In the ZP-L Range there are two main models, the Spot and Line Models.

The fundamental difference between these units is the shape of the beam which lends each of them to slightly different use cases. 

Line Model

The line model presents a beam as a line. Being able to measure over a an area, rather than a single point, this hardware is well suited to measurements in materials that have a slightly rough or textured surface. This Line model will help to reduce some of the “Noise” that is seen by the small changes in the surface. 

Applications where there there are components or features on the surface that are smaller than the line dimension will potentially experience challenges in getting stable readings, for these applications the Spot model is better suited to acquire a pin point measurement.  

Spot Model

The Spot model presents a beam as a single spot. Being a single point this hardware is well suited to measurements in materials with relatively smooth surfaces where measurement at a single point only is required. 

Applications where there is a rough finish or surface texture may appear to be “Noisy” when using this spot model, this is however measuring the small changes in the surface due to the texturing. For these applications the Line model is better suited to provide a clean result.

Video Reference:

Using different beam shapes | 動画ライブラリ | オムロン制御機器