Measuring task and principle
Strip and plate thickness is one of the most important quality parameters in a rolling mill. It is traditionally measured radiometrically with X-ray or isotope sources, which requires radiation protection and compensation for the alloy.
Laser thickness gauges instead use two opposing laser sensors that capture the top and bottom surface of the material at the same time. Thickness results directly from the difference, independent of material and alloy and with no radiation source at all. The sensors are typically mounted in a C- or O-frame, which can also traverse across the width.
Applications
Cold strip & processing lines
Thickness measurement in cold mills, pickling, annealing and coating lines.
Hot strip & plate
Measurement on hot material with suitably protected sensors.
Slitting & cut-to-length
Quality control when slitting and cutting to length.
Non-ferrous metals
Aluminium, copper and other materials without alloy compensation.
Benefits
No radiation source
No radiation safety officer, no licences, no source disposal.
Alloy-independent
Geometric measurement needs no calibration to the material.
Profile across the width
Traversing systems capture wedge, crown and edge drop.
Built for rolling mills
Frames, cooling and protection are designed for industrial environments.
Micro-Epsilon develops and manufactures sensors and measuring systems for displacement, distance, thickness and temperature, including inline systems for the metal industry.