Laser extrusion profiling system targets tires

Laser measurement system manufacturer, Sigmavision (Yarnton, UK) has developed a laser-based measurement system aimed at tire manufacturers that want to achieve better control of extrusion processes and minimize material wastage. These issues have become more important to tire manufacturers as the cost of natural rubber has doubled.

Sigmavision’s system continuously measures the cross-sectional profile of a rubber extrusion, such as a tire tread or sidewall, as it passes along a conveyer. The system features laser line sensors that capture cross-sectional profiles at a rate of 100 Hz. Proprietary software creates an image of the extrusion cross-section and calculates its key dimensions in real time to an accuracy of 0.1mm.

Results are displayed graphically on an operator interface with visual warnings when the extrusion exceeds allowable tolerances. Already Sigmavision has received three orders for the system