LSV Laser Surface Velocimeter
Non-contact laser Doppler sensor that precisely measures the line speed and length of continuously manufactured products
Measurement without wear, slippage or surface damage, ideal for the production of steel strip, optical fibre, wire, cable, pipes, tubes and hoses
Why LSV?
The Zumbach LSV (Laser Surface Velocimeter) is a high‑precision, non‑contact measurement system designed for continuous production lines where accurate speed and length measurement are critical. Ideal for materials such as steel strip, optical fibre, wire, cable, pipes, tubes and hoses as well as paper, film, textiles, and more. LSV eliminates the limitations of contact‑based measuring systems by removing errors caused by slippage, wheel wear, contamination, and thermal expansion. By delivering reliable, real‑time measurement without ever touching the product, LSV enables manufacturers to improve process control, protect delicate or hot surfaces, and maintain consistent product quality, even in demanding industrial environments with varying materials, speeds, and temperatures.
- True non‑contact measurement: Eliminates slippage, mechanical wear, and surface damage while ensuring highly accurate speed and length measurement in both forward and reverse directions.
- Flexible across products and conditions: Measures a wide range of materials from optical fibre and cables to hot products above 1000 °C, with consistent accuracy regardless of surface type or movement within the measurement zone.
- Large working range for stable measurement: 300 mm working distance with up to 120 mm depth of field ensures reliable readings even with product position variation. Accommodates a wide diameter range without repositioning.
- Operator-friendly and easy to integrate: Visible laser for fast setup, optional large 7″ VISU-Touch display for clear readability, and seamless integration into modern production control systems.
Properties
- Non-contact and precise measurement of length and line speed
- High accuracy, real-time measurement
- Bi-directional detection including standstill
- Large working distance and depth of field
- Robust, industrial-grade design
- Integrated interfaces such as PROFIBUS DP, PROFINET , EtherNet TCP/IP and others
- Visible laser for fast and easy alignment
Benefits
- Eliminates measurement errors caused by slippage, wear, or thermal effects
- Protects delicate and hot materials by measuring without contact
- Improves process control with accurate, real-time speed and length data
- Reduces scrap and waste by ensuring consistent measurement accuracy
- Lowers maintenance requirements thanks to wear-free operation
- Increases production efficiency through reliable and repeatable measurement
- Works across a wide range of materials and applications
- Automatically adapts to colour changes
- Simplifies installation and operation with easy integration and stable performance
Nominal working distance (mm)
Error of measurement (%)
Max. speed (m/min)
Internal interface (TCP/IP)
Technical data
For accessories and detailed product information, refer to the respective brochures
LSV 1100
- Nominal working distance
- 300 mm
- Depth-of-field
- 80 mm
- Error of measurement
- < 0.05 % of measured value
(under controlled conditions) - Max. speed
- 6000
- Brochure
- LSV 1100 (PDF, 1.72 MB)
LSV 2100
- Nominal working distance
- 300 mm
- Depth-of-field
- 120 mm
- Error of measurement
- < 0.05 % of measured value
(under controlled conditions) - Max. speed
- ± 7,700
- Brochure
- LSV 2100 (PDF, 1.72 MB)
VISU-Touch
- Number of sensors (ODAC®, CAPAC® etc.)
- 1
- Number of controllers
- Up to 5
- Display, int.
- 7 Inch
- Brochure
- VISU-Touch (PDF, 740.58 KB)
Proven performance worldwide
LSV (Laser Surface Velocimeter) technology has proven its performance across global manufacturing industries, delivering precise, non-contact speed and length measurement for continuous processes such as continuous casting, extrusion, shaping and converting. Trusted by both specialized manufacturers and large-scale industrial producers, LSV solutions are proven in harsh environments where reliability is critical. With flexible integration into production lines and the ability to measure accurately on virtually any moving material, LSV enables real‑time process optimization, reduced downtime, and measurable gains in efficiency and scrap reduction worldwide.
Areas of application
Wire, Cable & Fibre Production:
Ideal for measuring speed and length in wire, cable, and optical fibre manufacturing, including fine, delicate, or high‑performance products.
Steel, Metals & Continuous Processing:
Optimized for hot and cold rolling, strip processing, and continuous casting applications, delivering accurate measurement even in harsh, high‑temperature environments.
Pipes, Tubes & Extrusion:
Reliable measurement for pipes, tubes, hoses, and extruded products, supporting accurate cut‑to‑length and process control applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Laser Surface Velocimeter (LSV)?
An LSV is a non-contact laser sensor that accurately measures the speed and length of moving materials in real time without touching the product.
How does LSV measure speed and length without contact?
LSV uses laser Doppler measurement to track surface motion of a product directly, eliminating errors caused by slippage, wheel wear, or contamination.
What industries use Laser Surface Velocimeters?
LSV systems are used in industries such as steel, wire and cable, optical fibre, paper, film, textiles, pipes, and extrusion for precise process control.
Can I integrate the LSV with my existing speed display and length counter?
Yes, LSV provides industry standard, fully configurable quadrature encoder output for integration into existing systems including Zumbach USYS® family of processors.
What are the advantages of non-contact speed measurement?
Non-contact measurement prevents surface damage, eliminates mechanical wear, and provides highly accurate, repeatable results regardless of surface condition and colour of the product.
Can LSV measure moving or unstable products and different material types?
Yes. LSV maintains accurate measurement even if the product moves or vibrates within the measurement area. It reliably measures small and fine products such as wires and fibres, and works on a wide range of surfaces, including reflective, dark, or low‑reflectivity materials, even in oily or dirty production environments.
Do parameters in the LSV have to be changed for a different surface colour?
No. The LSV automatically adapts to colour changes. No need to change parameters in the system for a different colour, making it ideal for wire and cable applications where colour changes are done on the fly.
How does LSV improve production efficiency?
By delivering accurate, real-time speed and length data, LSV helps reduce scrap, optimize processes, and maintain consistent product quality.
How can I configure my LSV?
The LSV provides a dedicated EtherNet TCP/IP port for the connection to a PC, Network, Webclient, VISU-Touch or similar. The LSV has a built in Webserver with graphic user interface to access a full range of configuration and maintenance menus. The Webserver also provides the pages needed to act as a local display of real time data.
