New measurement technology at SKZ enables in-line measurement of thickness, density and basis weight
"Radar view" instead of "X-ray view": The SKZ Plastics Center has developed a technology that can measure the weight per unit area of plastic products without any radiation exposure. And that is not the only advantage of the new measuring technology.
Using radar technology, thickness, density and basis weight can be quantified inline and structural defects can be detected. Similar to a traffic light system, the "SKZ Radar Scale" shows whether the product (blue) is in the green, yellow or red range of a defined tolerance. (Photo: Marcel Mayr, SKZ)
How radar technology can improve quality control
The "x-ray view" or "gamma view" of x-ray equipment or isotope emitters is often used to measure the basis weight of plastic products. However, this is associated with high occupational safety requirements due to radiation exposure, high maintenance and follow-up costs for the measurement technology (half-life), and potential environmental damage. But there are alternatives, as a technique developed at SKZ impressively demonstrates. The "radar view" is not only non-contact and non-destructive, but also requires no radiation protection measures.
Cost-Effective Sensor Technology
More and more users are discovering radar technology as an alternative measurement technique for quality control. Developers at SKZ are constantly working with industry to develop new applications. Today, thickness, density, weight per unit area and many other quality characteristics, such as the presence of structural defects, can be measured inline. The cost-efficient sensor technology impresses with acquisition rates of more than 1000 measurements per second, often enabling 100% inspection.
SKZ offers own complete solutions
SKZ not only supports the transfer of non-destructive radar technology into industrial applications, but also offers its own complete solutions for various measurement tasks. The raw data acquired by the measurement technology are translated into comprehensible, user-relevant variables, so that the measurement results can be clearly visualized even for machine operators who are not familiar with the subject. In order to clarify the concrete suitability of the method for a company-specific problem, SKZ offers a lot of additional information and cost-neutral investigations.
