TPT May 2011

T echnology U pdate

The X-RAY 6000 for measuring at different positions during extrusion

DURING the production of hoses and tubes it is necessary to measure quickly specific parameters such as wall thickness, eccentricity, inner and outer diameter and ovality with high accuracy, to analyse and to control to the nominal value. For this application Sikora has developed the X-RAY 6000, an online-X-ray measuring system for quality control in hose and tube extrusion lines. The X-RAY 6000 is used to increase quality of the end product and simultaneously to save material through avoidance of over wall thicknesses. The X-RAY 6000 is installed for the measurement of the cold wall thickness after the cooling trough, between two cooling troughs or optionally at the beginning of the line to display hot measuring values directly after the extruder. It is suitable for diverse product diameters from 0.65 to 650mm. Single layer or multi layer hoses, aluminium composite tubes, pressure hoses with textile reinforcement, small or large diameter hoses made of PE, HDPE, PVC, EPR as well as foamed products, products made of EPDM, nylon, rubber, silicone are reliably measured by the X-RAY 6000.

Moreover, it is suitable for quality control of medical or cosmetic tubes. The used measuring principle is based on the latest X-ray technology, where the hose or tube is transilluminated by X-rays. The image of the product is directly projected on high-resolution X-ray image sensors and analysed. Directly from the X-ray image the measuring values of all product dimensions are calculated by means of specific algorithms. The measuring values are available within seconds. This technology

allows for a continuous measurement and control of the line under consideration of the minimum values. Outstanding features of the X-RAY 6000 are a high accuracy, which permanently ensures precise measuring values as well as a selectable measuring rate from 1 to 3Hz (optional 10, 100Hz). The device is equipped with XLL (eXtra-Long-Life) X-ray tubes for highest reliability and life time. Moreover, the system has a universal power supply, which covers all common

The X-RAY 6000 measures for example the cold wall thickness when installed after the cooling trough

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M ay 2011

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