Industrial CFC thickness measurement system

Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik presents thicknessCONTROL MTS 8202.LLT (CFC), a highly robust thickness measurement system with a C-frame construction for the metalworking sector.

thicknessCONTROL MTS 8202.LLT (CFC) measures strip and board thickness of 50mm and more. The carbon reinforced plastic design (CFC) results in a wide bandwidth of applications: When compared to the metal version, the maximum bandwidth has been tripled from 500 to 1500mm. The laser profile sensors for thickness measurements are located at the tips of the C-frame. The robust construction ensures exact measurement results in the micrometre range. Laser profile sensors use a measurement line which offers significant benefits for tilted and rippled metal strips in comparison to point-type lasers that cannot recognize tilts.

In contrast to radiometric systems and isotope analysis, the laser line provides high spatial resolution right up to the edge. For the first time, individual areas behind cut-to-length shears can be measured due to the smaller measuring point. In addition, measurements can be carried out on the strip surface, regardless of alloys.

The integrated calibration technology verifies system precision within seconds – fully-automated and in cycles without operator input. So now nothing stands in the way of regular gauge capability analysis. Air blow nozzles help to protect the lenses from dirt in industrial environments.

In comparison with the closed design of O-frames, a C-frame construction offers more flexibility: The measurement system can be removed from the line and utilized at a different location (such as a different production line) mid-process, without compromising operation. In addition, a triple position acquisition feature has been implemented to monitor how far the C-frame is inserted into the strip. This helps to dynamically control the required clearance for thickness measurements and compensate for inevitable 'floating' or cambering effects.

When a threshold value is reached, the C-frame is automatically moved back to a safe distance.

An IPC-based software package is available to display and analyse thickness measurement values. It includes visualization and documentation features and provides combinations of thickness and profile measurement values including additional length, speed and width measurements.