micro-gloss robotic: Automatic online gloss control

Matte, satin-finished or glossy - uniform appearance stands for high quality. A stable running process is the key for uniform and consistent quality. Therefore, gloss needs to be measured on a routine basis in the production process and the measurement results need to be documented for clear communication. The new micro-gloss robotic allows automated gloss control to increase the sampling rate. With its robust mounting fixture, the meter can be integrated into a measuring cell, on a xy-table or similar set-ups. Thus, readings are always taken on the same sample area, which ensures repeatable positioning and reliable results. The lightweight of the unit and the fast data collection allow measuring a high number of parts. This provides complete and representative data for statistical process control enabling proactive reaction to process changes.

The long-term stable LED light source of the micro-gloss provides not only highly repeatable results for many readings and years, but also will never burn out. A 10 years warranty on the lamp life is guaranteed. Due to advanced temperature control, the micro-gloss assures highest stability of the gloss values. A high-tech, automated calibration procedure on a complete range of gloss tiles as final step in the meter’s production process guarantees outstanding technical performance including repeatability, inter-instrument agreement and temperature stability.

The reference tile for calibration is supplied in a special mounting track for fast calibration on a regular basis. The intelligent auto diagnosis of the micro-gloss notifies when the standard is dirty or damaged, which ensures reliable measurement at any time. Power supply occurs via the USB interface, as well as control of all measurement functions. The smart data communication allows direct and fast data transfer to the smart-chart software.

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More information is available from BYK-Gardner GmbH, P.O. Box 970, 82534 Geretsried, Germany: By fax:
+49-8171-3493-140, the free service no. 0-800-gardner (0-800-4273637) or on the Internet at http://www.byk.com/instruments

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BYK is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the field of additives and measuring instruments.  Additives are chemical substances which, when used in small quantities, improve product properties such as scratch resistance or surface gloss. Manufacturing processes are also optimized by the addition of additives.

The coatings, inks, and plastics industries are among the main consumers of BYK additives. Yet with the production of oil and gas, the manufacture of care products, the production of adhesives and sealants, and construction chemistry, too, BYK additives improve the product characteristics and production processes. Testing and measuring instruments from BYK can effectively evaluate the quality of color, gloss, and appearance as well as the physical properties of paint, plastic, and paper products and are an important part of quality control.

As a globally operating specialty chemicals company, BYK has production sites in Wesel, Kempen, Moosburg, Schkopau and Geretsried (Germany), Deventer, Denekamp and Nijverdal (Netherlands), Widnes (UK), Wallingford, Chester, Gonzales, Louisville, Rochester Hills, Earth City (USA) and Tongling (China).

Today the company employs around 2,200 people worldwide and forms part of the ALTANA Group.

This press release is also available on the Internet at www.byk.com/press.