Extrusion International 5-2025

14 Extrusion International 5/2025 INDUSTRY NEWS Residual Gas Analysis Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions presents the HiCube Neo RGA, a com- pact and versatile solution for residual gas analysis (RGA). The HiCube Neo RGA integrates a HiCube Neo vacu- um pump unit and a PrismaPro mass spectrometer into a compact system designed for residual gas analysis. The turbomolecular vacuum pump within the unit generates the vacuum levels required for mass spectrometry, al - lowing the PrismaPro to detect and analyze speci c mass ranges of gas molecules, thereby providing data for process monitoring or quality control. This system ensures precise identi - cation and examination of residual gases. The HiCube Neo RGA operates across a broad pressure range, from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum. It can be used in various applications such as coating as well as a wide array of analytical tasks. To ensure stable operation and protect system components, the Hi- Cube Neo RGA includes several built- in safety mechanisms. The system also features a vacuum gauge that continuously monitors total pressure. If the pressure exceeds a pre-de ned safety threshold, the system auto- matically shuts down the lament inside the mass spectrometer. This prevents lament damage caused by exposure to high pressure, which can extend service life and reduce the fre- quency of replacements. The system can also be equipped with an inte - grated shut-off valve. The HiCube Neo RGA offers mul- tiple connectivity options for integrating external sensors and moni- toring equipment. It supports both digital and analog inputs and outputs, allowing data from additional sen- sors – such as further vacuum gaug- es – to be incorporated into the analy- sis. The built-in touch screen provides direct access to measured values and displays signals from connected com- ponents. The PV MassSpec software further enables quick and easy access to the measurements. The system can also be customized to suit various applications, from leak detection to vacuum furnaces. One such option is an integrated recipient heater, which helps release adsorbed gases. By evaporating these gases and removing them from the system, the heater reduces contamination and minimizes background signals that could interfere with measurement ac- curacy. Designed for plug&pump opera- tion, the HiCube Neo RGA can be quickly set up. For applications that require gas analysis at multiple loca - tions, the system can be mounted on a trolley for easy transport. This al- lows it to be moved between differ- ent workstations without the need for disassembly. Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com www.buschgroup.com The new HiCube Neo RGA for residual gas analysis operates across a broad pressure range, from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum. Source: Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions Large-Area Inline Fault Detection with Thermography The SKZ Plastics Center offers devel- opments in the eld of quality control for continuous production processes, especially for thin-walled plastic prod- ucts. The introduction of a modern thermography solution supports pro- duction monitoring. The challenge in manufacturing high-quality plastic products often lies in the low tolerances for surface qual - ity and internal defects. To meet the highest quality standards and avoid potential product complaints, com- prehensive quality control integrated directly into the ongoing process is be- coming increasingly important. SKZ presents a thermography mea- surement system based on a proven method. Either the manufacturing-re- lated heating and cooling of the plas- tic products is used passively, or active heating is induced to make defects in the product visible thermographically. The system allows inline monitoring and achieves up to 100% control de - pending on the product. Compared to conventional optical camera systems, the thermographic