LMI Technologies

LMI Technologies, established in 1998, has carved out a significant position in the 3D machine vision market. The company is a result of the amalgamation of several entities, including a notable merger in 2011 between LMI and the 3D machine vision division of the Finnish company FocalSpec, which expanded its technological base. A pivotal moment in its history was the acquisition by the TKH Group, a Dutch technology company, a move designed to bolster TKH's presence in the vision technology sector. The company's core business revolves around developing and manufacturing 3D scanning and inspection solutions for a variety of industries. Its clients are primarily factory automation and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers who require precise quality control and inspection during their production processes.

The business model is centered on the sale of hardware and software. LMI Technologies generates revenue by selling its range of sensors and accompanying software to system integrators and directly to end-users for factory floor applications. The company operates globally, serving markets such as automotive, electronics, rubber and tire, and wood processing. At the heart of its offering are the FactorySmart® sensors, which provide non-contact 3D measurement and inspection. These sensors are engineered to deliver fast and accurate data, which is crucial for achieving 100% quality control in automated manufacturing environments.

LMI's product portfolio is segmented into distinct lines to address specific industrial needs. The Gocator series represents a line of all-in-one 3D smart sensors that come pre-calibrated and integrate the imaging, lighting, and processing capabilities within a single device. For applications requiring measurement of challenging materials, such as transparent or multi-layered surfaces, the FocalSpec 3D Line Confocal Sensors are utilized. Additionally, the chroma+scan series is tailored for the wood products industry, providing specialized sensors for optimizing log and board scanning and grading. These products are designed to improve production efficiency and material yield by capturing detailed 3D shape information that 2D vision systems cannot perceive.

Keywords: 3D scanning, inspection solutions, machine vision, factory automation, quality control, smart sensors, non-contact measurement, Gocator, FocalSpec, manufacturing technology