Online extrusion profilometer

The problem

Extruding rubber profiles within specification is subject to many variables that interact. These include compound type and homogeneity, temperature, screw speed, pressure, pull-off conveyor speed and product tension, die wear and particulate impurities in the compound. When control of any of these parameters is lost the extrusion loses dimensional stability and defects, such as die cuts, can be present.

The solution

Sigmavision’s Online Profilometer offers a solution to this problem by measuring the extrusion’s cross sectional profile in real time. The system may be deployed at the hot end of the process, close to the extruder die, or after the cooling bath and skiver unit. The system comprises 2D laser sheet of light sensors that fixed mounted above and below the conveyor. The sensors project a fan of laser light across the conveyor to create a measurement envelope, the width of the envelope depends on the number of sensors selected. Read more