The new IMDvista LAYER: Measuring layer thickness of bottles and preforms with terahertz-technology

Determine individual layer thickness This turn-key system not only enables users to effectively determine individual layer thickness, but allows them to locate and measure the costly, ultra-thin barrier layer within the preform or bottle.  With a thickness measurement accuracy of 0.01mm, IMDvista’s LAYER eliminates the need for destructive testing while providing users with precision, ease of use and confidence in the quality of their plastic products.  Powered by TERAHERTZ technology Terahertz waves fall along the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared and possess unique properties that render them ideal for non-destructive testing of plastic bottles and preforms.  Waterloo, Ontario based TeTechS’ TeraGauge™ is at the heart of IMDvista’s LAYER system and works based on the terahertz time-domain principle. Essentially, short terahertz pulses penetrate the sample under test and are reflected back into TeraGauge™ at each layer. The reflected pulses then have their time-delay measured which corresponds to the thickness of the layers of the plastic bottle or preform. The difference between the time delay of two reflected pulses, allows for the calculation of the precise thickness of the individual layers within the plastic structure. Figure 2 below depicts the process.