When Temperature Matters

CTlaser 4M for high-speed applications: 1000 times faster than a blink of an eye

Measuring temperatures with pinpoint accuracy, contactless - and thousands of measurements per second? That is now possible, thanks to the expertise of Berlin-based technology company Optris. The new, fast sensor technology enables many new applications, for example in the quality control of packaging or on railways.

22 billion crown corks are produced in Germany every year - and they have to meet the highest quality standards.

After all, the small, punched metal plates keep sodas, beer and juices tight in their bottles. This is ensured by the seal made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It is molded into the inside of the crown cork in the form of a pellet together with glue varnish.

The glue varnish is then activated at around 150°C and the TPE pellet is finally pressed into shape. This process happens very quickly - at a rate of 83 times per second or just under 5000 times per minute.

Precise measurement at a high process speed

The temperature is crucial here because it activates the adhesive coating for the thermoplastic elastomer seal. But at this rapid speed, how do you know whether it is sufficient? Measurement by touch is no longer possible. That‘s why the experts from Optris came into play: Since 2003, the Berlin-based company has specialized in measuring devices for non-contact temperature measurement - even in extreme situations.

First,?an Optris CT 3M?with a response time of 1 ms was used on a trial basis. The temperature measurement with this system delivers approx. 12 measured values per crown cork. After evaluating the temperature-time diagram, the desire arose for an even more detailed recording of the temperature distribution as the crown cork passed by. For this reason, a change was made to?the Optris CT 4M.

Higher temporal detail resolution due to faster sensor

Compared to the CT 3M, the CT 4M offers a measurement speed that is more than 10 times faster. Instead of the previous 1 millisecond response time, the CT 4M sensor operates with a response time of 90 microseconds. By comparison, a blink of an eye takes about 150 milliseconds.

During this time, the 4M sensor takes more than 1600 measurements.

The result: with the Optris sensor, the temperature of each crown cork can be individually and precisely recorded as it passes through the production line. This ensures constant heating of the crown corks at full process speed, thus guaranteeing the quality of the sealing insert bonding. To optimize the installation position of?the CT 4M sensor, the Optris team used an in-house thermal imaging camera - also to avoid the possible influence of reflective heat sources.