High-Precision Measurement Gauges

for Cold Rolling Mills

Solution-Based Offerings around the Mill

Our ability to offer quality, precise products around the mill is driven by our knowledge and determination to better understand your needs and provide solution-based answers.

From modernizations to new equipment, Vollmer America is here to find the solution that works for you.

A Team of Gauge Measurement Experts

Vollmer America is well-known among processing mills (Steel, Copper, Aluminum and others), specialty metal facilities and the aerospace industry for its thickness and width measurement gauges. Our experienced and highly-skilled team is committed to continuous learning so we can meet your needs for better tolerances and measurement accuracies.

VTLG

The VTLG strip thickness gauge operates on the principle of laser triangulation. Although it contains optical components, it can be installed in the roll gap’s immediate vicinity for most mill types and arrangements. Even under such challenging conditions, it achieves a very high precision.

The VTLG measures the strip’s absolute thickness without being influenced by the material properties, but contact-free and from a safe distance. With a measurement accuracy of up to ± 1 μm, it achieves the same precision as contact and X-ray gauges.

View Data Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What source and principles do the VTLG use for measurement?

The VTLG is a complete engineered measurement system that uses a laser-based optical system under the laser triangulation principle to achieve direct and absolute measurement, irrespective of the alloy composition or type of material. With standardization in mind, Vollmer offers a vast catalog of different series VTLG’s to best suit thickness, width, air gap, and space requirement needs while measuring with an accuracy range of +/- 0.5 µm to +/- 8 µm. A C-frame arrangement holds both an upper and lower optical sensor that measures the distance from the strip surface. The summation of these measured distances is differenced from the total distance between both sensors to calculate the strip thickness.

How does the VTLG perform under harsh and dirty environments?

It is a known challenge for optical systems to perform at their full potential when faced with fluids and dense mist. However, the design of the VTLG was to perform with these considerations in mind to produce lab-like results. An air purging system ensures a direct clean path to the measurement principle. The system actively air purges the laser’s path, while also has a self-cleaning system that always air flushes the optical system to keep the measuring window clean. Vollmer is always challenging itself to implement innovative solutions to achieve µm accuracy in the most extreme ambient conditions.

What set up is required to ready the VTLG for measurement?

The VTLG is an autonomous system that will go through a self-calibration process before going on strip. A set of certified gauge blocks rest inside the VTLG’s calibration arm and remain hidden until the VTLG’s self-calibration process is required. This process aims to ensure the VTLG is calibrated each time before going on the strip and avoid a false measurement if the VTLG does not pass self-calibration. In most cases where the VTLG does not pass self-calibration, the measurement area may need cleaning. This simple procedure takes minimal time to perform and is the only recommended maintenance for the VTLG. For matters that require further troubleshooting, a Vollmer engineer can connect remotely from anywhere worldwide with an established internet connection to help diagnose and resolve problems. The ability to remotely connect to the VTLG removes the need for site visits, which can become costly and lead to more downtime than expected.

Contact Gauge

Vollmer’s contact thickness gauges that measure the strip with an accuracy of +/- 1 µm are renowned for their outstanding precision and exceptional reliability. Almost 2,000 systems have gone into operation worldwide in recent decades and are still in use even today.

VBM thickness gauge series

for medium and wider strips

View Data Sheet

VBK thickness and width gauge

for narrow strips and flat wire

View Data Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between Vollmer's contact gauges offered today and my existing Vollmer system?

Mature Vollmer systems in operation today are likely utilizing a version of the VMF analog amplifier, which is an obsolete component essential to the measurement system. Today, our contact gauges use a digital system which includes our Vollmer Touch Screen (VTS) evaluating unit, which supersedes the obsolete VMF amplifier. Today, the design has many added benefits and improved upon features, which include:

The digital probes have a linearity specification that is basic to the transducers and do not require recalibration when changed.
The transducers’ open by spring and close by air; removes the need for vacuum lifting in the existing gauges.
The upper transducer has a greater lifting range than the mature gauge systems, which removes the need for stepper motors and protects the diamond tips from damage when moving on and off the strip.
Digital measuring sensors connect to the evaluating unit, VTS, vs. a VMF amplifier that uses analog sensors. A single VTS can evaluate up to four digital gauges, whereas the mature gauges require a VMF amplifier per gauge.

Does Vollmer have an offering for width measurement solutions?

Yes, Vollmer can provide solutions for width measurement up to 400 mm in width. The evaluating unit, VTS, can display both thickness and width for those who require both measures.

We offer additional solutions, including:

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