Extrusion International 6-2025

27 Extrusion International 6/2025 What the Eye Cannot See... Quality Control of Plastic Products Geometric measurements are an important component of modern quality assurance for plastic prod- ucts. Inline measurement of the layer thickness of pipes or analysis of multi-layer composite systems enables dimensional accuracy to be checked and, if necessary, correct- ed. To this end, the SKZ Plastics Cen- tre uses terahertz (THz) and radar technology, which is opening up an increasing number of areas of appli- cation in cooperation with industry as a result of increasing automation and Industry 4.0. Two aspects are particularly im- portant in the manufacture of plas- tic products: correct dimensional accuracy and the absence of man- ufacturing defects. Since plastics often have opaque properties and measuring geometry by eye only allows for inaccurate analysis, spe- ci c methods are used to analyse these properties. This ensures that the quality of the products meets high standards. However, these methods often fail due to factors such as one-sided access, the need for non-contact measurements, foamed structures, high costs of the measuring system and insuf- cient penetration depth. Despite these challenges, two measuring methods have become established: THz and radar technology. The SKZ uses these measurement meth- ods to determine the optimal solu- tion in cooperation with industry and taking into account its speci c challenges. Challenges such as the identi cation of manufacturing defects in production, the minimi- sation of tolerances to save mate- rial, and seamless documentation and veri cation can be solved by using THz and radar technology. This enables continuous progress towards networked working envi- ronments in the course of digitali- sation. Since both measurement technologies do not require radia- tion protection and are also ex - ible in their application, they can be easily used in existing production facilities to accompany processes. The SKZ is happy to support com- panies in integrating measurement technology into their production facilities. SKZ Plastics Centre Marcel Mayr m.mayr@skz.de Possible geometric measurement of a complex pro le using THz or radar technology (Source: SKZ/Copilot)