Agr International introduces the Gawis 4D, an all-new, high-precision laboratory thickness and dimensional measurement system for plastic containers

Built upon a completely new measurement platform, this system incorporates a number of advanced features and capabilities that are designed to simplify testing and maximize throughput including:

• Large, customizable  and intuitive user interface with swipe and zoom capabilities
• Powerful yet simple job creation and editing tools incorporating AutoJob™ - automated job setup
• Precise finish gauging and body measurement capabilities utilizing high resolution, USB 3 camera technology, optimized lensing and telecentric optics with 360º imaging
• Comprehensive, non-destructive thickness measurement compatible with PET and a wide range of polymers
• Performance to ISBT, ASTM and equivalent international standards
• Industry 4.0 communication protocols

Breakthrough thickness technology

Thickness measurement in the Gawis 4D utilizes two approaches. For translucent materials, the Gawis 4D incorporates an all-new, patent pending Integrative Thickness Measurement™ method.  This method takes advantage of the full IR bandwidth and expands the capabilities of the system  to provide measurements on translucent plastic materials that were previously not possible with non-contact measurement.  With this capability, most HDPE, PP, PE and heavily colored PET containers that have IR light transmission as low as 5% can now be measured.

For PET bottles, preforms and most transparent materials, the system incorporates Agr’s traditional IR reference/absorption thickness measurement technology.  This technology is widely used in hundreds of Agr measurement systems worldwide for measuring material distribution in bottles and preforms in the laboratory and on-line systems.

Regardless of the methodology, Gawis 4D offers a means to perform measurements that are fast and precise with un-matched repeatability. Additionally, this system offers a wide range of measurement options including thickness at single or multiple discrete points anywhere on the sidewall or heel of the bottle or the ability to perform complete vertical or horizontal (circumferential) scans for analyzing material distribution.

Industry 4.0 communication

Industry 4.0 standard communication protocols have also been incorporated into the Gawis 4D to improve communications and support Industry 4.0 objectives.  This capability facilitates advanced communication with other devices, to share data, support remote job change and interface with factory robotic handling systems without operator intervention.

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