Quality Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Quality Magazine logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • FEATURED PRODUCTS
    • SUBMIT YOUR PRODUCT
  • CHANNELS
    • AUTOMATION
    • MANAGEMENT
    • MEASUREMENT
    • NDT
    • QUALITY 101
    • SOFTWARE
    • TEST & INSPECTION
    • VISION & SENSORS
  • MARKETS
    • AEROSPACE
    • AUTOMOTIVE
    • ENERGY
    • GREEN MANUFACTURING
    • MEDICAL
  • MEDIA
    • A WORD ON QUALITY PUZZLE
    • EBOOK
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • EVENTS
    • EVENT CALENDAR
    • IMTS
  • DIRECTORIES
    • BUYERS GUIDE >
      • Supplier Insights
    • NDT SOURCEBOOK
    • VISION & SENSORS
    • TAKE A TOUR
  • INFOCENTERS
    • Digital Quality Management Systems
    • NEXT GENERATION SPC & QUALITY ANALYTICS
  • AWARDS
    • ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
    • PLANT OF THE YEAR
    • PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
  • MORE
    • Expert Columns
    • NEWSLETTERS
    • QUALITY STORE
    • INDUSTRY LINKS
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • EMAG
    • eMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
  • SIGN UP!

Innovations: An Industry Demanding More

By Darryl Seland
August 2, 2011
Intelligent Illumination and Expansive Measurement Volume sets the new Helix apart from other 3-D metrology solutions.

Helix is an innovative and versatile 3-D metrology platform that enables manufacturers to perform challenging measurement tasks. Source: Perceptron


The operator can configure tightly spaced laser lines and alter the orientation of the laser lines to accommodate the differences between multiple parts manufactured on the same assembly line. Source: Perceptron

Today’s demanding manufacturing processes push traditional metrology solutions to their limit with high model mixes, complex material combinations and unique short-run parts. In response, Perceptron’s (Plymouth, MI) Industrial Business Unit (IBU) has introduced its groundbreaking Helix 3-D metrology solution.

Helix is an innovative and versatile 3-D metrology platform that enables manufacturers to perform even their most challenging measurement tasks with ease and precision. It combines more than 25 years of laser-triangulation and 3-D metrology experience with recent technological advances to create a unique solution for the market.

The key benefits to the Helix system are provided through Intelligent Illumination and Expansive Measurement Volume.

Intelligent Illumination is a patent-pending breakthrough that allows operators to control virtually every aspect of the sensor’s calibrated light source. By customizing the quantity, density and orientation of the sensor’s laser lines through a simple user interface, image acquisition is optimized on a feature by feature basis. The operator can configure tightly spaced laser lines for small, complex features, increase the number of laser lines to robustly measure challenging materials and alter the orientation of the laser lines to accommodate the differences between multiple parts manufactured on the same assembly line.

Prior to Helix, manufacturers were forced to purchase and deploy multiple measurement technologies in order to implement a comprehensive quality strategy. Intelligent Illumination serves as the foundation of a single, in-process solution capable of precisely measuring key dimensional features, as well as generating full 3-D point clouds–allowing, for the first time, a truly integrated, 3-D metrology solution.

Harry Rittenour, Perceptron’s president and CEO, states, “Our Helix solution is the most significant development in sensor technology in the past 15 years, and represents a quantum leap in 3-D metrology. Nothing comparable exists in the market today. Helix will provide our customers with a powerful tool for overcoming the challenges they face on a daily basis and a means to successfully implement their most far-reaching and innovative strategies for the future.”

The benefits of Enhanced Measurement Volume is simple-reduce the amount of hardware and move back to fixed sensors, saving cost and time.

Helix sensors use increased measurement volumes, in many cases more than 100 times that of competitive offerings, to effectively and efficiently support those flexible manufacturing processes. By using Helix solutions, Perceptron’s customers can measure more features on multiple models with fewer sensors, simultaneously adding value and saving money.

Rittenour adds, “The significant product differentiators provided by Helix will allow us to deliver a customized, high-precision, affordable solution. A solution that eliminates the compromises customers have had to make with competitive systems. Helix is the embodiment of value innovation-increased capability without added complexity or cost.”

For example, a study of the inspection system of an automotive assembly operation revealed that the company could reduce its number of camera placements in its current process-from four to one on a single inspection point, from 22 to six on a back-end inspection and from 125 to 47 on a full-body inspection-by implementing the Helix 3-D system.

Over the past several months, Perceptron has installed beta systems at two key customer locations and began taking customer orders.



