02/23/2008 • Sensor Technology

Thickness measurement of coated pipes

ThicknessControl is a family of thickness measurement systems from Micro-Epsilon which is based on high precision, non-contact displacement sensor systems.

The 8305 Series has been specially developed for measuring the wall thickness of plastic pipes and coatings on metal pipes. The inspection system includes the dual-sensor technique, which is often employed by Micro-Epsilon. In the dual-sensor technique, two sensors utilising different measurement principles, are combined and their specific advantages exploited. The layer thickness on pipes is measured using a number of eddy current sensors and optical micrometers. In this application, the electromagnetic fields of the eddy current sensors penetrate the plastic layer and precisely measure the distance to the metal surface. In this way, they provide a reference signal for determining the thickness.

The actual pipe thickness is measured by using optical micrometers. The transmitter emits a light curtain in the direction of the receiver. Since the pipe is located within the light curtains, part of the emitted light is hidden. This produces a second signal from which, together with the reference signal, the layer thickness of the plastic can be calculated. Through the respectively opposing set-up, the layer thickness is determined from four sides. In addition, due to the four-sided measurement, the external diameter and the pipe diameter can be determined.
Through the integration of the system into existing SPC networks, an immediate signal or production correction is issued when tolerances are exceeded.

The inspection system can be rated for various pipe diameters up to 500mm. If the inspection system is integrated into the production of air-spring bellows, then the layer thickness can be measured directly between the extrusion layers. This method improves the quality of manufactured air-springs and minimises scrap and rework costs.

In its Systems Division, Micro-Epsilon carries out development and production of complex automatic measurement systems for process monitoring and quality control. All mechatrons components (sensors, electronics, mechanical parts and software) are developed and produced within Micro-Epsilon. A wide range of precision displacement sensors operating on the most varied physical principles is available for difficult and awkward measurement tasks.

Whitepaper-Download (630 KB)

This product information
is expired!

Use our search-function for current products ...
gradient arrows

Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Königbacher Straße 15
94496 Ortenburg

Phone: +49 8542 168-0
Fax: +49 8542 168-90

More products by Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG