X-RAY 6000

Technological upgrade of
a best practice model

2-axis and 3-axis X-ray based measurement systems for insulating and jacketing lines, extrusion lines, as well as RF cables with the unique measurement of the degree of foaming

Quality, productivity and cost saving: This is what X-ray measuring systems from SIKORA traditionally stand for. Since the market launch of the X-RAY 2000-series for the use in insulating and jacketing lines in 2004, quality- and cost-oriented customers around the globe are enthused by the X-ray measuring device X-RAY 2000. The systems fulfill the industrial need for an exact measurement of wall thickness, eccentricity, ovality and the diameter. By means of an effective technological fine tuning SIKORA now presents the new 2- and 3-axis-model series X-RAY 6000.

X-RAY 6000 series - Technological innovations

• XLL (Extra-Long-Life) X-ray tubes and with highest reliability and long life cycle
• Precise measuring values even at changing respectively high ambient temperatures.
• Selectable measuring rate of 1 to 10 Hz
• Universal power supply, covering all prevalent supply voltages
• 3- axis version available with additional fault detection and 6-point-ovality measurement

The X-RAY 6000-devices are easily to be integrated into all cable production lines, resp. hose and tube extrusion lines, for the measurement of energy cables, communication cables, plastic, fluoropolymer, silicone and rubber hoses and tubes, as well as hoses with textile reinforcement. Moreover, the series offers application specific options such as the measurement of the radial foam quality in RF cables.

The measurement at four points in two planes offers values in the 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° position. Within fractions of a second the measuring values are continuously available to the operator immediately after the start-up, as a calibration is not necessary. The fast and reliable determination of the measuring values allows a fast centering of the crossheads and provides a permanent control of the line in consideration of the minimum value. The measuring values of the X-RAY 6000, that is to say wall thickness (up to three layers), ovality, eccentricity as well as the inner and outer diameter are numerically and graphically displayed on the processor system ECOCONTROL 6000 on a bright 19“-or 15”-TFT-color monitor with touchscreen operation. In the case of eccentricity the wall thickness is shown as an eccentric ring on the monitor. The position of the thinnest wall thickness is marked colored.

A clear line presentation with pictograms of the connected devices provides additional information. Optionally, the ECOCONTROL 6000 allows an automatic control of the line speed or extruder rpm.

The ECOCONTROL 6000 includes a statistical analysis of the measuring results and their graphical presentation in a length or time-related trend diagram (with zoom function) in combination with a graphic for the distribution of the single values (statistical distribution curve), minimum, maximum and mean values, standard deviation as well as Cp- and Cpk-values. Data storage is optionally available.

Benefits

• Fast centering of the extrusion tools
• Control of line speed or extruder rpm in consideration of the minimum values
• Up to three layers of different materials can be measured
• No need for any calibration or start-up procedures

The devices of the X-RAY 6000 series are available for product diameters in the range of 5 mm to 270 mm (0.2 inch to 11 inch).*

Specific measuring systems for individual applications

X-RAY 6020 for ultra small products
The X-RAY 6020 is suitable for applications with ultra small diameters, such as tight buffered fibers or medical tubes like catheters, cannulas, oxygen or suction tubes. The heart of the technology is the development of new proprietary X-ray tubes, which permits the orientation of the X-ray beam for analysis of small diameters and wall thicknesses, enabling SIKORA to break the barriers that previously limited these ultra small measurements.

The X-RAY 6020 is available for products with minimum diameters of 0.7 mm (0.028") and maximum diameters of 15 mm (0.59").*

X-RAY 6000 TRIAX for triple-axis measurement
The X-RAY 6000 TRIAX is especially focussed on the requirements at the production of composite tubes. It continuously measures the wall thickness and ovality at 6 points and detects non-conformities at the product surface and in the inner tube at the same time.

SIKORA’s newly developed 3-axis-X-ray technology is the precondition for a sovereign measuring performance. The hose or tube is transilluminated by X-rays. The measurement in three planes offers a 6-point wall thickness measurement. In combination with an extremely high measuring rate defects such as bubbles between the vapour barrier (aluminium pipe) and the inner tube are already detected during the production process. In particular, composite pipes are often produced with 30 m per minute. At a line speed of 30 m per minute, i.e. 0.5 m per second, the X-RAY 6000 TRIAX measures the tube at 100 Hz every 5 mm. Thus, even the smallest blisters can reliably be detected. Besides wall thickness the X-RAY 6000 TRIAX also measures the diameter and ovality of the product with highest precision as an oval is already defined by 5 points. All measurement values as well as the detected faults are visualized on the ECOCONTROL 6000 with it's bright 15" or 19" touch screen display.

The X-RAY 6000 TRIAX with additional fault detection capabilities and 6-point ovality measurement is available for product diameters from 6 mm to 65 mm (0.24" to 2.6").*

Outstanding features

• 2- and 3-axis measurement of wall thickness, eccentricity, outer diameter and ovality
• Fault detection for bubbles or blisters (3-axis version)
• Does not require any calibration and maintenance procedures
• Corresponds to the internationally established ALARA concept to assure radiation limits nearby the device operate As Low As Reasonably Achievable

*other diameter ranges on request