LMI Gocator 5500 Review: Specs and Uses of the 3D Line Confocal Sensors

The LMI Gocator 5500 is a series of smart 3D line confocal sensors with scan rates of up to 40 kHz and sub-micron precision in height. The manufacturer does not publish prices. This review covers the models, specifications, features and uses.

Quick Verdict

Laser profilers struggle with glass, mirror-like metal and layered transparent materials. The Gocator 5500 uses a different principle, line confocal imaging, which separates white light by colour along the height axis and so can measure these surfaces, including several layers at once. It delivers 3D topography, 3D tomography and a 2D intensity image at the same time. The cost is a very small field of view, from 4.3 mm to 17 mm, and large, heavy sensors of 5 to 21 kg. This is a specialist instrument for electronics, displays and semiconductors.

LMI Gocator 5500 at a Glance

• Technology: line confocal imaging

• Scan rate: up to 40,000 Hz

• Points per profile: 1792

• Repeatability Z: from 0.07 µm

• Field of view: 4.3 to 17.0 mm

• Price: on request

LMI Gocator 5500 Models and Specifications

The table below lists the three models in the series.

Specification	G5504	G5512	G5516
Points per profile	1792	1792	1792
Scan rate	2100 to 39000 Hz	4200 to 40000 Hz	3800 to 38000 Hz
Resolution X	2.4 µm	6.5 µm	9.5 µm
Resolution Z	0.15 µm	0.35 µm	0.85 µm
Repeatability Z	0.07 µm	0.17 µm	0.42 µm
Linearity Z	0.03% of range	0.07% of range	0.04% of range
Field of view	4.3 mm	11.6 mm	17.0 mm
Measurement range	1.1 mm	3 mm	5.5 mm
Clearance distance	7.8 mm	19.1 mm	61.3 mm
Dimensions	60 x 191 x 303 mm	91 x 354 x 419 mm	113 x 358 x 440 mm
Weight	5 kg	19 kg	21 kg

The lower scan rate applies to the full field of view and the higher rate to the high-speed configuration with reduced field of view and range. Repeatability is measured on the maker's standard target.

Design and Technology

The sensors use a dual-axis optical design, which the maker says gives higher signal quality. Because the confocal method detects each reflecting boundary separately, one scan can return several profiles from a multi-layer structure, for example the top and bottom of a glass sheet. The short clearance distances, from 7.8 mm, mean the sensor must be mounted very close to the part.

Software and Integration

Onboard Measurement

Measurement and inspection software runs on the sensor.

Setup

Scanning software is browser-based.

Connectivity

An open-source SDK, native drivers and industrial protocols connect the sensor to robots, PLCs and third-party image processing.

LMI Gocator 5500 Uses

Glass and Transparent Layers

Thickness and surface shape of multi-layer transparent materials can be measured in one pass.

Shiny and Mixed Materials

The maker states that the sensors handle a wide variety of material types.

Electronics and Semiconductors

LMI lists consumer electronics, EV battery and semiconductor production among its industries.

LMI Gocator 5500 Price and Value

LMI Technologies does not publish prices for the Gocator 5500 series; quotes are available from the manufacturer and its distributors.

For the company behind the product, read the LMI Technologies Company Profile: Ownership and Products.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Measures transparent, shiny and layered materials

• Scan rates up to 40 kHz

• Sub-micron repeatability

• Topography, tomography and intensity in one scan

• Measurement inside the sensor

Cons

• Very small field of view

• Heavy: 5 to 21 kg

• Short clearance distance

• No published prices

Who Should Buy the LMI Gocator 5500?

The series fits manufacturers of displays, electronics and semiconductors who must measure glass, layered or mirror-like parts inline at micron level.

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LMI Gocator 5500 FAQ

How much does the LMI Gocator 5500 cost?

LMI does not publish prices; they are available on request.

What is line confocal imaging?

An optical method that separates light by colour along the height axis, which allows measurement of transparent, shiny and layered surfaces.

How fast is the Gocator 5500?

Up to 40,000 Hz in the high-speed configuration.

Which models are in the Gocator 5500 series?

The G5504, G5512 and G5516.

How precise is the Gocator 5500?

Z repeatability is 0.07 µm on the G5504, 0.17 µm on the G5512 and 0.42 µm on the G5516.

What is the field of view of the Gocator 5500?

4.3 mm, 11.6 mm or 17.0 mm, depending on model.

How much does a Gocator 5500 sensor weigh?

5 kg, 19 kg or 21 kg, depending on model.

Can the Gocator 5500 measure glass?

Yes. It can generate several profiles from multi-layer structures at the same time.

Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.