PiXARGUS launches inline inspection for rubber profiles

PiXARGUS has introduced ProfilControl 7 RubberFleX, an inline system designed for the specific measurement and inspection requirements of rubber extrusion. The system examines complex profile geometries and surfaces and combines inspection performance with a streamlined, modular design. It is part of the company’s new ProfilControl 7 XLine series, which draws on 25 years of ProfilControl technology. In developing the series, PiXARGUS streamlined the hardware and consolidated the software around the inspection tasks required in individual applications and industries. ProfilControl 7 RubberFleX is intended to provide a tailored combination of hardware and software for rubber extrusion processes. PiXARGUS Sales Manager Michael Frohn said: "ProfilControl 7 RubberFleX provides just the perfect blend of hardware and software to meet the challenges of rubber extrusion processes – not more and not less."

Modular sensor head with up to eight cameras

ProfilControl 7 RubberFleX is designed for the quality requirements of the automotive industry. It can inspect elastic, variable and filigree rubber profiles, ranging from simple to highly complex geometries. The modular sensor head does not use a complete housing or hinged cover. Instead, its open sensor plate has a predefined hole pattern that allows the optical sensors to be positioned flexibly.

The system can be configured with up to eight specialized cameras. This arrangement enables continuous and complete capture of all profile areas that will subsequently remain visible. The number and position of the cameras can be adapted to the inspection task and the application’s quality requirements.

Dimensional and surface inspection

Up to 700 high-performance LEDs generate a homogeneous illumination field with high light yield, while the ProfilControl software filters out interfering external light. The system measures contours, distances, angles, radii, heights, widths and clamping dimensions. It also detects surface defects including specks, holes, scratches, bubbles, cracks and color deviations.

PiXARGUS’s MultiArea functionality uses virtual cameras to inspect several fields of view in parallel. According to the company, this allows defects and their sources to be identified at an early stage of the production process, reducing the risk of manufacturing out-of-specification products. The inspection objective is to ensure surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

The software supports intuitive operation and automated inspection processes. Its analysis functions assist defect tracking, while additional assistance features help operators configure inspections for products with different surface characteristics. For example, the system can propose an appropriate roughness value, removing the need for the operator to determine it manually.

Applications beyond automotive sealing profiles

The modular sensor head can be equipped with one to eight optical sensors, allowing setups to be adapted to a broad range of EPDM products and applications. In addition to conventional automotive sealing profiles, ProfilControl 7 RubberFleX can inspect technical rubber profiles used in air conditioners, refrigerators, windows and other applications.

Efficiency is the key: As a specialist for rubber extrusion products, ProfilControl 7 RubberFleX inspects elastic, variable and filigree rubber profiles. The system addresses the quality requirements of the automotive industry and can also inspect technical rubber profiles used in air conditioners, refrigerators, windows and other applications

Turnkey configurations and optional functions

ProfilControl 7 RubberFleX is available as a turnkey system for standard rubber profile extrusion applications and can be extended according to the user’s requirements. It can be configured for dimensional measurement, surface inspection or both functions combined in an all-in-one system for comprehensive inspection.

Standard equipment includes an external 21.5-inch multi-touch monitor, a mobile support frame and an encoder. Optional configurations are available for special applications, including hole and flocking inspection, variable extrusion and defect density management, or DDM.