All-new Finish Coating Measurement System for Glass Containers

Agr International, Inc. announces the availability of its latest product for the glass container laboratory, the Finish Coating Measurement System. Proper application of coatings to the finish region of a glass container is critical to the performance of the package as a whole. Depending on the application, too much or too little metallic coating in the finish can seriously affect container performance; particularly cap removal torque and rusting in the contact area between cap and bottle. It is important to be able to measure the amount of coating applied to this region in a very accurate and consistent manner to ensure that proper amounts are applied. The all-new Finish Coating Measurement System (FCMSystem) by Agr is one tool that can help manufacturers and fillers manage this issue in a more precise and cost-effective manner.The Agr FCMSystem is a precision testing instrument that offers a quick and accurate method to identify the presence and thickness of the metallic coatings in the finish region of a glass container. The FCMSystem is designed to permit personnel to measure the amount of tin or titanium dioxide coatings applied to the most critical and intricate areas of the container finish in a repeatable and reproducible manner. With this tool, operators can quickly verify whether or not coating is present and if the proper amount has been applied for the application. FCMSystem can be used in the laboratory or along manufacturing lines to verify that bottles meet the requirements for the application. FCMSystem offers a number of benefits to glass container manufacturers and fillers including: Quick and easy method to detect the presence of coatings in the finish region A means to measure coating thickness with a fast, reproducible and repeatable method Ability to quickly identify coating application problems. The FCMSystem utilizes Agr’s proven reflective-based coating measurement technology to determine coating presence and thickness. Among the many features, two innovative concepts, the low-profile sensor head design and dual-action motorized head positioning system, are incorporated into this product to facilitate fast, accurate and repeatable test results. The compact measurement head is manufactured from a high impact, composite material that is designed for long life and repeated testing with minimal degradation. The portion of the measurement head which contacts the container, incorporates a compact, low profile design to maximize the number of areas that can be measured in or near the finish region of the container. A multi-axis head-positioning system automatically scans the measurement point vertically and horizontally to identify the optimal head alignment for precise measurement. By providing articulations in both the vertical and horizontal axes, correct alignment of the sensing head with the glass surface is assured every time. With this function, only peak readings are taken, eliminating any guesswork on the operator’s part and errors due to head misplacement. Other features on the FCMSystem include: one-touch operation, automatic index fluid metering, rotating test table, and a quick release clamp that maintains bottle position during testing yet permits quick bottle changes between tests. The FCMSystem incorporates a Windows™ style operator interface with touch screen technology. All operational and test configuration requirements are performed through a single location with a minimum number of operations. Test results are presented in a color-coded graphic format that provides operators with immediate feedback on whether the area measured meets or exceeds preset limits. Results can be stored or exported via the RS-232 link. The FCMSystem is another part of Agr’s broad line of laboratory testing and quality control devices for the glass container and filling industry. The Agr headquarters and main manufacturing facility is located in Butler, PA, USA. For further information contact: David Dineff, Product Marketing Director, Agr International, Inc., Butler, PA, USA. Phone +1 (724) 482-2163 or email ddineff@agrintl.com.