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Industry News
V A L C O M . f r
-photoDanielLattard
ORBITAL
CUTTING
1
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
A step ahead
technology
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
Fax: +49 2405 47908 11
Email:
Website:
The Pixargus PCD X360 continuous inspection unit installed at Flexi-Cell UK