WCA September 2023

Technology News

CEO Toomas Koobas (left) and production manager Marko Hoolma, at Höhle’s microduct production plant in Estonia

X-ray measuring for in-line quality control of microducts

Höhle uses three separate Ecocontrol 6000 processor systems, connected to each X-ray device, allowing operators to have constant access to the current measuring values. Real-time visualisation enables accurate process control. X-ray technology provides consistent measuring values without being affected by temperature or material. There is no need for coupling media and there is no calibration required. Höhle also uses Sikora lump detectors in its lines. These systems detect the smallest non-conformities on the microducts’ surface. The operator receives immediate infor mation in case of a fault and can take the necessary action. The combination of X-ray measuring systems and lump detection during the manufacturing process ensures microduct quality for customer satisfaction. Sikora AG www.sikora.net

Höhle is a manufacturer of microducts used for building fibre-optical networks to house optical fibre cables as a protec tive channel.

Located in Estonia, the company uses Sikora X-ray measuring systems in its plant for quality control during the extrusion of microducts. With an emphasis on the quality of the microducts it produces, Höhle only uses pure raw material of the highest quality, and includes continuous on line measuring and control systems in the manufacturing process. For measuring the inner and outer diameter, wall thickness and eccentricity of the microducts, the company has installed three X-Ray 6000 Pro devices from Sikora, to monitor microducts within diameter ranges between 3 and 20mm. “The advantage of the X-Ray systems is that you are confident about the measured values and you get correct product dimensions immediately with the start-up of the line with ‘one shot’”, said Toomas Koobas, CEO at Höhle. “For microduct production, continuous in-line monitoring is the key factor when talking about quality. This can be achieved with Sikora devices.”

Höhle uses the X-Ray 6000 Pro for dimension measurement during production

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September 2023