MACHINERY | CONTROL & INSTRUMENTATION
Right: Nordson’s TrueWall uses ultrasonics to measure pipe dimensions accurately
Nitinol) stent tubing. It can be paired with LaserLinc’s laser microm- eters for outside diameter measurement, providing an inside diameter measurement for tube, hose, and pipe. This combination enables operators to make precise, in-process measurements, reducing material usage, improved product quality, and shorter start-up cycles. “UltraGauge+ is designed to provide precise,
IMAGE: NORDSON
an integrated web server that displays key data live, such as product centring, wall thickness, eccentricity, diameter, and echo waveforms. This information enables operators to start
production quickly, eliminating scrap and effectively monitoring the product specifications. The TrueWall webserver can be integrated with external laser OD measurements, line speed (encoder/LaserSpeed), and other digital inputs/outputs. In addition, it eliminates the need for a PC-based control applica- tion or separate controller, enhancing ease of use and lowering total cost of ownership. Other benefits include: product recipe creation
and storage; settings and tolerance configuration; and internal diagnostics capabilities. Fieldbus configuration files and manuals are stored inside the USDSP and easily accessed.
Wall accuracy LaserLinc has introduced its UltraGauge+ series of ultrasonic gauges, which it says offers accurate, real-time measurements of wall thickness, layer thickness, and concentricity for cylindrical products such as plastic pipe. UltraGauge+ can be tailored to fit specific
Right: Conair has added an AI-driven feature to its ResinWorks multi-hopper drying system
product types and production environments. It is commonly installed on an extrusion production line for continuous in-process measurement. With precise real-time wall and concentricity measurement, operators can adjust extrusion die bolts to achieve concentricity within minutes after start-up, reducing downtime and waste.
One key benefit is its thin-wall measurement capability. The device can measure the 0.001in (25 micron) wall thickness of micro polymer medical tubing and the 0.003in (75 micron) wall thickness of metal nickel-titanium (NiTi/
26 PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION | Spring 2025
www.pipeandprofile.com
real-time measurements that help our customers easily achieve their production goals,” said Jeff Kohler, president of LaserLinc. The product line includes a range of sensor assemblies and accessories to support a variety of production processes and locations, making it a versatile solution for high-specification product manufacturers. For instance, it can be used with LaserLinc’s Total Vu HMI for process visualisation, data logging, reporting, SPC and tolerance checking.
AI benefits At last year’s NPE, Conair ran a live, interactive demonstration of a new AI-driven conveying technology, which claims to “virtually eliminate” the need for human interaction or adjustments to central conveying systems. The patented AI technology creates and maintains optimal source-to-destination material flows regardless of material characteristics, distances, or destinations and automatically compensates for common conveying problems. “Artificial intelligence will not only optimise the
process of conveying but will also eliminate labour costs – specifically the need for error-prone manual interactions with the conveying equipment,” said Sam Rajkovich, VP of sales and marketing at Conair. In addition, Conair has added an optional AI-driven feature to its ResinWorks centralised, multi-hopper drying system. ResinWorks with Optimizer automates the process of maintaining
IMAGE: CONAIR
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