Economically measure thin and ultra-thin glass | Solartron Metrology

The ability to precisely measure thin and ultra-thin glass as part of a product testing and manufacturing process has never been so vital. However, Solartron Feather Touch and Ultra Feather Touch probes provide an accurate, cost saving, and repeatable measurement solution that exceeds all expectations.

The industry mandate for thinner, stronger glass is driven by the explosion of touch-screen electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets and smart watches. And the impact of this surge has advanced the evolution of glass technology, with a constant demand for thinner, stronger clear materials. 

Notably, thin glass and its growing use in consumer electronics and other sectors is a key theme at Glasstec 2018, the world’s leading trade fair for the glass industry and its suppliers.

Ultra-feathertouch probe sensor technology

To check any high tolerance dimension, manufacturers require a high precision sensor that will not scratch the surface, and quickly check with a high degree of precision and repeatability.  Environmental concerns are also a factor, as glass plants can be hot and humid. 

These requirements are why electronics glass manufacturers turn to Solartron Feather Touch and Ultra Feather touch probes. The sensors have tip forces as low as 0.03 to 0.5 N, with ranges from 2mm to 30mm. Diameters as thin as 3mm are also available. 

They provide accuracy up to 0.05% F.S., repeatability to 0.05 µm and resolution down to 0.01 µm. Nylon, ruby, and flat tips are available to prevent marking of the surface. With these sensors, glass as thin as 1mm can be checked for form or thickness.

The capability of Solartron Feather Touch probes has also extended to the automotive industry, where nylon tipped probes can be rigged to a custom fixture and gauge everything from a windshields to headlamps. Automotive glass plants around the globe utilize Solartron probes for their robust build, easy setup, and quick installation. 

In addition, Solartron Feather Touch and Ultra Feather Touch probes provide distinct advantages over non contact sensors, with their lower cost, higher repeatability, easier setup, and less sensitivity to environment. 

Optimising Ultra Feathertouch Probe sensor technology

The benefits of Feather and Ultra Feather Touch probe sensors can be further optimised when used with the Solartron Orbit® 3 Digital Measurement System.

The Solartron Digital Orbit® System is a digital, modular network built for easy data collection and output into a PC, PLC, or network. With Orbit®,  each sensor is calibrated at the factory, alleviating any concern for calibration onsite. Then up to 150 Orbit digital sensors  can be networked together in a single interface, providing rapid, repeatable and reliable data acquisition.

Interfaces include USB, Ethernet TCP/IP, RS232, Bluetooth Wireless, and six different PLC protocols. In addition, the Orbit® 3 Software Drivers provide programming examples into any Windows based software, including Excel Labview or QC Calc. Stand alone readouts are also available.

Solartron’s seamless integration of probe sensor technology and measurement output  delivers higher performance, better results and greater cost-efficiency for our customers. The high performance probes and Orbit® network are what makes Solartron an industry leader in the field. 

Find out more about what Solartron Metrology can do for your business by contacting us on +44 (0)1243 833333 or sales.solartronmetrology@ametek.com