PiXARGUS Optimizes Inline Plastic Profile Inspection with ProfilControl 7 PlastX
PiXARGUS is redefining inline inspection for plastic profiles with its new ProfilControl 7 PlastX system, designed around a simple but powerful principle: use only the software and hardware that are truly necessary. By adapting its proven ProfilControl 7 technology specifically to the needs of plastics processing, the company delivers a system that balances high performance with cost efficiency—qualities that make it particularly well suited to the window construction industry.
The ProfilControl 7 PlastX system provides a complete inspection process capable of detecting even the smallest surface defects and geometric deviations, helping manufacturers reduce scrap and optimize process costs.
Intelligent Design: Less Hardware, Smarter Software
The new system embodies a’less is more’ philosophy. Its redesigned measuring head combines lightweight, carefully selected materials with PiXARGUS’ highly effective software, condensing hardware while increasing intelligence. “We have reduced the hardware footprint and made the system smarter,” explains Michael Frohn, Sales Manager at PiXARGUS.
The scalable system measures widths, distances, angles, and radii, including combinations of these, and identifies the smallest deviations from target contours. Surface inspection functions reliably detect scratches, bubbles, inclusions, and other flaws. A dedicated module ensures die grooves are consistently identified, even in challenging applications.
Modular Sensor Head Focused on Essentials
The ProfilControl 7 PlastX sensor head has been stripped to its essentials: it no longer uses a housing or hinged cover, allowing operators to monitor inspections directly without opening the head. “This saves time and simplifies handling,” says Frohn.
Its open sensor plate features a predefined hole pattern for flexible camera placement. Depending on the complexity of the profile, the system can be expanded from four to six—or more—cameras. Combined with a new LED illumination concept, the sensor head produces homogeneous lighting while the ProfilControl software filters out external light interference. Standard system components include an external multi-touch monitor, mobile support frame, and encoder.
Four Cameras Are All You Need
For standard applications, the basic ProfilControl 7 PlastX version requires fewer cameras. By combining optimized optics with high-capacity camera elements, PiXARGUS captures critical clamping dimensions with high reliability. “Where we used to need eight cameras, we now achieve the same performance with just four or, at most, six,” notes Frohn.
Early Groove Detection Reduces Scrap
Grooves are subtle but can extend over long profile sections, often going unnoticed until too late. This is particularly critical in window profile production, where roughly 40% of profiles are laminated with protective foil directly after extrusion, making surface defects invisible post-lamination. The groove detection module in ProfilControl 7 PlastX checks surface quality before lamination, identifying defects early and reducing scrap and production costs.
Tailored for Any Profile
ProfilControl 7 PlastX is designed for a wide range of profiles, from window seals and zipper profiles to cable ducts. Its modular architecture allows customers to configure the system for 360° dimension measurement, 100% surface inspection, or a combination of both. Across all configurations, the system delivers maximum functionality, an intuitive HMI, and flexible adaptation to varied quality requirements.
With ProfilControl 7 PlastX, PiXARGUS demonstrates how a precise combination of intelligent software and streamlined hardware can deliver high-performance inline inspection while reducing complexity and cost.
For more information: www.pixargus.com
