Precision technology for thickness measurement
High-precision, fully automatic online thickness measurements require a high level of technological expertise that covers a wide range of applications. Only a precise under-standing of the specific application and consideration of the accuracy requirement results in the tailor-made solution for the individual application.
MESACON offers three thickness measurement systems that allow you to accurately and easily get the measurements you need for your business without relying on manual methods. Each delivers its own special features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. For instance, X-ray thickness gauges are exceptionally accurate, even while operating under harsh conditions, such as during cold rolling.
Laser measurement systems are easy to use and comparatively inexpensive, but they are subject to physical limitations in terms of absolute measuring accuracy. Lastly, the isotope transmission method, which obtains its measurements via beta or gamma radiation. It offers a high degree of accuracy in a low-maintenance manner.
Measuing principle of laser thickness measurement
The laser-based thickness measurement system MESACON iTiM laser stands for a multitude of possible applications. The focus of the development of the system, as with all other solutions, was the non-contact thickness measurement and the collection of the desired production data for the digitalisation of the process flows. For measurement, two laser distance sensors are arranged on opposite sides of the strip. One sensor is mounted above, another sensor below the material to be measured. The thickness is determined from the distance of both measuring heads to each other and the difference of the measured individual distances to the material to be measured. To compensate for temperature influences on the sensor geometry, for example, the measuring system has an integrated calibration sample.
Measuring principle of X-ray thickness measurement
The highest measuring accuracy and reliability is provided by the X-ray transmission measuring method. When using this method, the X-ray source and detector are arranged on opposite sides of the material to be measured. The non-absorbed part of the X-ray radiation provides the basis for a precise thickness measurement, where material-related influences are compensated by the software. With very high measuring accuracies in combination with fast measured value output and short integration times, thickness measurement be-comes economically efficient. In addition, the measuring system provides the required reference variable for all rolling applications at the speed required for automation.
The MESACON iTiM xray measuring system has been developed to ensure protection of the entire system even when used under the most difficult conditions in hot and cold rolling applications. It is resistant and insensitive to harsh environmental conditions.
Measuring principle of isotope thickness measurement
The isotope transmission method is the third in the series of MESACON measurement methods. Here, the isotope source and detector are on opposite sides of the material to be measured. The isotope emits a constant gamma or beta radiation, which is limited to a constant form due to the built-in collimator. The part of the radiation that is not absorbed or scattered in the material to be measured enters the detector through the provided entrance window. The ionisation of the gas in the ionisation chamber generates electrons which are dissipated by means of applied high voltage and processed as a measurement signal. After amplification of the measurement signal, the correct measured value is calculated, taking the potash brier curve into account. The values required for alloy compensation are taken into account.
In this robust as well as low-maintenance measuring process, MESACON iTiM iso is used in all applications where the highest precision and continuous operation are required. Typically, these systems have been successfully used for decades to measure the overthickness in the infeed area of process lines.
Solutions for cold rolling
- Thickness gauges for centre and profile measurement in cold rolling mills
- Speed measurement for mass flow control - In the cold rolling mill on tandem and reversing stands as manipulated variable for the controls
- In pickling, inspection and partial plants for checking the specified values
Solutions for Steel and Aluminium Service Centres
- Control of the incoming material thickness
- Precise strip thickness measurement also for shears and slitting lines
- Provision of thickness data for end customers or downstream processes
- Increased material yield
- Combined visualisation e.g. for thickness and width
- Coil and plate-related provision of thickness data
Have we caught your interest? Get in touch!
The right system for your requirements!
MESACON can help you optimally implement your technological goals and production requirements with the MESACON iTiM thickness measurement technology. Existing plants can also be effectively modernised by seamlessly integrating our thickness measurement systems into your production line.
The focus is always on reducing your effort and material costs!
For example, existing isotope sources can often be reused and the special plug-and-play devices can be installed within just a few hours. The MESACON software solutions, which can also be integrated into existing systems, also contribute to maximum effectiveness. In addition, all our thickness measurement solutions undergo an endurance test in our in-house endurance test facility.
Detlef Jährling, Product Manager MESACON iTiM
Please contact me:
T: +49 351 8717160
E-Mail: detlef.jaehrling@emg-automation.com
