Ircon Uses Thermal Imaging For Fiber Optics Production

NILES, IL - By combining advanced thermal imaging technology with application-specific software, Ircon has created the Preform Inspection System. The Ircon Preform Inspection System is the first thermal imaging system designed specifically for the manufacturers of fiber optics filaments.

The Ircon Preform Inspection System is used during the initial stages of fiber optics manufacturing where a hollow glass preform is heated on a rotating lathe. Chemical deposition occurs on the inside of the hollow preform until the hollow glass rod becomes solid. In this application, controlling the temperature as well as the diameter of the preform are both extremely critical. Ircon solves both temperature and diameter
measurement problems with the Ircon Preform Inspection System. This system consists of the Stinger Thermal Imaging Camera, the Ircon Preform Software, and optional Analog Output module.

Real-time thermal Images of the fiber optic preform can be captured at speed up to 60 frames per second using Ircon's Stinger thermal imaging camera. This image data is sent to the Ircon Preform Software where it can be stored for playback at different speeds, used for online process control, or exported into a database for quality control purposes. Temperature data AND dimensional data are recorded during this process eliminating the need for separate instruments to handle each application. The Ircon Preform Software package is fully user-configurable. Minimum, Maximum, and Average temperature data can be displayed numerically for each Area Of Interest (AOI) drawn on the screen. Because the software was written for the familiar Windows? 2000 platform, point-and-click tools are easily utilized - including ones for drawing, zooming, printing, and changing color palettes. Production data can be easily sent to 3rd party systems via TCP/IP or through the use of the optional analog output module.

The Ircon Preform System provides a revolutionary tool for fiber optics manufacturers to more closely examine and control their process. Engineers can view individual product batches back-to-back to look for statistical variations in data. The setup of new lathes can be done more quickly and with less scrap by using the Preform Inspection System. The end result is higher quality fiber optic filament with less downtime and waste for the manufacturer.

For more information on the Ircon Preform Inspection System or any other item in the IRCON product line contact IRCON, Inc., 7300 North Natchez Avenue, Niles, IL 60714; tel:1-800-323-7660 ext. 259; fax: 847-647-0948; or get downloadable versions of this press release and the following images at www.ircon.com/pressinfo.html

Inspection System captures images of fiber-optic preforms. April 19, 2002 07:44 - Preform Inspection System consists of Stinger Thermal Imaging Camera, Preform Software, and optional Analog Output module. Real-time images of preforms are captured at speeds up to 60 frames/sec. Image data is sent to software where it can be stored for playback at different speeds, used for online process control, or exported into database for quality control. Both temperature and dimensional data are recorded.

Contacts: General Information: Steve Hammond USA Phone: 800-323-7660

Company Information: Name: Ircon Inc. Address: 7300-T N. Natchez Ave. City: Niles State: IL ZIP: 60714 Country: USA Phone: 847-967-5151 FAX: 847-647-0948