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Ultrasonic Wall, Concentricity, and Eccentricity Measurement

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The LaserLinc UltraGauge+™ series of ultrasonic devices measure wall thickness, or layer thickness, and concentricity of clear or opaque plastic, rubber, glass, and metal products like tubing, hose, pipe, insulated wire, and cable. In some cases, ultrasonics can measure diameter and ovality/eccentricity Ovality
Eccentricity is sometimes used as a measure of the degree to which two forms share a common center, as in an insulated wire where the core (the wire) and the outer insulation do not share the same center.

However, LaserLinc uses these terms to refer to a measure of how well the measured product conforms to a circle.

LaserLinc uses the term concentricity as a measure of the degree to which two forms share a common center. as well. Add measurement of inside diameter and outside diameter by including a scanning laser micrometer in the system.

Armed with real-time, precise wall and concentricity measurement, our customers shorten startup cycles, reduce material usage, and improve product quality, all for significant cost savings.

LaserLinc’s UltraGauge+ product line accommodates a wide range of product diameters and material thicknesses. Many different styles and options are available encompassing fixed and adjustable transducer positioning, installation in vacuum or open tanks, product guiding, and up to eight transducers.

Multiple Layers

The UltraGauge+ system can identify and measure up to four layers. With two or more layers, distinguishing each unique layer depends upon the relative properties of adjacent layer materials. Contact LaserLinc about thickness measurement of your specific multi-layer products.

Thin-Wall Measurement

LaserLinc’s UltraGauge+ technology can measure very thin layers (the minimum is material dependent). For example, the UltraGauge+ has been used to measure .001 inch [25 μm] wall thickness of very small PTFE medical tubing, and .003 inch [75μm] wall thickness of metal nickel titanium (NiTi / Nitinol) stent tubing. Thin-wall measurement requires no special options or settings.

Die Centering Using Concentricity Measurement

In-process concentricity measurement is a primary benefit of ultrasonic technology. An UltraGauge+ system provides real-time feedback of concentricity to the operator, in an instantly understandable, graphical way. Since changes to concentricity from die bolt adjustments are reflected immediately in the cross section display, startup cycles are significantly faster, saving material and production time.

Ultrasonic concentricity and eccentricity measurement require no calibration and LaserLinc’s UltraGauge+ systems have been successfully used with the latest automatic die-centering technology now available with some extruders.

UltraLock Automatic Set Up for Wall Measurement

LaserLinc’s UltraGauge+ technology includes algorithms for automatic set up of waveform analysis, greatly simplifying use for the operator. Following the UltraLock™ procedure, the UltraGauge+ software continually makes incremental adjustments to track product location and optimize signal characteristics to deliver precise measurements.

Diameter and Ovality Measurement

An UltraGauge+ system can measure diameter and ovality. If it is not possible to install a laser micrometer near the extruder, this alternate method for measuring diameter gives an equally fast response for control. A reference transducer provides continual calibration to maintain maximum accuracy of the OD measurement.

As this method is less accurate than a laser micrometer, we recommend its use be limited to applications such as the measurement of larger diameter hose and pipe, or for closed-loop control where a laser micrometer can be used to confirm final diameter.

Highlights

• Measure clear or opaque plastic, rubber, glass, and metal products
• Use in-process for fast, even automatic, die centering
• Measure up to 4 layers
• Measure up to 2000 times per second
• Measure wall thickness down to .001” [25μm]
• Repeatability down to ±.000040" [±1μm]
• All transducer assemblies integrate water flow to keep the face of each transducer free of air bubbles and debris
• Integrate easily with the Total Vu™ HMI, the industry’s most complete monitoring and control system
• UltraLock™ feature automatically sets up signal analysis parameters for ease of operator use
• Cross section display provides real-time, large, easy-to-interpret graphical view of product cross section
• Choose from many different sensor assemblies and guides for optimal use in your particular process
• Notable applications include: medical tubing for catheters, IVs and other devices, insulated wire, plastic pipe, thin-walled Nitinol, cobalt-chromium, and stainless steel stent tubing

Transducer Options & Measurement Ranges¹

Frequency (MHz)	2.25	5	10	20	30	50
Min Wall (mm) (Inches)	.762 .03	.508 .02	.229 .009	.076 .003	.051 .002	.025 .001
Max Wall (mm) (Inches)	25.4 1.0	10.16 .4	6.35 .25	2.54 .1	1.27 .05	.635 .025

¹Minimum and maximum measurable wall thickness are material dependent. Specifications shown are typical for most plastics.