Our Specialisation

For Plastic Identification a lot of different methods in laboratory and practical use is applied, using optical, mechanical and thermal principles. No single measuring method can be a complete solution for the very various and differing questions to the analyses. Additionally – plastics know no standardization or norms for them, like in the metal sector with e.g. DIN or ISO norms.

Every manufacturer can market his mixtures under nearly every name without being forced to keep up with any norm. This makes it extremely difficult to effect mandatory measurements  of new and unknown products.

Best suited for these tasks of quick plastic detection are spectrometric methods which allow us to combine in our technologies the speed of industrial processes with the precision of laboratory methods.

We work with 2 different measuring principles, the Near Infrared Spectrosmetry and the so-called Sliding Spark Spectrometry which are complementary of their nature. Meanwhile more than 10 different units can be offered for varying applications.

Near Infrared Spectrometry (Intelligent NIR)

One is the Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR). With this quick, contactless and very precise detection method you can analyze all plastics in solid, film, granulate or powder form, even multilayer foils very sharply and accurately, even for automated and online systems with separation devices and also allows very quick statistical evaluations  of its results and measuring series. It is also usable for material quality purposes with fine-distinction analyses for a lot of materials. The limitation of this method is that it is unable to detect black plastics or very dark brown or dark grey plastics due to its contents of carbon soot which absorbs all NIR radiation.

The basic principle of the method is the diffuse near infrared reflection spectroscopy whereby characteristic absorption behaviors of different polymer types are used in that spectral region. The polymer sample is radiated with a infrared light and the reflected light of the measuring place is analyzed using a near infrared detector array. To measure transparent materials a white ceramic is used which must be placed behind the sample as a reflection mirror.

The software allows detailed spectra viewing, loading, saving and editing. The setting of different measuring parameters as so as the possibility to display the resulting spectra easily allows to develop own applications.

Sliding Spark Spectrometry

The Sliding Spark Spectrometry is an atomic analysis method with contact between the measuring head and the surface of the sample where a series of precisely defined high-voltage sparks is evaporating a bit of the plastic material thus ionizing the different atoms. The resulting emission spectrum is measured and evaluated together with the breakdown of the high-voltage on the surface of the non-conducting plastics. This combined method is also able to detect black plastics as well as Inorganic Fillers and Helping Agents like Fire-Retardants and Heavy Metals.
On the other hand its fine-precision in some groups of thermoplastics is a bit limited in comparison to the NIR method and it is not suited to measure powders or small granules without sample preparation. Also contactless online operation is not possible with this method.

The basic principle of the method is the thermal vaporization of a small amount of the plastic surface using a train of defined high-current sliding sparks. The material components in the spark plasma are vaporized, atomized and activated to emit radiation.

Additive detection is effected by the characteristic emission of an element of the additive in the optical spectra. The intensities of defined spectral lines are compared with preset threshold values. After calibration with known samples, the system enables semi-quantitative analysis of inorganic contents.

Intelligent Databases by Neural Networks

Both methods have the unique use of so-called Neural Networks which evaluate, compare, control and weigh the resulting data always new with the ones in the dynamic databases as well as by use of experience-based rules.

Thus a high and laboratory-like measuring precision is combined with a very fast measuring speed and also counterchecked by ist possible correctness if the result is critical or insecure.

The databases are open and dynamic and can also be enlarged individually according to customer’s desires.

User-Friendliness and Benefits:

Easy operation:

• Results available in different depths of information
• Short and simple training of the users possible as well as lab-like comparative analyses of samples

Flexible, in-process analysis:

• Many units can be used for control purposes directly in the production process

Ultra fast results with nearly lab-precision:

• Measurements in milliseconds like in automatic sorting plants
• Nevertheless very high precision of the results by internal counterchecking and logic controls

Flexibility where and when to use:

• Mobile and compact units
• Partial possibility of automatic measurements

Designable depending on the customer's wishes:

• Development of own measurement principles possible
• Individual solutions for different demands possible

Open and expandable database:

• Integration of separate User’s database
• Individual databases for users can be ordered and programmed
• Future developments on the plastic markets can be upgraded in the databases