INSTRUMENTS.

Tachometers

Multi-function, battery-operated, portable instruments containing a tachometer, totalizer/ counter and timer (stopwatch) are available from the company. The Cat. No. 21F21 has the widest range, 5 to 500,000 rpm, and highest accuracy (0.0001 pm) of any tachometer on the market, according to the company. Measurements can be taken from up to 3' and 45 [degrees] from the reflective target. The Cat. No F21-1 also features the internal optics of the 21F21, and can also be used with a remote optical sensor, laser sensor and contact temperature probe. An optional contact tip assembly provides both linear and rotational speed measurements and can be scaled to display data in real engineering units. TTL compatible pulse output is available to drive digital data acquisition systems, computers, magnetic tape or pulse recorders, spectrum analyzers, stroboscopes, digital storage oscilloscopes, waveform analyzers and other TTL compatible instruments. (Kernco Instruments, 420 Kenazo Ave., El Paso, TX 79927)

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Laser sensor

Non-contact, laser-based industrial gauging sensors are based on the shadow measurement principle and are said to feature better linearity, a longer range capability than similar type sensors, a low cost and more flexibility in application, according to the company. Available in 15 different standard models and diaphragms, the Class II (Class IIIb optional) laser beam sensor looks at the shadow it creates and does not rely on surface reflectivity for measurement. (LMI Selcom, 21666 Melrose Ave., Southfield, MI 48075)

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Portable sensor

This portable, proprietary non-contact ultrasonic measurement system is said to use proven penetrating pulse technology for fast, safe, accurate level or interface measurement of abrasive, corrosive, toxic or pressurized liquids or liquified gases for a variety of industrial applications where contact with the process is not prudent. (HiTech Technologies, P.O. Box 535, Newtown, PA 18940-0535)

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Laboratory scale mixer

The PolyDrive mixer is a turnkey laboratory scale (internal) mixing and compounding system, typically utilized for small batch sample preparation and for evaluating processability of materials, blends and compounds. Features are said to include an LCD display that enables easy viewing of important process parameters; storage of measuring parameters which can be easily recalled at the push of a button; and torque measurement is available. (Haake, 53 W. Century Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652)

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Pyrolysis autosampler

The company provides analytical support and instrumentation for sample introduction and analysis by GC, GC/MS and FT-IR. The AS-2500 pyrolysis autosampler was designed to perform thermal desorption and pyrolysis on solid, powder and viscous liquid samples. With a sample capacity of up to 45 samples, the AS-2500 extends the capabilities of a GC or GC/MS to analyze difficult samples such as rubber and polymers (CDS Analytical 465 Limestone Rd., PO. Box 277, Oxford, PA 19363-0277)

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Scanning probe microscope

The Explorer PolymerSystem is said to add the power of thermal analysis to the micro-characterization arsenal of scanning probe microscopy, according to the manufacturer. Polymer scientists in research or industrial laboratories can now acquire information about topography, stiffness, adhesion and thermal properties from a single instrument. The company's micro-thermal analyzer can measure and map thermal conductivity, phase transition temperatures and thermal expansion with sub-micron spatial resolution. Key applications include evaluating the phase distributions in blended polymers and microstructural integrity in composite materials. While it retains all the capabilities and imaging modes of the Explorer EPM series, the Explorer PS also includes pulsed force mode, which simultaneously acquires quantitative topography, stiffness and adhesion images from a single rapid scan. Combining all of these capabilities in one instrument, the Explorer PS is said to provide a comprehensive solution for polymer micro-characterization. (ThermoMicroscopes, 1171 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94089)

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Laboratory extruder

The PolyDrive extruder is a self-contained laboratory scale extrusion system, used for small batch sample production, optimizing one's extrusion process or producing samples in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, according to the company. Features are said to include a wide range of dies and downstream equipment available for process simulation; wide torque and speed range, enabling extreme versatility in testing; and processing and measuring procedures can be saved for later recall and display. The company is said to offer a range of equipment for laboratory scale polymer processing applications, enabling users to better characterize and process their materials. (Haake, 53 W. Century Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652)

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Portable durometers

The Model 71A10 "A" scale durometer with "A" scale range of 0-100 is designed to measure the penetration hardness of rubber, elastomers and other robber-like substances, such as polychloroprene, silicone, vinyl and butyl. The instrument may also be used for soft plastics. Additionally, the Model 71A11 is designed to measure the hardness of foam, sponge robber and similar materials. Both models come with a test block and carrying case. These durometers can be used either with a test stand or as hand-held testers. The durometers come standard with an ancillary hand for indicating peak readings. The Model 71A10 with "A" scale of 0-100 is built to meet or exceed ASTM specification D2240-81. Sample thickness should be at least .25" thick. Thinner materials should be stacked to meet this requirement. The optional test stand is a must for applications requiring accurate repeatable readings. The Model 71A11 is said to be ideal for industrial and laboratory testing of resiliency and characteristics of soft rubber materials. Scale readout works on a load displacement principle, as it allows the user to apply a load over a given area. A larger displacement under a constant force indicates a softer material. Scale is divided into three ranges, as cellular rubbers or the sponge and foam type are normally classified as soft, medium and firm. (Kernco Instruments, 420 Kenazo Ave., El Paso, TX 799277339)

