Industrial solutions for checking package dimensions0 pages

SOLEX Metrology - n°1 case study

Industrial solutions for checking package
dimensions
Introduction
Automated machines are the natural extension of the Solex dimensional measuring
systems. Combining a set of dimensional sensors with automated lifting and moving
devices, along with the recording and processing of the data obtained allows for the
provision of fast inspection systems that fulfil the needs of mass production. Our
solutions are designed on a case-by-case basis working from the specifications set by our
clients.
Problem areas
A coffee capsule manufacturer called on the expertise of SOLEX Metrology to design a
machine capable of continuously measuring 11 dimensions (including various heights,
thicknesses and diameters) on a capsule when mounted on a rotating stand. The required
throughput rate was some 180 pieces per hour, using a loading system made up of 6
stacks of a maximum of 100 capsules each. The most exacting tolerance on the
dimensions to be measured was +/-80µm.
Key elements
Our skills in automation, our long experience in the development and use of dimensional
sensors (with or without contact) along with our R&D service being structured to manage
specific projects, have been applied all along this project.
LVDT sensor measuring techniques offer an ultimate accuracy of 0.1µm. They also provide
surface quality and variable colour measuring capacities that are not possible using
optical methods alone. The techniques also offer access to a large number of measuring
points within a small surface area because of the small "footprint" of each sensor. It is
thus possible to make thickness measurements as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - example of dimensions being
checked: thickness (in blue), height (black),
diameter (red)

Figure 2 – Capsule on rotating stand with
measurement sensors in place

www.solex-metrology.fr
solex@kep-technologies.com