CAMX 2019 exhibit preview: BTG Labs

 

 

BTG Labs (Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.) is featuring its recently launched Surface Analyst XA, an automated solution for evaluating material surfaces for bonding, coating, sealing, painting or printing. The XA reportedly delivers real-time surface condition feedback to manufacturers, to ensure successful adhesion processes.

Also at CAMX, Dr. Giles Dillingham, CEO and chief scientist, will present a paper called “How Advanced Composite Materials Respond to Surface Treatment.”

The XA applies the technology from the company’s original handheld Surface Analyst to deposit a highly purified drop of water on a surface and then measure the contact angle. By automating this process, the XA increases the speed and efficiency by completing inspections on multiple surface points on a material surface at rates of up to 5,000 inspections per hour. As a result, the XA maps a surface across multiple points, ensuring consistency and uniformity of surface quality.

The XA measurement process is said to be non-destructive, using HPLC-grade water to prevent contamination of inspected material surfaces. Touchless measurement eliminates potential transfer of contamination from point to point, and the automation limits operator error and variation. Data capture and transfer to MES is automatic and completed via Archer software, providing statistical process control and long-term trend analysis.

The XA unit can be integrated into a production line using either a robot or linear actuator to move it from point to point, or it can be fixed in place on the line. Off-line cell inspections can also be conducted robotically or with a linear actuator. Self-implementing or full-line integration options are available.

The XA is customizable for various manufacturing processes and material shapes and sizes, accommodates TCP/IP/Serial integration, and outputs CSV files.