TPT November 2010

I ndustry N ews

In-line inspection leads to new orders FLEXI-CELL UK has commissioned an in-line inspection system from Pixargus to document the product quality of its profiles for the automobile industry. With this system Flexi-Cell has not only improved the dimensional integrity of the products but also achieved increased throughput from the extrusion line. The non-contacting optical system provides a continuous 360° view quality check of the profile dimensions, monitoring the product within pre-set tolerances. Generally invisible to the human eye, any non-conforming areas are identified, automatically cut out to avoid inadvertent inclusion in deliveries to customers, and recorded on a continuously running log. Customers receive a batch-related copy of the log to verify the integrity of the extruded profile quality. The Pixargus inspection system was a critical factor in Flexi- Cell’s recent successful bid for the supply of rubber profiles to a major European automotive component manufacturer. John English, Flexi-Cell’s projects manager commented, “To gain this business, we had to work closely with our customer and demonstrate our experience and absolute commitment to consistent product quality. The Pixargus equipment, together with the high quality supply of compound from our Berwin parent, gave us the edge we needed. Production volumes are now exceeding our initial expectations.” The PCD X360 inspection system from Pixargus is an in-line profile measuring system that takes dimensional information from the external surface of the profile at a rate of two to eight times per second. These readings are compared with a reference profile and any deviations are recorded and displayed. The reference profile can be directly loaded into the system as a DXF-CAD file. Pixargus has developed a new LED-based illumination technology for the system that it claims gives higher measuring accuracy and longer service life, compared with laser-based systems. A robust touch-screen operator interface, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the working environment, makes the operation of the system simple and intuitive, while the low maintenance requirements of the Pixargus system contribute to the low total cost of ownership. Pixargus GmbH – Germany

A step ahead technology

V A L C O M . f r -photoDanielLattard

ORBITAL CUTTING

Fax: +49 2405 47908 11 Email: info@pixargus.de Website: www.pixargus.de

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1 machine = 3 applications tel +33 475 575 070 - commerce @ axxair.com w w w . a x x a i r . c o m GLOBAL PROCESS

The Pixargus PCD X360 continuous inspection unit installed at Flexi-Cell UK

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N ovember 2010

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