MACHINERY | DOSING AND FEEDING


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Examples of some of the defects that can be avoided using OCS powder inspection equipment


The company offers pellet scanners


Below: Gericke’s Universal Controller allows automated control over four different feeders at the same time


for throughputs up to 25 kg/h and 1,000 kg/h, as well as powder scanners. An in-line bypass sample is transported to the OCS measuring device, which analyses the sample using a colour matrix camera. Data from the analysis can be connected to data processing systems or stored as needed. For both pellets and powders, the testers can be set up to sort out material that is out of specification. US-headquartered Ampacet created its


CISystems business unit to apply Industry 4.0 technology from LIAD Weighing and Control Systems, an Israeli company that it acquired back in 2020. CISystems recently introduced the SpectroMetric in-line colour measurement and correction technology, which is intended to analyse real-time colour data and automatically adjust the extrusion process to maintain colour specification. The system uses a spectro-


photometer to continuously measure the output (either pellets or an extruded or moulded plastic part) and compares the L.a.b value to the set colour specification, explains Doug Brownfield, Commercial Director at CISystems. “If the colour deviates at a desired delta E range, then it communicates in


real-time to the SpectroMetric feeder to adjust the feed rate to bring the colour back into specification. This is Industry 4.0 technology for in-line


colour measurement and correction. It reduces scrap and improves overall quality,” he says. Brownfield explains that corrections are made


gradually, so as to not overcompensate, and adjustments are continually made to keep the colour in specification. An example of where the system could be applied is in compounding of recycled PET. “R-PET processors who have challenges in control- ling the yellow undertone of their recycled resins can now monitor their production quality in real-time by continuously measuring their ‘b’ value within their L.a.b colour specification,” he says.


CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: � https://bulk-solids.k-state.edu/ � www.coperion.com � https://entek.com � www.gerickegroup.com � www.maguire.com � www.ocsgmbh.com � www.ampacet.com


kevin@xdplas.com


assist@xdplas.com


IMAGE: GERICKE


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