Measuring and Testing

Excerpt

The Temp-Gard is a new oven temperature recorder from BYK-Gardner which is used to monitor curing processes objectively and improve them. The new data logger is designed specifically for continuous ovens. It records and stores the object and air temperatures during the curing process. The device accompanies the workpiece on its way through the oven. It is protected from the heat by a special container and has no trailing cables. Two versions of the data logger are available with six or twelve temperature probe connections. Type K thermocouples are supplied for different substrates. The large colour LCD display allows users to check the measurement on the data logger immediately. The data can then be transferred to a PC quickly and easily using a USB stick, which means that the device can stay on the production line. The Temp-Chart software package, which is supplied with the device, can be used to document and analyse the temperatures. The software has an organiser that can be programmed with the test sequence. This makes it possible to ensure that the measurements are always made under the same conditions. In addition, the organiser allows quality control procedures to be assigned immediately after the data has been transferred for automatic analysis. The curing conditions specified by the paint manufacturer for optimum cross-linking can be stored and used to analyse the temperature curve and calculate the curing index. The software uses a new curing chart to represent the curing process in graphical form. This enables users to tell at a glance whether the curing process has taken place within the acceptable tolerance range. For this purpose, the dwell time at each temperature is shown in the graphic. All the specified temperature limits and the position on the curing chart can be included in a pass/fail analysis. …