TPT July 2009

T echnology U pdate

Tube and hose measurement of 6-point wall thickness and ovality

Sikora AG, Germany, has launched its new X-Ray 6000 Triax for 6-point wall thickness and ovality measurement including fault detection in hose and tube extrusion. The system offers 3-axis x-ray measurement and enriches the world of diameter, ovality and eccentricity measuring devices for the hose and tube sector. The company’s newly developed 3-axis x-ray technology is a complete innovation in the area of measuring performance. The X-Ray 6000 Triax continuously measures wall thickness and ovality at 6 points and detects non-conformities at the product surface and in the inner tube at the same time.

The hose or tube is transilluminated by x-rays. The measurement in three planes offers a 6-point wall thickness measurement. In combination with an extremely high measuring rate, defects such as bubbles between the vapour barrier (aluminium pipe) and the inner tube are detected during the production process. In particular, composite pipes are often produced with 30m per minute. At a line speed of 30m per minute (ie 0.5m per second), the X-Ray 6000 Triax measures the tube at 100Hz every 5mm. This means that even the smallest blisters can be detected with reliability. In addition to wall thickness, the X-Ray 6000 Triax also measures product ovality with the highest precision because five points define an oval. Within fractions of a second the operator continuously receives measuring values. Fast and reliable determination of the measuring values allows speedy centring of the crossheads and provides a permanent control of the line in consideration of the minimum value.

 The X-Ray 6070 Triax with 6-point-wall thickness and ovality measurement as well as fault detection Sikora offers the X-Ray 6000 Triax for product diameters from 6-65mm. The measuring values of the X-Ray 6000 Triax (ie wall thickness, ovality, eccentricity and inner/outer diameter) are numerically and graphically displayed on the processor system Ecocontrol 2000 on a bright 15" or 19" TFT colour monitor. Operation is menu- driven via a touchscreen, with the detected faults visualised on the display.

 The X-Ray 6000 Triax detects defects between the vapour barrier and the inner tube

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J uly 2009

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