Nordsons coating gauge proves popular with can makers

According to its manufacturer, US-based Nordson, the cScan+ Film Measurement Gauge precisely measures film thicknesses of organic and inorganic coatings on the inside and outside of metal packaging. The company said that the cScan+'s ability to accurately measure coatings on the exterior of cans, even over black inks, was of special interest to visitors to the show. "The SpecMetrix technology, as used in the cScan+ gauge, is the first device in the industry capable of measuring both the external overvarnish and the internal spray lacquer,"​ claimed Mark Novotny, container marketing manager at the industrial coatings division of Nordson. "Those visiting the Nordson booth at MetPack were very interested in learning more about the cScan+ gauge, especially regarding precise measurement of coating on the outside of containers. And the automatic version demonstrated the accuracy, consistency, and value of robotic handling for this type of application." ​ The cScan+ gauge uses SpecMetrix optical sensory technology to accurately and quickly sample numerous data points on an entire container substrate. With the data collected, it can then generate a topographic map showing coating distribution on the substrate. The mapping feature shows where excess coating application can be significantly eliminated to reduce costs and maintain container quality. Nordson uses the SpecMatrix technology of compatriot Sensory Analytics in Cscan+ coating measurement products following a recent agreement between the two companies that Nordson said would allow it to expand the services it offers for metallic packaging. Coatings are vitally important for protecting beverage cans from breakage and therefore compromising the integrity of the packaging inside, making the need for accurate measuring of the coating increasingly important. Using the SpecMatrix technology, the cScan+ gauge can precisely measure complex geometries and a wide variety of substrates, as well as the applied film thickness of certain pigmented coatings used for food containers. It can measure coatings from 200 nanometers to 200 microns (0.01 to 8.00 mils) in thickness, the company said. Nordson Industrial Coating Systems division specialises in powder coating and liquid spray equipment and technology. It is part of the Nordson Corporation, a producer of precision dispensing equipment for adhesives, sealants and coatings. The company also manufactures equipment used in the testing and inspection of electronic components as well as technology-based systems used for curing and surface treatment processes.