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Green rubber profiling

A compact, high-speed, machine-ragged, laser-based non-contact industrial gauging sensor for rubber and tire industry applications is said to be designed for tight work areas, is easy to interface with control systems, and offers greater flexibility, a faster sampling rate and much higher accuracy than most similar type sensors, according to the manufacturer. Based on the principle of laser triangulation, the Class II (optional Class IIIb) laser sensor head (LSH) 2401 has a visible laser diode for easy setup and safety, and a ragged design for harsh industrial environments, according to the company. Numerous on- or off-line applications in the robber and associated industries include profiling green rubber, sidewall bulge and dent, splice width and radial runout. The sensor has a built-in processor for data averaging and filtering. (LMI Selcom, 21666 Melrose Ave., Southfield, MI 48075)

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Standard/custom testers

The company manufactures and sells a range of standard and custom instruments for the manufacture of rubber, plastics and other materials. Instruments include tensile testers, durometers, rheometers, fatigue-to-failure testers, melt flow indexes, three-point bend fixtures, low temperature brittleness testers, hardness testers, abrasion resistance testers, permeability testers, flammability testers, flex testers, impact testers, test tube aging ovens, laboratory ovens, specific gravity testers and viscometers. (Benz Materials Testing Instruments, 73 Maplehurst Ave., Providence, RI 02908)

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Dimension control

The company's low-intensity x-ray gauging system is said to provide comprehensive data and production-line control of foam core pipe with solid inner and outer skins. The Rayex Model 220P for on-line measurement of wall thickness, diameter, ovality and foam expansion rate is applicable to single or multiple layer pipe and to those tube and pipe products that cannot be measured by ultrasonic systems due to energy absorption. Total wall thickness or thickness of each layer can be automatically controlled. The Rayex system consists of a totally enclosed measuring head fitted with two low-intensity x-ray scanners covering the X and Y axes and a real-time processor, color monitor and auxiliary circuitry. The complete pipe cross section, accompanied by all related data in a self-explanatory format, is displayed on the color monitor. Out-of-tolerance conditions are made instantly visible by a change in displayed data to bright red. Measurements are generally taken close to the extruder, where the product orientation is stable and virtually free of rotation. The results of die adjustment are instantly visible, confirming results of the operators' corrections. Startup scrap is reduced to a minimum. The Rayex Model 220P has a product outer diameter range of 10 to 160 mm (.4 to 6.3 in.), maximum wall thickness of 30 mm (1.2 in.) and minimum wall thickness of 0.3 mm (0.012 in.). (Zumbach Electronics, 140 Kisco Ave., Mt. Kisco, NY 10549)

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Hose measurement

The Lotis QC-20 is a laser-based, non-contact hose measurement system. It simultaneously measures inside diameter, outside diameter and wall thickness variation. It is specifically designed to measure a hose's compliant surface where accurate and repeatable contact measurements are difficult to obtain. The QC-20 is designed for both in-process gauging and final parts inspection. Users can validate production processes by comparing actual measurements to user-defined measurement tolerances. Parts are identified as passed or failed, depending on measurement results. Part measurements are also accumulated in a database for statistical process control requirements. The QC-20 comes complete with a PC compatible support computer and software. Standard hose sizes and measurement parameters are entered into the computer and stored. During operation, a hose part number is keyed in by the operator. The system automatically reconfigures itself to accurately position and measure that particular hose. Batch measurements require a single setup. A foot switch triggered by the operator initiates the measurement cycle. (Quest Integrated, 21414 68th Ave., South, Kent, WA 98032-2439)

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Automated sampling

One of the processes in robber mixing that has up until now been a manual task is the taking of a rubber test sample right after a particular batch has been mixed, milled or extruded into a continuous sheet, according to the company. A machine is offered that can automatically remove a small round sample from the sheet, mark the sample and drop it on an inspection or transfer conveyor. Most robber processors need to analyze each batch of robber mixed to insure conformance to specifications. This can disrupt the mixing process when the sampling is left to the batch-off system operator to cut out a sample on the conveyor belt and properly mark it, according to the company. In some cases, the sampling is done after the stock has been cooled, coated and stacked. A cold sample from the end of the line, however, may have different properties than one taken at the batch-off inlet. The company's rotary sampling and batch identification unit mounts into a split-belt conveyor, normally replacing part or all of the batch-off inlet conveyor. The sampler uses the cookie-cutter principle to remove a round sample from the rubber sheet. Prior to cutting out the sample, a three-digit rotary impression marker stamps the samples in numerical sequence. This happens as the conveyor is moving so as not to add extra time to the process. (VMI Americas, 4485 Allen Rd., Stow, OH 44224)

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Optical scanning sensor

Fast, accurate, high-resolution multi-point optical scanning sensors for three-dimensional profiling use 23 lasers and have up to 600% more profiling capability than most competing sensors at twice the speed, according to the company. Said to be ideal for height measurement, profile measurement, sizing of materials and other applications, the M24 multi-point sensor is one of the fastest, most accurate, high resolution scanning systems currently available on the market, according to the manufacturer. The M24 has an effective scan width of up to 2 ft. (61 cm), with a resolution of 1,100 hz and possesses the ability to be multi-plexed with other units to provide an effective scan width of virtually any size desired. (LMI Selcom, 21666 Melrose Ave., Southfield, MI 48075)

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Durometer tester

A Shore digital durometer is said to revolutionize hardness testing by achieving the highest level of accuracy and resolution with its innovative design which eliminates operator influence during the measurement process, according to the company. Since the handheld tester is battery-operated, the cordless design is said to make it the most portable digital durometer on the market. This portability feature provides the convenience of testing rubber and plastics in a variety of environments and locations, according to the manufacturer. The Shore digital durometer is said to offer the flexibility for testing all durometer scales which is accomplished simply and effortlessly by changing the test cartridge, according to the company. (Instron, 100 Royall St., Canton, MA 02021-1089)

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