TPT January 2007

Technology Update

X-ray technology for online measurement

Handheld thermal imaging for preventative maintenance measurement specialist, Land Instruments International, UK, has launched its new Land Guide M3 thermal imager. Designed for the entry- level needs of industry, the device assists plant engineers in carrying out preventive maintenance duties. The compact, palm-held design offers finger- tip controls, high quality thermal images, on-board image processing, a 100-image memory capacity and USB connectivity. With a temperature measurement range of -20°C to 250°C, and a sensitivity of 0.12°C, the Land Guide M3 detects extremely small temperature differences and displays them as high resolution, 8-bit thermal images. Measurement options include simultaneous spot and area analysis, line profile, isotherm analysis and electronic zoom function. Infrared temperature

Sikora AG, Germany, is the manufacturer of devices for diameter, wall thickness, eccentricity and ovality measurement, and detection of lumps and neck-downs directly on the extrusion line. The company uses state-of-the-art X-ray and laser technology requiring no calibration. The use of very fast digital signal processors eliminates the effects of vibrations or environmental influences, ensuring accuracy and long-term stable measurement. Data is presented via operator-friendly display and control interfaces, and the display options provide simple to comprehensive statistical analysis, data collection and print capabilities. Extruder output or line speed can be automatically controlled, resulting in material consumption savings. Leading Sikora’s product development is the X-Ray 2000 series. The design of the X-Ray 2000 is based on the latest X-ray technology. The system provides online measurement of wall thickness, diameter, eccentricity and ovality without

› The Sikora

X-Ray 2300, for product diameters up to 270mm

undue time delay during the production process. Start-up scrap is minimised, material consumption is optimised and line productivity is increased.

Sikora AG – Germany Fax : +49 421 489 0090 Email : sales@sikora.net Website : www.sikora.com

New automatic cutting machine for hose OP Srl, Italy, a manufacturer of hydraulic tubing processing machines, has launched a new automatic cutting machine. Branded Tubocut5, the new machine can cut hose with an external diameter from 10-41mm, and is equipped with a motorised hose unrolling system, designed so that the hose reaches the cutting area with the correct tension. This device allows the cutting length tolerance to conform to the standard DIN 20066.

› The Land Guide M3 thermal imager from Land Instruments International

Spotting potential problems is simplified by a cursor that automatically tracks and indicates the position and temperature of the hottest spot within the image, and by a second cursor in the image centre that indicates the temperature and provides a reference for inspection analysis. An audible/visible alarm automatically triggers when a temperature spot exceeds a pre-set value. Up to 100 radiometric images complete with voice annotations can be stored in the imager for later download and analysis, using Windows-based post-processing software. This software is included as standard, and simplifies image processing, report generation and archiving. Land Instruments International – UK Fax : +44 1246 410 585 Email : infrared.sales@landinst.com Website : www.landinst.com

The machine, which can be equipped with a conveyer belt for the discharge of the cut hose, is operated by computerised control through a PLC with a colour touch- screen. Parameters

› The new Tubocut5 automatic cutting machine from OP Srl

include hose diameter, cutting length, cutting speed (15, 30 or 40m/min) and the number of hoses to cut. It can be set to use five languages: English, German, Italian, Spanish and French. Cutting programs can be saved and recalled for later use. The machine regulates automatically for different hose diameters, removing the need for the operator to change tools. The maximum reel weight is 150kg, and the maximum cut length is 9,999mm.

OP Srl – Italy Fax : +39 030 358 0838 Email : info@op-srl.it • Website : www.op-srl.it

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007