What is infrared measurement of thickness and coating amount? An explanation of the principle of non-contact measurement and key points.

Utilizing the optical changes of infrared light

When infrared light is shone onto an object, optical changes such as absorption, reflection, and transmission occur depending on the type and amount of the substance. By measuring these changes, it may be possible to obtain information about the quantity of the object.

There are methods for measuring thickness without contact.

This method, which allows measurement without direct contact with the object, can measure materials without damaging them. It is particularly useful for measuring materials that move along manufacturing lines, such as sheets and films.

The amount of coating applied will also be included in the measurement.

In process where another material is applied to the surface of a substrate, it is sometimes necessary to control the amount of material applied. By utilizing interaction with infrared light, it may be possible to measure information about the amount of coating applied non-contact.

Utilizing the characteristic interaction of the target material with infrared radiation.

Because different substances interact with infrared radiation differently, using wavelengths appropriate for the target substance can sometimes provide information about its abundance.

The optical response changes depending on the amount of substance.

Even with the same material, changes in the amount or thickness of the material will alter the state of infrared absorption and detected light. This change is used to determine the relationship with thickness.

It's not directly measuring the thickness itself.

The sensor directly detects optical information such as the intensity and absorption of infrared light. By checking the relationship between this information and the actual thickness, the thickness is determined as a measured value.

• What is infrared measurement? It's a mechanism for measuring temperature, moisture, constituent, and thickness.

Even with the same material, the thickness and coating amount will not be the same.

The amount of coating applied depends on factors such as the density of the material; therefore, even with the same thickness, the mass will vary depending on the material. For this reason, thickness and coating amount must be managed separately.

Clearly define what you want to manage.

When considering measurement methods in the manufacturing process, clarify whether you want to "control the thickness of the layer" or "control the amount of coating per unit area."

Measure the standard thickness and coating amount.

First, the actual thickness and coating amount of the material in question are measured using a different method. This serves as a baseline for verifying the relationship with the optical measurements.

Correspond optical signals to reference values.

For samples with different thicknesses and coating amounts, we correlate the optical measurements obtained using infrared light with the reference thickness and coating amount.

Convert to measured values using calibration curve.

calibration curve is used, which represents the relationship between optical measurements and the actual thickness and coating amount using mathematical formulas or graphs. In actual measurements, the thickness and coating amount are determined from this relationship.

In particular, when measuring coating thickness, the condition of the substrate, not just the coating layer being measured, can affect the measurement results. It is important to consider the measurement conditions after confirming the overall configuration of the object being measured.

It can measure moving sheets and films.

When it is difficult to bring sensors into contact with materials moving along a manufacturing line, non-contact measurement can be used to measure the materials without stopping them.

It can measure without damaging the object.

Contact-type measurements require contact with the object being measured, but non-contact methods allow measurements to be taken without directly touching the object. For materials whose surfaces should not be damaged, non-contact measurement can be a viable option.

Continuously monitor changes in thickness and coating amount.

By continuously measuring during process, you can check how the thickness and coating amount change over time.

Use measurement results for process control.

By recording measurement values and reviewing them together with process conditions and quality results, this information can be used to understand material variability and process changes.

What material are you measuring?

We will check the type, composition, shape, etc. of the material.

Is it the thickness of the material itself, or the coating layer?

This clarifies whether you are measuring the thickness of the material itself or the thickness and amount of the layer applied to the substrate.

What is the base material?

When measuring the amount of coating to be applied, the material, surface condition, and thickness of the substrate to be coated should also be checked.

What range should we measure?

We will confirm the required thickness and coating amount range, as well as the measurement accuracy required within that range.

What are the line speed and measurement locations?

When taking measurements on a manufacturing line, check for movement, vibration, meandering of the object, and the measurement location.

How to determine the reference value

When determining thickness and coating amount from optical measurements, you must decide which method will be used to measure the thickness and coating amount that will serve as the basis for comparison.

What will the measurements be used for?

The purpose of using the measurement results will be clearly defined, such as quality control, recording, monitoring, and verification of process conditions.