PROCESS CONTROL | INLINE MEASUREMENT
Below: Ampacet Liad has integrated its Spectro 4.0 in-line spectrometer and SpectroMetric in-line continuous colour correction system
IMAGE: AMPACET
a fibre optic sensor that communicates real-time colour data,” says Doug Brownfield, Commercial Director, CISystems/Liad. “Spectro 4.0 Smart enables companies to reduce the cost of quality due to colour issues and faciliates collection of historical data to improve future productivity.” Spectro 4.0 Smart’s differential spectropho- tometer compares the colour of the new product to a reference colour in real-time. The fibre optic probe performs reflection
measurements but multiple and
ensure precise, reproducible colours in plastic compound production. The company says the system is designed for contactless monitoring of colour variation, but can also compensate for minor deviation by directly adjusting the colour setpoint. According to KraussMaffei, the colour setpoint is
Right:
Equitech’s ruggedised fibre-optic probes can provide direct measurement in the melt stream of an extruder
rapidly achieved when starting the compounding process after a stoppage, as well as in the event of colour changes. With start-up scrap and reject material minimised, the company says ColorAdjust can ensure sustainable and efficient production of reclaim material, contributing to savings in time and money. The ColorAdjust system comprises two key elements. First, a spectral photometer determines the colour of the cooled reclaimed pellets in the vibration chute and transmits the corresponding data to the machine control system. The data values are used to control the second system component — the colour metering unit. This is typically equipped with four colour and four metering devices but, on request, can be expand- ed to six colours to cover the entire colour spec- trum that the human eye can distinguish. The colour can be added in masterbatch or liquid colorant form. The ColorAdjust system adjusts the colours fully automatically without operator intervention and, due to its integration into the twin-screw extruder control system, can be operated from the central control panel. Designed primarily for processing rather than compounding applications, Ampacet Liad has introduced the Spectro 4.0 Smart Technologies range of continuous inline quality control solutions for colour management. The first of two products in the lineup is Spectro 4.0 Smart, a colour meas- urement system for extrusion and moulding processes that helps control colour variation using real-time colour data. The system uses a fibre optic probe that can measure and automatically adjust for colour variations even when using post-con- sumer recyclate and regrind material. “Parts can now be measured instantly, thanks to
64 COMPOUNDING WORLD | November 2022
interchangeable probes are in development for simultaneous multi-point measurement of haze, opacity and transmission and to allow selection from differential or absolute testing modes. The inline system also includes automatic built-in calibration against drifts and ambient illumination. Spectro 4.0 Smart can connect with another
product in the range, the SpectroMetric system for advanced colour accuracy technology. This incorporates the ColorSave 1000 masterbatch feeder to adjust masterbatch dosing automatically, in real-time, ensuring colour consistency. SpectroMetric runs on L*a*b* specifications, not on set LDRs, and continually monitors for the lowest possible colorant usage rates to maintain correct colour specifications. The system automatically adjusts for colour variation and operates within tight colour tolerances to reduce colour usage and costs.
Feedback loops US-based Equitech International Corporation manufactures a colour instrument that can measure colour directly in molten polymer in an extruder. Currently the operator uses this information to make decisions regarding adjustment to the extrusion process. However, to achieve maximum
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: EQUITECH INTERNATIONAL
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