Rubber thickness measurement using Acuity laser sensors

Acuity laser sensors are used throughout the tire and rubber manufacturing industries. Rubber sheet manufacturers need online thickness measurements for Quality Control and system control feedback loops. Rubber presents several challenges for non-contact metrology equipment with its low surface reflectivity, dirty measuring environments and elevated material temperatures. System integrators for the tire and rubber industry demand reliable, non-contact measuring devices to minimize downtime and scrap material production.

Rubber conveyor belt manufacturers use Acuity laser displacement sensors to measure the thickness of black rubber sheet in a calendaring process. After numerous trials and worldwide installations the AccuRange 700-4 sensor model was chosen to replace other equipment which failed to meet accuracy and speed requirements. The AR700 sensor is extremely durable and meets the environmental requirements for this industrial application.

During calendaring and rubber processing, the surface of the rubber sheet may be very shiny and very black, creating challenging conditions where little light can be reflected back to a sensor’s detector.  Acuity installs an upgraded laser diode in their rubber thickness measurement sensors, bringing 5 mW of laser power (standard is 1 mW) to get a stronger return signal off the dark surface. The increased power with Acuity’s patented optics, results in excellent sensitivity on the rubber sheet and fast measurement speeds.

Acuity
Acuity laser sensors are precision measuring devices manufactured by Schmitt Measurement Systems, Inc. of Portland, USA. Acuity products include CMOS detector laser displacement sensor models for accurate measuring and a laser rangefinder for long-distance sensing. The AccuRange™ Line Scanner profiles large surfaces and environments.  Our laser measurement tools are used by worldwide customers in forest products, metal working, medical and heavy industrial applications. Please visit our website for more information and to find your local distributor.