Stroboscopes
Stroboscopes are used to measure revolutions, velocity and frequency of rotating components or moving parts. Some stroboscopes can be used without a mains adaptor as they have rechargeable batteries and each model is light and easy to use. For these reasons they are perfect for on-site work for busy professionals. Some of the stroboscopes have a high light intensity of 600 to 900 lux at a distance of 1m. The flash frequency for our stroboscopes is adjustable allowing the most accurate measurement of rotation velocity of components to assist in preventative maintenance. Stroboscopes are a good alternative as they produce quick results and are more cost effective. The stroboscopes that we offer don't need a vast amount of user knowledge to operate. Here are some general applications of stroboscopes. If you don't find the oscilloscopes you are looking for, please contact us and we will help you find the best solution to suit your needs by calling our offices on: +44 (0)2380 987030 and our technical staff will advise you regarding our measuring instruments.

Technical specifications for Stroboscopes can be found at the following links:

- PCE-VT 205 series Stroboscopes 
  (stroboscopes with automatic detection of revolutions / built-in stroboscope)

- PCE-OM 15 series Stroboscopes   
  (stroboscopes with adaptor, external trigger input and output and RS-232 port)

- Nova Strobe dbx series Stroboscopes
  (stroboscopes with power supply source, external trigger input and xenon lamp)

- PCE-OM 200 series Stroboscopes 
  (portable stroboscopes with rechargeable battery for use in the professional sector)

- PCE-LES 100 series Stroboscopes
  (stroboscopes with compact LED with a range of 60 ... 99.990 flash/min)

- PCE-1XS series Stroboscopes
  (LED stroboscopic light for installation with the 230 V power supply,  LED life of 100.000 hours)

- PCE-1XS-DC series Stroboscopes
  (stroboscopic LED with 300 ... 50 000 flashings per minute, 100.000 hours life)

- PCE-LES 200 series Stroboscopes
  (compact stroboscopes,  LED flash, maximum high frequency of 300.000 flashings per minute)

The animation illustrates the possibilities for optical analysis and inspection that can be undertaken with a stroboscope, whether it be for a detailed view of a process, such as a video of a process within a machine or in the development of experiments in research and development, or in a simple inspection of a factory. Most stroboscopes have a graduated trigger input and output. The flash frequency can be adjusted in such a way as to match the velocity of a rotating component making adjustments to machinery much easier. 

Stroboscopes are especially suited for visualising processes that involve liquids or where there is a risk of splashing. Stroboscopes use strobe light to illuminate a rotating or moving object. UNILUX has more than 35 years experience in this field. If you wish to take measurements professionally or commercially, stroboscopes can be attached to all makes of video cameras.  Some models may require an adaptor to allow them to be connected. Please consult our technicians if you have any concerns regarding compatibility.

Next we can view an example of use (MitiLite) based on the experience with images from using a stroboscope. The versatility of the stroboscope is put to the test with a printing press, such as in other situations in other fields of industry. This article appeared in the weekly "Fabricacisn de Papel":

PCE Instruments introduces stroboscopes to paper manufacturing
As economic conditions require that many manufacturers reduce the size of their technical departments, it becomes more important for them to provide devices for their personnel so they can analyse processes both quickly and cost effectively. One group of these devices are stroboscopes, used not only for measuring rate of rotation but also frequency of movement of an object. In this way, stroboscopes are a universal method of support in the evaluation of the condition of machinery with rotating components and also for visualising the results. The fixed images generated by stroboscopes make things visible that would normally remain unseen to the human eye.

Furthermore, devices of this type are used for quality control by well known manufacturers of machinery, apart from just by personnel in a factory.

MitiLite series stroboscopes are especially valuable for the analysis of lamination processes. With the stroboscope you can detect the causes of extreme conditions such as dew point on filtering mechanisms. says Vielhaber, one of the engineers that knows the device first hand. Stroboscopes are very light, they are easy to use off-site and can be placed at a desired angle. Apart from analysing parameters of quality, stroboscopes make it possible to test quickly and accurately the rotation of components that moves belts and to synchronise the motion of several belts. As well, they can be used to determine the rotation of the rotor of ventilation systems.

Analysis of filters:
Specifically for very wide filtering mechanisms, the MitiLite series stroboscopes transmits an analysis of an entire trajectory. For example, the analysis of a water line and its movement is an important criteria for the functioning of a conveyor belt transporting material and its spindle. Observing the loss of water through the filtering mechanism and the water extracted. The "fixed image" of the stroboscope is proportional with respect to the duration of water extraction.

Stroboscopes are optimum in the analysis of a screen, says Vielhaber,
 where defects in the formation of paper can be detected."

                                           

Stroboscopes for observing screening mechanisms                    Example of use of stroboscopes

Test synchronisation behaviour of cables
Stroboscopes can be perfectly employed to analyse the behaviour of synchronised cables.  Wear on cables is very high when they are used to produce different velocities causing the functional life of the cable to deteriorate quickly. In the same way, difficult behaviour in cables occurs after an abrupt stop or a break in paper flow. Stroboscops allows for visualisation of the difference in velocity. Tests can be made for each group to ensure optimum settings. The image shows how easily results are measured with the smoothing equipment. Ensure that the stroboscope is not used near an infrared barrier or a break indicator, as the consequences would be disasterous.

HiLighter class stroboscopes
These mains powered stroboscopes are used for analysis over a period of time, such as analysing a conveyor belt with different adjustments, filters, or point of impact made by a sifting table. The entire width of a conveyor belt can be viewed by stroboscopes.
If these high performance stroboscopes are positioned in an area of manouvering to the side of a cylinder case, and equally see the water as its being pulled by the conveyor belt.

HiLighter class stroboscopes can also be used to continuously test steel roller systems. To identify errors on the surface of materials is very easy.
For example, in the impression of pressure rollers, these impressions can easily be followed. The gap in errors in rolling steel can be attributed together with the rollers. With stroboscopes we know exactly what cylinder or what pair of cylinders have made the impression. The brightness of these stroboscopes is perfect for glossy or reflective surfaces allowing for detection of the smallest errors.

Portable stroboscopes or those with a rechargeable battery are perfectly suited for machines used in the production of beer or in printing. The movement can be captured as a still and analysed to determine what exactly is occurring in the process.
The properties of the product can also be tested, such as after a change of rollers or a complete change in machinery. The complete path up to 1.2m can be inspected. For this reason there would be no reason to stop the machine for inspection.

If you wish to view or print a selection of stroboscopes from our catalogue, click the PDF symbol.

You are currently at: Home / measuring instruments and test equipment / Stroboscopes

If you have any questions, call our technicians on: +44 (0)2380 987030.

This page in German in Italian in Spanish in Croatian in French

Below you will find an overview of the different product groups of measuring instruments