The new offline capacitive system measures thin films and foils without crumpling or tearing
Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has launched an offline thickness measurement system for electrically conductive film.
Part of the UK company’s capaNCDT range of measurement systems, the new TFG6220 measurement system avoids the common challenges associated with measuring thin electrically conductive films or foils such as copper and aluminium.
These materials, often used in the production of batteries, for example, are easily torn or crumpled when handled in their bare and coated forms. Such materials can measure as thin as about 10µm.
Traditionally, measurement methods require the operator to remove a sample from the production role and use a contact micrometre to measure thickness. Human error, tight tolerances and natural differences between operators can lead to less precise measurements and damaged materials.
The capaNCDT TFG6220 operates using two capacitive sensors that measure through a vacuum bed to the foil. The first capacitive sensor is located in the upper area of the measuring bracket and measures the distance to the measuring object. A separate, externally connected vacuum pump smoothens the foil to ensure single millimetre precision.
The vacuum bed acts as a referencing surface, over which the object is sucked in and clamped by an applied vacuum. Then, the second capacitive sensor measures and compensates for the mechanical offset of the contact surface.
The system measures film thicknesses of less than 1mm at a resolution of 10nm with a high repeatability of 1µm.
Earlier this year, Micro-Epsilon launched the high-performance LED micrometre Opto-Control 2700-40 for high-accuracy environments.
