Immediate improvements in the coating process drive metal packaging manufacturers in Latin America and around the world to Sensory Analytics’ SpecMetrix® Systems
Coating suppliers and manufacturers of coated metal cans, flat sheets and coils are improving process control and product quality with award-winning SpecMetrix® coating thickness and film weight measurement systems. Conventional measuring methods result in uncertainties of the applied film weights that meet the required specifications. The unique reinforced optical interference (ROI) technology built into all non-contact, non-destructive SpecMetrix systems addresses this historical problem, providing quantifiable process control and real-time coating data.
SpecMetrix off-line ACS systems are capable of accurately measuring all internal and external coatings on metal containers in batches for quality control or shop floor use. Brand owners and coating suppliers use these systems to verify the quality of the supplier’s packaging or diagnose potential film weight problems. According to Claudio Kristeller, ACTEGA’s R&D manager in Brazil, “Thanks to the robust results of the SpecMetrix ACS system, we are able to predict the performance of our 2- and 3-part can inks in the exact circumstances in which they will be used by our customers. It is also widely used as a service tool to help our customers understand their application processes and avoid potential failures”..
Raul Rodriguez, quality manager for Caribbean Can Manufacturing in Puerto Rico comments, “With the acquisition of the SpecMetrix ACS we were able to improve internal and external distribution in the application of coatings. Thanks to this, we were able to reduce costs by 50%. The equipment we had previously did not have the versatility to reach certain important points, which did not allow us to make significant adjustments. Over time, we have found the equipment to be consistent and reliable in taking readings.
SpecMetrix Inline systems accurately monitor dry or wet coatings and discrete layers on all metal substrates. The wet metering capability gives flat sheet coaters a significant new ability to adjust for film weight issues immediately after application, rather than waiting for the results of the first sample inspection. Fabiola Gallardo, Project Manager at Envases Universales in Cuautitlan, Mexico stated, “The data from our SpecMetrix online systems has helped improve quality control in the coating area by notifying our operators when the thickness is not within specification. This has significantly reduced customer complaints as it is now very easy to check if the defect is due to the coating..
Sensory has also recently launched a line of SpecMetrix products specifically for measuring clear, thicker or opaque coil coatings. Numerous pretreatments, paints and applied coatings are now continuously and directly measured on the coil coating lines. Felipe Romain, Tekno Kroma’s Maintenance Manager in Brazil, said: “We achieved very satisfactory results, both quantitatively and qualitatively, with our first in-line SpecMetrix system that was installed for can ends. We have seen significant reductions in the preparations and greater safety in the varnish layers applied, thus guaranteeing the quality of the products manufactured. Based on these results, we are now installing another system.
For all global manufacturers using SpecMetrix systems, the economic, quality, environmental and time saving benefits are significant. The SpecMetrix product line provides a cost-effective means to immediately improve process control, ensure product quality, reduce customer complaints and minimize production costs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SPECMETRIX SYSTEMS, CONTACT SENSORY ANALYTICS WWW.SPECMETRIX.COM