MoistTech Corp, the global leader in moisture measurement from lab to line, highlights the IR-3000C online near-infrared sensor for converting operations requiring real-time, non-contact measurement of moisture, coat weight, thickness and temperature.
In high-speed converting applications, equipment settings do not necessarily reflect the actual condition of the web. Incoming substrate variation, coating and adhesive behavior, line-speed changes, dryer conditions and environmental factors can affect moisture, coat weight and thickness during production. Without immediate feedback, these changes can contribute to material giveaway, startup scrap, inefficient drying, coating defects, curl, weak bonds and off-spec rolls.
The IR-3000C provides continuous measurement data that enables operators to monitor changing web conditions and make timely process adjustments. By measuring the product at critical points in the line, the system supports decisions based on actual material conditions rather than assumed equipment performance. The measurement data can also provide feedback to PLC, QA and process-control systems, allowing converters to identify variation early and respond before coating, lamination or finished-roll defects accumulate.
The sensor is designed for paper, paperboard, films, foils, flexible packaging, coated products, adhesives, hot melts, glues, resins, recycled paper, wax coatings and vinyl coatings. Typical installation points include before and after coating stations, at dryer inlet and exit locations, after extrusion, and before winding or downstream converting.
For paper and paperboard converters, continuous monitoring of moisture, thickness and coat weight supports dimensional stability, strength, web quality and coating consistency. Monitoring coating application and material thickness during production can identify variation associated with excess coating use, uneven gloss, streaks, adhesion issues and rejected rolls.
For flexible-packaging converters, real-time measurements provide visibility into conditions that affect lamination strength, adhesive performance, print quality, curl, wrinkles, seal performance and finished-roll quality. Measuring substrate condition before lamination, coating or drying, and verifying the web before winding, can identify moisture-related variation before it contributes to delamination, unstable roll formation or downstream converting problems.
In coating and adhesive applications, the IR-3000-C can be configured to measure wet or dry coat weight and monitor moisture where applicable, helping operators identify coating variations and maintain more consistent application.This enables operators to reduce over-application and related material and drying costs, while avoiding under-application that can contribute to weak bonds, streaks, voids or product defects.
The non-contact IR-3000C can be installed in multiple configurations and is typically mounted 4 to 16 inches from the product flow. The sensor can store up to 50 product codes or calibrations and is available with three 4–20 mA outputs and 0–10 V capability for integration with existing plant control systems. It is pre-calibrated for the customer’s application, incorporates optical-window monitoring and is designed to minimize the effects of ambient light, temperature, dust and humidity.
By delivering continuous, real-time process visibility, the IR-3000C enables converters to reduce startup scrap, material giveaway, drying variability, rework and the risk of producing off-spec rolls. Measurement data supports more responsive drying and process adjustments, helping avoid unnecessary energy use while maintaining product quality and process consistency.
For more information about the IR-3000C, visit:
https://www.moisttech.com/
About MoistTech
MoistTech Corp. manufactures advanced near-infrared (NIR) measurement and process control technology for industrial applications worldwide. Its online and at-line systems provide real-time measurement of moisture and other constituents, including fat/oil, coating weight and thickness, across food, converting, building materials, chemicals, biomass and numerous other manufacturing processes. MoistTech systems are designed to help manufacturers improve product consistency, increase process efficiency, reduce waste and optimize energy use through reliable, continuous measurement.