Interferometric sensor measures sandwich size
An
Armstrong Optical product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Dec 3, 2004
Measuring the thickness of the air layer sandwiched between two glass plates was a recent application that needed some critical thinking.
Measuring the thickness of the air layer sandwiched between two glass plates was an application that needed some critical thinking recently.
The tolerance on the thickness was important in determining the barrier properties for a glazing application.
The solution to the measurement problem was supplied by Armstrong Optical of Northampton using a CHR150 and noncontact interferometric sensor from Stil of France.
The noncontact white-light sensor is able to measure the thickness of transparent films, coatings and varnishes in the range 2-100um with an accuracy of better than 0.01um at kilohertz data collection rates.
For thickness levels above 100um other sensors are available.
The sensor itself is connected to the CHR150 optoelectronic cabinet by a shielded fibre-optic cable and, as it is unpowered, can be integrated into harsh/hazardous environments with minimal operating risk.
The installation of the sensor onto gantry systems or robot arms means that even large objects and surfaces can be routinely investigated.
This system has been successfully used to measure the thickness of the polymer coating on the inside of cans used to supply fizzy drinks and the thickness of the varnish on car bodies on a production line.
In both applications speed of measurement and lack of contact were determinants in the acceptance of this novel technology.
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