Liberty Speciality Steels has installed a non-contact thickness measurement system from Micro-Epsilon (www.micro-epsilon.co.uk) into its slitting line to accurately measure the thickness profile of narrow steel strip as it is cold-rolled from coils.

Based at sites in Stocksbridge and Rotherham, the company produces high-value precision-engineered alloy- and stainless-steel products for use in sectors including aerospace, oil and gas, bearings and industrial engineering, as well as bright bar and narrow strip for customers around the world.

Rotherham-based works engineer Andy Spalding said: “In November 2016, we installed a non-contact in-line gauge profile measurement system in our narrow strip slitting line.

"This has improved our capability to monitor the strip specifications, allowing us to boost our product quality and consistency.

"Before installing the system, we were using micrometers to take measurements at various points across the strip.

We’re now measuring not only the thickness profile across the strip, but also the crown, the wedge and the edge drop.

"The system enables us to continuously check that the thickness profile and these key parameters are meeting the
customer’s specification.

“We chose Micro-Epsilon’s system due to its cost and how technically sound it is.

“Although most thickness measurement systems can handle the manufacturing tolerances that we work to, the strip does have a tendency to oscillate slightly, as it’s being processed, which can affect measurement accuracy.

"We therefore worked closely with Micro-Epsilon to devise a C-frame mounting arrangement that uses a series of plastic wear plates to restrict the movement of the strip to a maximum of 60mm, as it’s being rolled.

“This means that our measurements are reliable and accurate.”

Glenn Wedgbrow, Micro-Epsilon’s UK sales manager, said: “Our robust turn-key measurement systems offer distinct technical advantages in terms of measurement accuracy, thermal stability and reliability — backed up by servicing, maintenance and technical support with guaranteed response times.”