CHICAGO (Sept. 19, 6:20 p.m. EDT) — Facts Inc., which makes extrusion controllers, has partnered with X-Rite Inc., a supplier of color measurement instruments, to offer the VeriColor Spectro system for noncontact color checking.
The new in-line technology for extrusion was displayed at NPE 2006.
VeriColor Spectro uses a spectrophotometer to provide color measurements and color identification of the extruded product. When integrated through Facts' control systems, it will adjust colors to meet product-recipe requirements and provide closed-loop control of the extruder's feeders to maintain and control tolerances in color.
X-Rite of Grandville, Mich., said the VeriColor Spectro can be used for injection and blow molding, in addition to extrusion. The unit is small, about the size of an overhead projector. The noncontact device mounts right into the production line and measures the color of every single part, usually soon after it exits the machine.
The result, according to X-Rite is that changes in color are noticed and can be corrected immediately.
In gauge-control news for extruded sheet and film, Facts also introduced the USI, for Universal Scanner Interface, a scanning-frame controller to control gauge-head position, read the detector signal, perform all linearization and compensation, and control the shutter. USI sends the scanned linear data to the Facts TPC (Total Profile Control) system, where the web profile is displayed. Any needed control actions are corrected by closed-loop, and an auto-die bolt control.
Facts, based in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, also displayed its Total Information Manager for off-line data collection of real-time process data.