Originally Published EMDM October 2005
Industry News
Thickness-Measurement Technology Gains Foothold in Medical Manufacturing |
Optical thickness-measurement technology can be used to minutely analyze most translucent multilayer films, tubing, or coatings. |
A noncontact thickness-measurement system has been adopted by two OEMs in the medical film and tubing markets. This represents the first time that the technology, developed by Lumetrics Inc. (West Henrietta, NY, USA), has been sold to customers in the medical technology industry. The firm declined to name the buyers, but noted that they are a significant presence in their respective markets.
The DI 330 OptiGauge system uses optical technology to accurately measure absolute thickness within ±0.1 µm. Virtually any translucent multilayer film, tubing or coating can be analyzed in detail, says the firm, because the thickness of each layer is measured simultaneously. Accuracy is guaranteed by continuous instrument calibration based on a built-in reference standard.
The OptiGauge allows customers to decrease material thickness testing time and to reduce costs by as much as 75%, according to Lumetrics president John Hart. The system automatically gathers, calculates, and archives the data, thus eliminating data-entry errors that may occur when manual methods are used, he adds. The device also simultaneously measures the inner and outer diameters, wall thickness, and concentricity of tubing in a nondestructive manner.
The medical film and tubing firms that have purchased the system initially plan to install it to perform quality assurance testing, says Hart. Following that, they will transfer the device to on-line measurement use.
Lumetrics offers free analysis of film, tubing, and coated products. Potential customers are invited to submit a sample at least 0.5 mil thick, and the company will analyze thickness across the sample and provide a report.
For more information, contact Lumetrics Inc., 150 Lucius Gordon Dr., West Henrietta, NY 14586, USA; phone: +1 585 2142455; Internet: www.lumetrics.net.
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