Land Instruments International has developed a completely new high-speed infrared linescanner system to measure process temperatures during the thermoforming, blowing, moulding and drawing of thin sheet plastics.

The temperature of thin sheet plastics is difficult to measure because the material is highly transparent over much of the infrared spectrum, and the wavelength at which measurements can be made varies according to the type and the thickness of the plastic.

Land has developed a solution to these problems with the new Landscan Pro LSP71 system, which is the outcome of a detailed study of the temperature behaviour of many types of plastics during manufacture. It has been designed to take accurate and reliable readings at an appropriate wavelength for, amongst others, PVC, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, cellulose acetate and polystyrene.

The LSP71 linescanner head is extremely compact in both depth and 'footprint' so that it can be installed in the restricted spaces often encountered on plastic thermoforming lines, such as the narrow gap between heater and press.

A sapphire protection window provides added durability.

The scanner can generate temperature profiles in the measurement range 50 to 350°C at scan rates up to 100Hz, and at a resolution many times greater than competing products. Scan angle is 80°, with a 100:1 field of view (95% energy) and a focus range up to 3000mm/118in.

The output from the LSP71 linescanner head is transmitted to the new Landscan Control signal processor, which provides serial and Ethernet data outputs that can be interfaced to local process control systems, or to Land's own software - Landscan Configuration Professional or Landscan WCA.

Ease of use are key features of the Landscan LSP71 system - from the built-in sighting laser for easy installation of the scanner to the cooling and mounting plate from which it can be removed for maintenance without the need for subsequent realignment.