The paper describes a new sensor dedicated to measure and check the surface
quality of mechanical products. The results were obtained comparing the li
ght scattered from two different ranges of angles by means of 16 photodiode
s. The device is designed for obtaining valid data from curved surfaces as
that of a crankshaft. Experimental measurements show that the ratio between
scattered and reflected light intensity increases with the surface roughne
ss. This device was developed for the off-tolerance detection of mechanical
pieces in industrial production. Results of surface quality on crankshaft
supplied by Renault were carried out. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri
ghts reserved.