A particularly useful combination is laboratory measuring devices and inline measuring quality control systems. When used as part of the production process, the inline measuring systems provide all the data required to optimize production. If unusual developments should be observed in certain ranges, they can be investigated and accurately evaluated using laboratory equipment.
Formaldehyde Emissions Analyzer
Laboratory Density Profile Measuring System
Laboratory Microwave Moisture Meter
Laboratory Mechanical Strength tester
Brochures
Formaldehyde Emissions Analyzer GA 5000
Due to international regulations and requirements like CARB and IOS-MAT-0003, more and more panel processing companies demand internal quality control testing of formaldehyde emission from their panel at the time of manufacture. Furniture manufactures can also test samples to ensure panel products used in their products meet the emission standards. This, combined with the increasing need to perform formaldehyde testing by simple, fast and safe procedures, led to the development of the GA 5000 system.
The gas analysis method according to EN 717-2 is a rapid formaldehyde emission testing procedure. It is an alternative test method approved by California Air Resources Board (CARB).
This test places samples into a 60°C heated chamber and air is pumped through at a rate of 60 liters per hour. The air is routed to water bubblers and formaldehyde released from the sample is dissolved into the water. These water samples are tested every hour using a spectrophotometer to determine the amount of formaldehyde emitted from the sample.
The GA 5000 system is operated by an intuitive touch panel display. To ensure correct and repeatable tests, the device uses modern digital components to monitor flow rate, temperature, and pressure. These components provide a more detailed display and verification of the operating parameters. Hourly averages for flow, temperature and pressure are automatically calculated for each test run and presented in a table after completion of the test.
The system comes with a one year subscription to LabCheck Inter-laboratory Trials. LabCheck ONLINE is a laboratory proficiency system for wood product testing laboratories. LabCheck ONLINE gives instant feedback after each laboratory completes testing, unlike traditional round robins which typically take months to collate results and provide feedback.
Real-time reporting makes instant analysis of the test results possible. Immediately after entering the data, the results can be compared against the reference laboratory, which eliminates the customary delays associated with inter laboratory trials. This means, you can react immediately if the results indicate a problem in your laboratory, thus improving the overall test consistency.
Density Profile Measuring System DA-X
By using modern X-ray technology, the GreCon laboratory density profile measuring system works 100 times faster and 10 times more accurately than traditional systems using a radiation device.
Highly accurate, rapid and easy measuring of the density distribution is available for various wooden boards. This is based on an optimized measuring source consisting of an X-ray semiconductor detector combination that makes it possible to carry out highly accurate measurements with a speed of up to 5 mm per second
The DA-X is configured as a complete laboratory system, consisting of an ergonomically designed workstation, the measured value data logger, a scale, an electronic caliper and a visualization computer.
The data logger consists of the controls for the motor driven sample carrier, the X-ray generator and the measuring unit. To protect the operator, the moving parts have been covered by a fiber-glass hood. The effective screening of the measuring area has been approved and restricts the X-rays to the measuring chamber.
A scale and an electronic caliper are connected to the evaluation system of the DA-X. The mechanical dimensions and the weight of the sample to be measured are logged in with the push of a button and automatically stored with the other sample data.
By using a sample holder, several samples taken from the same board or from different boards can be evaluated in a single measuring process. Depending on the thickness of the boards, there are holders for one, three or six samples. For easier handling, the sample holders can be removed from the carrier to insert board samples.
Laboratory Microwave Moisture Meter Analyzer MWF 5000LM
For the production of PARTICLE, MDF, HDF and OSB boards, the moisture content of the finished panel is an important quality feature. Usually, the moisture must not exceed a certain limit because escaping steam might cause big problems in later processes.
To control the quality of the finished panels, a test sample of 5 cm x 5 cm, sawn out of a finished panel, is measured in the laboratory. The usual reference is the oven drying method (100° C to 106° C, 24 h).
In contrast to usual quick analysis methods, the integral panel moisture is determined. Calibration is simple and done very quickly.
Advantages:
- Integral moisture (core moisture)
- Short measuring time of about < 1 second
- Precise with an average deviation of < 0.2 %
- Independent of the panel thickness with only one calibration
- Variable sample thicknesses between 3 mm and 40 mm
Measurement is carried out in a sample magazine with a square inside diameter of 5.1 cm x 5.1 cm and a wall thickness of 1 mm.
Mechanical Strength Tester Labrob
If the mechanical features of wood based panels deviate from nominal values, their usefulness to the customer will be limited. The reduction in the panel’s price and profits are the results.
With the panel testing system Labrob, the mechanical quality features of wood based panels can be easily and precisely determined. Measurement can be carried out according to European Standards (EN) or, for the measurement of internal bond strength, according to alternative testing methods. The alternative measuring methods supply the results within a few minutes.
The Labrob consists of the testing device and a visualization computer as evaluation unit. Optionally, all components can be arranged on an ergonomic laboratory working station. The testing device is of a modular design, i.e., the Labrob can be configured individually. A plexiglass safety hood covers the movable parts to protect the operator.
Testing Programs:
- Internal bond strength (EN 319)
- Bending strength (EN 310)
- Modulus of elasticity (EN 310)
- Delamination strength of surface layer (EN 319)
- Raw density (EN 323) and alternative method
- Size (EN 325) and alternative method
- Screw holding capacity (EN 320)
- Internal bond strength of grooved samples(quick alternative method)
- Shear strength (quick alternative method)
In combination with other laboratory equipment, such as tanks and drying ovens, the following tests can also be carried out:
- Thickness swell and water sorption (EN 317)
- Moisture content (EN 322)
- Boiling test (EN 1087)