How to Measure Dielectric Separator Thickness in EV Batteries
The International Energy Agency predicts that as many as 125 million electric vehicles (EVs) will be on the road by 2030. At the heart of these electric cars, trucks, and buses is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, a type of rechargeable battery with high energy density and low self-discharge. The plates in Li-ion batteries consist of lithium compounds that are applied to either a copper plate substrate (cathode) or an aluminum substrate (anode). In turn, these two plates are separated by a dielectric separator. All of the layers in an EV battery are extremely thin. In fact, the cathode and [...]
Capacitance Sensing for Non-Contact Thickness Measurements of Insulating Materials
Capacitance sensing can be used to make non-contact thickness measurements for most insulating materials. Capacitance sensors are known for their ability to precisely measure the thickness and position of conductive targets, but what’s less known is that these sensors can also measure the thickness of non-conductive materials. Examples include glass, sapphire, and plastics, as well as semi-insulating semiconductor materials such as GaAs and silicon nitride. Analog vs. Digital Technologies MTI Instruments, a global supplier of precision measurement technologies, takes the guesswork out of what used to be a complex measurement for non-conductive materials. MTI's Digital Accumeasure system features a [...]
Capacitance Sensing Provides Two Ways to Measure EV Battery Plate Thickness
MTI Instruments has released an application note that explains how to use capacitance to measure the thickness of the lithium battery plates in electric vehicles (EVs). Manufacturers need to check these plates for thickness before calendaring them together to ensure that the overall battery diameter is within specifications. In EV batteries, lithium ion compounds are applied to either a copper plate substrate (cathode) or an aluminum substrate (anode plate). These conductive plates are separated by a dielectric. MTI Instruments, a global supplier of precision measurement solutions, makes capacitance sensors that can measure thicknesses materials down to nanometers. Moreover, MTI [...]
Laser Triangulation Sensor Principles
Laser triangulation sensors can be divided into two categories based upon their performance and intended use. High-resolution lasers are typically used in displacement and position monitoring applications where high accuracy, stability and low temperature drift are required. Quite frequently these laser sensors are used in process monitoring and closed-loop feedback control systems. Proximity type laser triangulation sensors are much less expensive and are typically used to detect the presence of a part, or used in counting applications. Laser Triangulation Sensor Applications Position Sensing General positioning is the [...]
How Aviation MROs Can Maximize Labor Efficiency and Asset Uptime
MTI Instruments is supplying the aviation industry with solutions to the skilled labor shortage and reduced equipment availability. No, our Lockport, IL company isn’t providing aviation MROs with more flight line personnel, engine mechanics, or Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Instead, we’re delivering precision measurement solutions that can help MROs to maximize labor productivity and asset uptime. Solving the Skilled Labor Shortage Aviation MROs have a choice. They can wait for training programs to provide new workers, poach workers from competitors, invest in robots, or look for ways to gain greater efficiency from existing labor assets. About 18 months ago, [...]
Microsoft Windows 7 Security Advisory and Impact on MTI PBS-4100+ Users
Learn about this important security advisory and its impact on MTI-PBS-4100+ users. What is the Microsoft Windows 7 Security Advisory? Microsoft will no longer provide maintenance on Windows Version 7 in January of this year after 10-years of supporting the product. Microsoft does this across their product lines (not just Windows) in order to continue to evolve their products and invest their resources on the more recent versions. This means that Microsoft will no longer release any updates for that version of Windows, including bug fixes or security updates. For details on this activity by Microsoft, please visit their [...]
Trends in High Resolution Sensors for Semiconductor Metrology and Inspection
High resolution sensors are supporting improvements in semiconductor metrology and inspection at vital points in the production process. Because the fabrication of semiconductor wafers may require hundreds of steps and weeks of manufacturing time, early-stage defects that go undetected can have costly downstream consequences. Plus, because semiconductor processing always requires a high degree of precision, advances in fabrication methods seem to require ever-finer measurements in a never-ending quest. Today’s metrology instruments are incorporating high resolution sensors for automated wafer inspection. Resolution, the smallest measurement that a sensor can reliably indicate, may be given in dimensional units such as nanometers [...]
Fiber Optic Sensor Measures Very Small Movements in Piezo Stacks
MTI Instruments, a global supplier of precision measurement solutions, has released an application note that explains how to measure very small movements in piezo devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Precision measurement of these dynamic, oscillatory motions is required for the research and development (R&D), testing, and troubleshooting of piezo ceramic materials, advanced ceramics that are used in actuators, sensors, and the power modules of ultrasonic welders. Piezo applications range from automotive sensors and medical devices to engineering projects and consumer products. MTI’s App Note explains how its MTI-2100 Fotonic sensor, when used in conjunction with a [...]
Digital Laser Sensor Combines Speed, Convenience and Accuracy with Ethernet Capability
MTI’s Microtrak™ 4 is a high-speed digital laser sensor that’s easy to setup, convenient to use, and dependably accurate. Use this compact, non-contact metrology system for measuring height, flatness, thickness, alignment, vibration, and more. Made in the USA by MTI Instruments, the Microtrak™ 4 is ready to use right out-of-the-box and provides fast, reliable, repeatable measurements for targets with very dark or very shiny surfaces. Applications include machine maintenance and turbine engine balancing. The Microtrak™ 4 doesn’t require an external controller or a separate power supply. Instead, this 1D laser displacement sensor runs right on your computer, includes a [...]
Position, Displacement, and Vibration Measurement with Precision, High Resolution, and Flexibility
The MTI-2100 Fotonic™ sensor uses advanced fiber optics and electronics to precisely measure position, displacement, and vibration. This high-resolution, non-contact metrology system supports a wide range of interchangeable fiber-optic probes and works with almost any surface, including metallic, composite, plastic, glass, ceramic, or liquid. Made in the USA by MTI Instruments, the MTI-2100 Fotonic™ features a modular design and supports application-specific requirements in R&D, quality, and process control. With its dual channel capabilities, the MTI-2100 Fotonic™ sensor allows users to make simultaneous measurements, such as for structure dynamics and modal analysis. All probe modules have two distinct operating ranges [...]





