To prevent leaks, manufacturers of dairy product and beverage containers, packaging foils, and other multilayer packing materials need to be able to detect waving edges and temperature gaps in the plastic film during the extrusion coating process.
How can proper web temperatures for strong film-to-paper adhesion be ensured?
The packaging material for carton-based packages is composed of a laminate of paper, polyethylene and aluminium foil. Paper makes the packages stiff. Plastic renders them liquid-tight, and aluminium foil blocks out light and oxygen.
To manufacture these cartons the polyethylene feeds through several extruders at temperatures of up to 320°C. The melt is fed over a wide slot die and laminated onto the paper.
Temperature and viscosity variations in the local melt streams across the width of an extruder flow channel can cause 'waving' edges, gaps, and edge-tears in the extruded film. In practice, a 10°C temperature difference influences adhesion between the polyethylene layer and the paper and the polyethylene film can tear off when feeding from the extruder die.
The internal measurement of the melt temperature by use of thermocouples in the die is not representative of the temperature distribution in the polyethylene film. With increases in the production speed (up to 700 m/min), there is an escalating need for improved quality control to ensure the integrity of beverage packing.
Infrared on-line scanning is a solution to this problem. The EC100 system from Raytek is an automated surface inspection system for detecting, measuring, and classifying defects occurring in extrusion coating, co-extrusion and laminating processes.
Raytek EC100 installed on laminator to monitor glue curtain temperature profile
Surface temperature measuring of the melt curtain supplies the information about temperature distribution at the die exit. The EC100 measuring system offers a contactless temperature measurement covering the entire width of the polyethylene film. The process imager scans the melt curtain directly. For a better alignment the process imager is equipped with a line laser.
IR image showing edge defect
The 'Automatic Sector' feature of the device continuously monitors the whole melt curtain and provides automatic edge detection. The feature automatically adapts to measuring a plastic film of varying width. Temperature gaps or unacceptable 'waving' or 'edge running' are detected automatically. Within the 'Automatic Sector', temperature deviations are calculated. Unacceptable edge waving, edge running, or edge tears from one scanned temperature line to the next line are detected quickly and automatically. If a fault or defect occurs, an alarm is triggered to allow for quick corrective action.
Benefits of using this system are the automated capture of quality documentation and a reduction in scrap.
The critical role of temperature measurement in flame hardening Instrotech
Temperature Measurement
Flame hardening is a heat treatment process widely used on parts made from mild steels, alloy steels, medium carbon steels and cast iron. Accurate temperature measurement is not just important, but critical for the success of flame hardening.
Read more...Noncontact infrared temperature control in aluminium rolling process Instrotech
Temperature Measurement
The aluminium rolling process is critical to the aluminium manufacturing industry, where precise temperature measurement is essential for ensuring high-quality product output and protecting equipment. The Optris long-wavelength camera can accurately measure strip temperatures in cold rolling and coiling applications.
Read more...Where simplicity meets reliability Endress+Hauser South Africa
Temperature Measurement
The new iTEMP TMT31 temperature transmitter from Endress+Hauser combines simplified selection, ordering, installation and operation with the highest reliability and long-term stability in one product.
Read more...Automating car window defrosters
Temperature Measurement
Window defrosters are vital features in vehicles, particularly in colder climates. The automotive manufacturer seeks an efficient solution to quickly and precisely measure the temperature of the windows, ensuring that the connections, installed cables and wires work correctly and have no defects before the vehicle’s final release.
Read more...The impact of thermal imaging in steam methane reformers
Temperature Measurement
As global demand for hydrogen, ammonia and fertilisers increases, LAND is empowering steam methane reformer operators to unlock efficiency gains at existing plants to meet ambitious production targets while also safely decarbonising.
Read more...Proven indicators monitored in three dimensions ifm - South Africa
Temperature Measurement
The VVB30x continuously detects vibrations in three measurement axes and uses them to calculate proven indicators for evaluating machine condition.
Read more...Digital display electronic sensors Transducer Technology
Temperature Measurement
The Trantech TTED series is a versatile range of digital display sensors designed for high-accuracy measurement of pressure, flow and temperature.
Read more...Quality process control instrumentation Instrotech
Temperature Measurement
Instrotech is a leading provider of high-quality process control instrumentation and industrial automation solutions that are designed to optimise efficiency, reliability and safety across industries.
Read more...Three ways to conduct thermal inspections Comtest
Temperature Measurement
There’s no universal solution for all infrared inspections with a Fluke thermal camera, also known as a thermal imager. You need to match your method to the type of equipment you’re inspecting and the level of detail you require.
Read more...Modern N1020 temperature controller
Temperature Measurement
Temperature control is a fundamental aspect of maintaining the integrity and quality of products in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The N1020 temperature controller, designed for precision and reliability, addresses the stringent requirements of these sectors by offering advanced features and robust functionality.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version