Diameter control for bars and tubes

The Barline is a laser measurement system, which has been specially designed for use on-line, for diameter control and monitoring of metallic ground bars and drawn tubes.

The Barline system will gauge the diameter and ovality from 0.1 to 200mm using either single or dual axis laser gauges. The software compares the measured values with the nominal diameter and pre-set tolerances allowing machine regulation and pre-alarms to be generated.

The laser gauges used in the Barline system offer the user our patented self-calibration technology allowing drift-free measurements and no size re-mastering. In addition, using a fast 400Hz scanner, resolutions of 0.1µm are achievable. The measurements taken are completely unaffected by product vibration ensuring continuous valid readings. Specially designed cleaning devices are supplied so that oil and dirt is removed prior to measurement.

The bars are kept with-in control limits by providing automatic regulation to the grinder control system, which in turn adjusts the grinder wheels. This has the advantage of significantly improving product quality, as inspection of components is 100% on-line. Thus resulting in a large reduction in waste, no product returns from customers and considerable savings in labour costs.

Drawn products are measured in the same way. Here machine regulation is not possible, however, by comparing the measured values with the nominal diameter and pre-set tolerances, we are able to generate alarms alerting the operator that the die is worn out and requires replacement. Product quality and reduction in scrap is afforded here as well as no product returns from customers.

As measurements are taken continuously on the bar, full statistical analysis is performed for each bar and every bundle. The maximum, minimum and average values are all recorded for printing.

Traditional methods of inspection, taking a random sample from the batch to indicate the quality of the whole batch, can result in oversights and are time consuming. Using the Barline system eliminates the possibility of errors, as the inspection is 100%. When large proportions of a companies business relies on maintaining a reputation for supplying 1st class quality products, this type of laser based inspection becomes essential.

For further information please contact:

Ben Paul
SCANTRON
Monarch Centre
Venture Way, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8DE

Tel: 01823 333343
Fax: 01823 333684
WWW. http://WWW.scantron-net.co.uk
Email.