MACHINERY | MATERIALS TESTING
method. When used with an autosampler, every- thing from sample information input to results export is automated – which helps to reduce costs. Another trend is the ability to combine different technologies. “Extra information like the effect of temperature on the sample colour can now be investigated with camera systems fitted on thermal analysis,” he said. Over the last few years, it has become easier to
gather more information from thermal analysis by connecting other techniques such as FTIR, MS, and GCMS. For example, the company’s STA (TGA/DSC) can be connected to all these techniques from the major brands including the combination of STA, IR and GCMS for optimal evolved gas analysis, he says.
Above: Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science’s latest workflow efficiency software allows users to scan bar codes to enable automatic data storage
Its FSP600 web inspection system with MCE (multi-channel evaluation) technology allows detec- tion in reflected or transmitted light mode as well as in dark and bright field applications, using only one camera. This enables the simultaneous detection of defects on up to six channels. For instance, one channel can be used for the reflec- tion of surface defects, and three channels for transmission (red, green and blue) for better defect detection and classification. Defect references are assimilated with a teach-in function, and a common classification of the film rolls (grade evaluation) can be carried out. The OCS software can be integrated into systems such as Ruby (from Windmoeller & Hoelscher), to create further value for the operator. In plastics processing, traceability is critical. For film manufacturers, film rolls can be locked by the system without an operator having to interact, thanks to OCS analysis software – which uses the material, raw material and process parameters from the PDA system in relation to the respective quality/ film grade, to provide long-term statistical process control. This reduces reject quantities and saves both time and cost.
Thermal performance Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science has also been working on updating software tools – in this case, for its thermal analysis equipment. “Many polymetric material manufacturers are looking for ways to improve traceability, prevent human error and increase effectiveness,” said Olivier Savard, product manager for thermal analysis at the company. Savard says that software options such as its
recent input/output software update improve workflow efficiency through automatic analysis. This allows end users to scan a bar code to access the sample information, method settings and analysis
22 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | January/February 2023
Next generation Isra Vision introduced its next generation of camera-based inline inspection systems – with new features and intelligent software tools – at K2022. These included the latest generation of its Cloud Xperience software platform. This uses artificial intelligence (AI) for clustering during defect classification and a smart software solution for real-time process and status monitoring. “Today, users of our systems receive compre- hensive information about the condition of their products in real-time, and benefit from accelerating the ramping-up of their production – lowering costs and simplifying the operation of these high-tech systems,” said Dirk Broichhausen, group vice president of surface and print inspection for advanced materials at Isra. Isra offers two inspection systems to manufactur-
ers of lithium-ion batteries to identify possible problems and defects. The Smash Battery system is optimised for the automatic inspection of electrode coatings, as well as separator foils and their coatings (such as PVDF). It delivers real-time information on product quality and indicates to what extent the specifications have been met. Its inline classification – the differentiation between ‘black spots’ and holes that appear dark – ensures maximum safety and con- fidence, it says. It also presented PouchStar, for inline inspection of single battery cells. The system inspects the shape, size, and sealed seam of the cells and finds surface defects, deformations, blemishes, and contamination. Meanwhile, DualStar helps to optimise workflow
in flexible packaging manufacturing and finishing. It allows the user to switch between ‘surface’ and ‘print’ inspection depending on the job. This makes it the only solution to combine inspection of unprinted foils, laminates, and coatings with that of printed material in a single system, says Isra.
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IMAGE: HITACHI HIGH-TECH ANALYTICAL
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