Extrusion International 6-2025 India & Asia

36 Extrusion International 6/2025 36 INDUSTRY NEWS India & Asia Integrated Film Gauge Measurement and Automatic Profile Control Technologies at PLASTINDIA 2026 D.R. Joseph and Kündig Control Systems (KCS) will present their latest lm measurement and pro le- control technologies at PLASTINDIA 2026. The partner- ship combines KCS’s established expertise in thickness measurement with D.R. Joseph’s newly developed In- staGauge® Auto Pro le Control System with the pat - ented TDK-500 Air Ring, providing converters with a coordinated system aimed at improving gauge consis- tency, reducing waste, and simplifying operation. KCS Measurement Systems: Stability, Accuracy, and Long-Term Reliability For over ve decades, KCS has specialized in lm- measurement instrumentation designed for continuous operation in blown- lm environments. The K-500 Roto - mat KT is the company’s widely adopted online thick- ness gauge, selected by converters for: • Stable, repeatable capacitive measurement using a durable ceramic sensor interface • Low wear characteristics, suitable for extended pro- duction cycles • Consistent signal performance across a wide range of materials and lm structures • Straightforward integration with automatic pro le control systems, including the TDK 500 For multilayer and barrier applications, KCS offers the K-XRay Rotomat KT, a non-nuclear measurement option. The K-XRay provides gauge measurement performance for films where capacitive or nuclear systems may be less effective. Importantly, it avoids the regulatory requirements associated with nuclear gauges, reducing acquisition and long-term compli- ance costs. InstaGauge® Pro le Control Air Ring: Modular Construction and Fast Response The InstaGauge pro le control system incorporates the patented TDK-500 Auto Pro le Air Ring which com - bines the fastest available pro le variation reduction (typically 50% reduction in base variation in less than 300 seconds) with modularity that allows several ad- vantages over the competition including tool-less, on the die, cleaning. Several patented design choices were made speci cally to improve usability, reduce down - time, and enable consistent performance across shifts. Modular Mechanical Design • All major components, including lip sets, are modu- lar and easily replaceable • No tools are required for routine cleaning or main- tenance • The lower-lip adjustment mechanism is simpli ed so operators with varying experience levels can reliably and quickly establish bubble stability These features reduce maintenance time and lower the long-term cost of keeping the air ring in optimal condition. Cleaning intervals are extended due to a wide control bandwidth which keeps variation at cor- rect levels even with typical buildups that come with many resins. Gauge-Correction Speed In most con gurations, lm producers can achieve at least a 50% reduction in gauge variation within 300-420 seconds following startup or pro le-control activation. Faster correction translates into more monthly net sale- able kilograms and higher resin yields from reduced scrap at startup and shorter transition times during job changes. This is accomplished with the 36 second scan speed pro- vided by all KCS KT scanners and a patented technology which eliminates 80% of the control zone coupling that plagues all other auto gauge air rings on the market. Integrated System Behavior When combined with KCS gauges, D.R. Joseph IBC control, and auxiliary sensors, the TDK-500 InstaGauge system supports several automated features intended to protect equipment and stabilize production: • Automated determination of the correct moment to begin gauge scanning • Continuous monitoring of bubble stability • Automatic gauge retraction if instability or unsafe conditions are detected These features help maintain measurement integrity and reduce the likelihood of equipment damage.