacho rolls. The accuracy of a mechanical sensor system is also reduced by slippage, which in practice, can lead to measuring errors of 10% or more. In both cases, non-contact optical metrology provides significant benefits. The two complementary type series COVIDIS and OPTIPACT produced by INTACTON represent two different technology platforms which can be used for a wide range of applications.

The sensors are used for controling of cutting-processes, velocity monitoring in machines, length measurements in welding applications and so on.