For more information, contact:

Perceptron

47827 Halyard Dr.

Plymouth, MI 48170

(734) 414-6100

www.perceptron.com





Specifications

Generates from 1 to 200 lines on an individual inspection point without ever moving the sensor.

Allows for three separate orientations: vertical, horizontal and oblique.

Allows for three separate acquisition modes: area, line and point.

Provides a density up to 10 lines per mm.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Seland 2 copy

Darryl Seland is the editorial director of Quality magazine, where he aims to usher the quality community with vibrant discussions, thought-provoking columns on quality management, manufacturing, and industry trends, as well as leading the brand’s editorial strategy. With a background in journalism, an MBA in finance and management, and years of experience in the quality industry, Darryl blends technical insights with engaging narratives to help professionals navigate the evolving world of quality assurance and the manufacturing process.

Connect with Darryl on LinkedIn or reach him at [email protected] for insights on quality management, leadership, and industry trends.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • 2024 Quality Rookie of the Year Justin Wise 1440x750px banner with "Quality Rookie of the Year" logo inset

    Meet the 2024 Quality Rookie of the Year: Justin Wise

    Justin Wise is an exceptional individual who has been...
    Aerospace
    By: Michelle Bangert
  • Man with umbrella and coat stands outside while it rains at night looking at a building.

    Nondestructive Testing: Is there an ethics problem?

    I was a whistleblower who exposed fraudulent activities...
    NDT
    By: Dale Norwood
  • Unraveling Deflategate: Football stadium with closeup of football on field

    Unraveling the Tom Brady Deflategate

    The Deflategate scandal erupted following the 2014 AFC...
    Measurement
    By: Greg Cenker and Henry Zumbrun
Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Newsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Quality audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Quality or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Key Takeaways for Quality Leaders
    Sponsored byComplianceQuest

    Key Takeaways for Quality Leaders from the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant™ for QMS

  • This image shows a person seated next to a Bobcat T66 compact track loader.
    Sponsored byPolyWorks by InnovMetric

    Supercharging Digital Gauging at Bobcat North America

  • Dorsey Calibration Lab photo by Tom LaBarbera Picture this Studios
    Sponsored byDorsey Metrology International

    Ensuring Product Quality in a Competitive Manufacturing Landscape

Popular Stories

a titanium diaphragm speaker driver

The One Thing Elon Gets Right Is Designed to Scare You

This image shows a person seated next to a Bobcat T66 compact track loader.

Supercharging Digital Gauging at Bobcat North America

Dorsey Calibration Lab photo by Tom LaBarbera Picture this Studios

Ensuring Product Quality in a Competitive Manufacturing Landscape

2026 Quality Professional of the Year!

Events

June 9, 2026

Future-Proof your Quality Processes with Advanced 3D Optical CMM Technology

Discover how to effortlessly capture complex data, leverage true multi-sensor automation, and ensure continuous operation without creating inspection delays.

June 22, 2026

Automate 2026

Automate is North America's largest robotics and automation event — and the best place to take your ideas from insight to impact.
 
Our show floor features the world’s leading automation solutions, from AI and robotics to motion control, vision systems, and more. Plus, our educational conference is second to none, led by the brightest minds in automation today.
 
Ready to transform the way you work? Take the next step at Automate.
View All Submit An Event

Products

Lean Manufacturing and Service Fundamentals, Applications, and Case Studies

Lean Manufacturing and Service Fundamentals, Applications, and Case Studies

See More Products
Quality Podcast Channel Custom Content

Related Articles

  • Young African American man thinking, touching his chin, weating a white t-shirt in front of an orange background.

    Uncertainty: It’s for more than just measurement anymore

    See More
  • A worker in a sleek, high-tech factory setting, uses a tablet for inspection.

    An Evolution and Redefinition of Quality in Manufacturing?

    See More
  • Small white dice with think black arrows, one rad with a white scribble and one green with a checkmark.

    Adaptability in Quality Manufacturing – Thriving in a Changing Industry

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • Training Within Industry DVD

  • Kaizen Event Fieldbook: Foundation, Framework, and Standard Work...

See More Products

Related Directories

  • Innovations PLUS

    Innovations PLUS is a provider of specialized management consulting and training services designed to assist manufacturing companies in improving quality, productivity, growth, and profitability while successfully competing in a global economy. Contact us today to learn how we can assist your company in achieving its true potential.
×

Stay in the know with Quality’s comprehensive coverage of
the manufacturing and metrology industries.

Newsletters | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Manufacturing Division
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • Reprints
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing