silhouette profile control

Alejo83

Hello, I am new with all regarding basic stamp 2 controllers and I have an issue about the sensors that can be interface with those controls. The thing is that I am working in a factory where we manufacture plastic hoses (especially the ones that are used to clean pools) and we are having problems maintaining consistency with the size of the profiles. For example, when a extruders machine operators have to run a profile (profiles are made of plastic and are small as .2" width and .3" high) they set the measurements for the respective profile and then let the machine run the profile for the rest of the time they are on duty, the problem with this is that in the process the profile can change the size internally and externally, that is the big issue and that is why i am looking around to see if there is a sensor that can be programmed to control the measurements of the profile all the time, making sure that this profile never be outside of the tolerances of the specifications and when it does send an alarm to be adjusted. I know that there are sensors that can monitor the width, hight as cameras do, but what about an internal measurement? I am need something that can see all the measurements of this profile while it is running in the machine and see if it is compatible with BS2. Thank you so much, I would be waiting for feedback!

Gadgetman

I'm not familiar with the hoses used for leaning pools...

Are they smooth internally and externally?
If so, a simple potentiometer with a springloaded arm that has a small wheel at the end might be used?

kwinn

Can you provide a little more detail on the problem? Perhaps you can post pictures of a typical profile by itself and on the extruder?

Alejo83

Thank you so much for your fast response. I truly appreciate it. The hoses are corrugated on the outside, and smooth on the inside. I have attached a picture so that you can see what our product is like. Hope this helps. Do you have a sample or instructions of how to program the potentiometer to measure the profile. if you can provide this information it would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time and your help.

kwinn

You could try something like the attached diagram. Might work if the required precision is not too great. Replacing the potentiometer with an optical encoder would improve the accuracy. Personally I would look into a digital runout or dial gauge with serial output capability if the cost is not too great.

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)

kwinn,

I don't think he's taking about the hose itself, but the narrow extrusion that's coiled to form the hose. The corss-sectional profile of the extrusion would be critical for determining the shape fo the hose, as well as obtaining a good seal.

-Phil

kwinn

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) wrote: »

kwinn,

I don't think he's taking about the hose itself, but the narrow extrusion that's coiled to form the hose. The corss-sectional profile of the extrusion would be critical for determining the shape fo the hose, as well as obtaining a good seal.

-Phil

All of the extruders I have seen (which is not very many) used a non adjustable die for the extrusion, and since he mentioned internal and external profile I thought he was referring to the hose, but you could very well be right. That would be a much more difficult task.

The only thing I can think of at the moment would be to have a die that matches the desired profile precisely and have the extruded material travel through it. By measuring the force applied to that die you could determine if the extruded strip is too small (there would be little or no force) or too large (there would be a higher force on it). Not too sure how well that would work though.

Alejo83, which is it, the extruded strip or the hose you want to measure?

Alejo83

kwinn wrote: »

All of the extruders I have seen (which is not very many) used a non adjustable die for the extrusion, and since he mentioned internal and external profile I thought he was referring to the hose, but you could very well be right. That would be a much more difficult task.

The only thing I can think of at the moment would be to have a die that matches the desired profile precisely and have the extruded material travel through it. By measuring the force applied to that die you could determine if the extruded strip is too small (there would be little or no force) or too large (there would be a higher force on it). Not too sure how well that would work though.

Alejo83, which is it, the extruded strip or the hose you want to measure?

Yes, Phil is right, I am talking about the small extruded strip, but kwinn you just gave me a great idea with the diagram provided for use in the assembly department! I still looking for the right sensor, I just checked a 3D laser beam but they are kind of expensive, I am gonna keep trying with what I have at the moment, if you guys come out with something I would really appreciate those efforts, thank you so much for your attention!

kwinn

Nice to hear I was of some help. Perhaps if you post a more detailed diagram indicating the dimensions you want to measure/monitor someone could help. Lots of very smart and helpful people on this forum.

Lawson

kwinn wrote: »

The only thing I can think of at the moment would be to have a die that matches the desired profile precisely and have the extruded material travel through it.

A "gauge" die would work a lot better if you combined it with a pneumatic gauging setup. (or like this diameter gauge) One die could be used to control the cross-sectional area of the extrusion, or multiple dies could be used to control specific portions of the extrusion cross-section.

Lawson

Alejo83

Lawson wrote: »

A "gauge" die would work a lot better if you combined it with a pneumatic gauging setup. (or like this diameter gauge) One die could be used to control the cross-sectional area of the extrusion, or multiple dies could be used to control specific portions of the extrusion cross-section.

Lawson

Thank you Lawson, I will definitely going to start working with your idea, thanks again!