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DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
When designing
a Light Line,
it's important
to understand
the active area
of the line
must equal the
active area
of the spot.
The usual method
of design begins
by describing
the desired
line length.
Then, the optimal
spot size of
the lamp or
area of the
photo detector
is identified,
and a line width
is calculated
to work best
with the setup.
For production
applications,
take into account
possible variations
in construction
of the lamp
or detector,
which can affect
the size or
location of
the input or
sensitive area,
and adjust the
active area
accordingly.
To ensure consistent
performance,
the fiber nearer
the spot (proximal)
end should be
randomized to
minimize inconsistencies
of the lamp
or detector,
and the fiber
at the line
(distal) end
should be parallel,
tightly nested
and uniformly
placed to focus
the output beam
and maintain
uniformity.
FTI uses a unique,
proprietary
method of creating
lines, resulting
in a high quality
product with
minimum labor.
Occasionally
an application
will require
more active
area on the
line end than
the device at
the spot end
can accommodate.
In this case,
FTI will manufacture
the line using
two (or more)
inputs with
the fiber from
both inputs
uniformly dispersed
throughout the
line, maintaining
consistent energy
distribution.
Each input disperses
light energy
along the entire
length of the
line.
SIZING
GUIDELINES
Try to select
a line length
longer than
the area you
are inspecting;
all Light Lines
experience light
fall-off at
each end.
For web scanning
applications,
1 input for
every 16"
(.4M) of line
will create
a line width
of about .015"
(.38mm) and
an active diameter
(spot) of .55"
(14mm) - an
area most traditional
lamps fill with
a focused spot.
If you're using
a strobe, inputs
with an active
diameter of
up to .8"
(20mm) could
be used, so
the line length
per input can
be doubled.
Of course, your
particular application
is the overriding
determining
factor, and
your goal should
be to optimize
line performance,
using as little
fiber (and the
fewest number
of inputs) as
possible to
minimize cost.
To ensure effective
application,
we work with
you to determine
exactly what
design will
best suit your
needs. Then,
we'll help determine
how uniform
the response
must be across
the face of
the line for
your use. Finally,
each spot-to-line
is scanned on
our automatic
transmission
fixture to ensure
compliance with
the developed
specification,
or it's checked
in a custom
test fixure
you provide
(or we design
per the requirements).
A hard copy
record of the
results is provided
with each part
shipped. You'll
know the quality
of the part
when you receive
it, and eliminate
the time and
cost of setup
and inspection.
OPTIONS
FTI manufactures
light lines
in multiple
configurations
and shapes.
Dual, triple
and quad (or
more) heads,
unique housing/fixturing
shapes and sizes,
bundles of varying
lengths, fiber
of various types,
and line widths
of varying sizes
can be produced
to your specifications
or one we develop
for you.
Finally, high
heat, vacuum
or pressure
applications
require special
consideration.
Need
more information?
Contact Steve
Giamundo.
Or call us toll
free at 1.800.433.5248
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