AcroEdge Caisits Online Surface Wettability Analyzer
| Brand | AcroEdge |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Caisits |
| Price Range | USD 28,000 – 70,000 |
Overview
The AcroEdge Caisits Online Surface Wettability Analyzer is a non-contact, real-time optical measurement system engineered for in-line quantification of surface activation status on polymer films and functional substrates. Unlike conventional tensiometers that measure equilibrium surface tension of liquids (e.g., via Wilhelmy plate or du Noüy ring), the Caisits system operates on a fundamentally distinct principle: it leverages UV-induced fluorescence spectroscopy to assess surface chemical modification induced by plasma, corona, or flame treatment. When high-energy surface treatments introduce polar functional groups (e.g., –OH, –COOH, C=O) onto polyolefin or PET surfaces, these moieties exhibit characteristic photoluminescence under controlled ultraviolet excitation (typically 254 nm or 280 nm). The Caisits instrument captures and normalizes this emitted fluorescence intensity—calibrated against reference standards—to deliver a dimensionless, traceable wettability index (WI) that correlates strongly with contact angle reduction and ink/adhesive adhesion performance. Designed for integration into roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing lines, it enables closed-loop process monitoring without interrupting production flow or requiring offline sampling.
Key Features
- Real-time, non-contact measurement at line speeds up to 500 m/min, with sub-second response time and 10-ms data acquisition intervals
- UV excitation source with narrow-band spectral output and thermal stabilization to ensure signal repeatability across ambient temperature fluctuations (15–40 °C)
- High-sensitivity photodetector array with auto-gain compensation and dark-current subtraction for stable fluorescence quantification
- Modular optical head design compatible with standard web-guiding systems; adjustable working distance (15–50 mm) and field-of-view (3–12 mm width)
- IP65-rated enclosure for industrial environments; EMI-shielded electronics compliant with IEC 61000-6-2/6-4
- Onboard calibration verification using NIST-traceable fluorescent reference strips (certified per ISO/IEC 17025)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Caisits analyzer is validated for continuous monitoring of polymeric webs including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), polyamide (PA), and fluoropolymer-coated substrates. It supports both single-layer and multilayer laminates used in packaging, display optics (e.g., AR films, polarizers), lithium-ion battery separators, and automotive interior trim films. Measurement reproducibility meets ASTM D7490 (Standard Practice for Measuring Contact Angles) correlation requirements, with R² ≥ 0.96 against benchtop goniometric validation across 15–75° contact angle range. System documentation includes full traceability to ISO 9001:2015 quality management protocols and supports GLP-compliant audit trails when integrated with enterprise MES platforms.
Software & Data Management
The embedded Caisits Control Suite v3.2 provides real-time visualization of wettability index trends, statistical process control (SPC) charts (X-bar/R, Cpk), and automatic alarm thresholds configurable per product grade. All raw fluorescence spectra, timestamped metadata, and operator annotations are stored in encrypted SQLite databases compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, audit logs, and immutable record retention. Export formats include CSV, PDF reports (with embedded calibration certificates), and OPC UA interface for seamless integration into Siemens PCS7, Rockwell FactoryTalk, or Yokogawa CENTUM VP DCS environments.
Applications
- Corona treatment verification for flexographic and gravure printing substrates in food packaging lines
- In-process quality assurance of plasma-treated OLED encapsulation films prior to lamination
- Quantitative validation of flame treatment efficacy on automotive PP/TPO trim components
- Adhesion readiness assessment for lithium-ion battery anode/cathode coating processes
- Batch-to-batch consistency monitoring of anti-fog PET films used in medical device packaging
FAQ
Does the Caisits system replace contact angle measurement?
No—it complements it. While contact angle remains the gold standard for R&D validation, Caisits delivers production-grade throughput and statistical coverage unattainable with manual goniometry.
Can it detect over-treatment or surface degradation?
Yes. Fluorescence saturation and spectral shift analysis enable detection of oxidative over-treatment and hydrophobic recovery onset, supporting predictive maintenance scheduling.
Is calibration required between shifts?
A daily verification using the included reference strip is recommended; full recalibration is performed annually or after optical head servicing, per ISO/IEC 17025 procedures.
What safety certifications does the UV source carry?
The excitation module is certified to IEC 62471 (Photobiological Safety of Lamps) Risk Group 1 (Exempt) and complies with CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
How is traceability maintained during software updates?
Each firmware and software release is version-locked to a SHA-256 hash recorded in the system’s cryptographic log; update history is auditable and exportable as part of 21 CFR Part 11 compliance reporting.
