Press Releases

Innovation: LENGTH 6000 –
Perfect synthesis of quality, reliability and cost saving

Bremen, July 9, 2010 - SIKORA presents the new LENGTH 6000, a reliable system for non-contact online length measurement of cables, tubes or hoses. For this method, the product image and its movement are defined and thus the speed and the produced length calculated.

The technology of the LENGTH 6000 is based on an optical measuring principle. In combination with two laser diodes, two image sensors are positioned next to each other. In sequence the product passes both image sensors. The time, which the product needs in order to get from the first to the second sensor is measured. Even with reflective surfaces the high-resolution image sensors determine their unique structure by means of the diffraction analysis*.

Until now mechanical systems had been used, which provided only limited precision due to the slip on the product surface. The alternatively used “Doppler method“ does not have the disadvantage of the slip dependency, but it is not suitable for all kinds of surfaces (e.g. reflective, smooth surfaces) and requires an accurate product guiding. The technology of the LENGTH 6000, which defines the length through comparison of image patterns, is reliable for round products and for products with reflective and smooth surfaces. The system calculates the length independent from whether the product is going forward or backward. Moreover, the measurements start from zero line speed.

Length measuring devices are used in order to ensure that the required cable or tube length is produced. Short- or over-lengths always lead to profit cuts so that the length measuring device LENGTH 6000 will pay back for itself quickly. Assuming a jacketing line produces cables amounting to approximately 30 million €/ year, any savings associated to the production length results in an additional value. If the delivery length is reduced by as little as 0.1%, 30,000 € can be saved.

* patent

« back