Omar Khalid
Measuring plastic bottles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different purposes and uses. From cylinder-round bottles to twin-neck bottles, plastic measuring bottles are used for storing, transporting, and packaging a wide range of products, including pesticides, soaps, lubricants, and concentrated cleaners. Some bottles offer precise pour dispensing systems, making them ideal for liquids that require accurate measurements, such as fertilizer treatments and pest control solutions. The bottles are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which provides impact resistance and chemical resistance, making it a versatile and durable option for various applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Measurement type | Contact, Non-contact, Ultrasonic |
| Contact measurement tools | Gauges, Micrometers, Calipers |
| Non-contact measurement tools | Sensors, Lasers, Capacitance gauging systems, Profilers |
| Ultrasonic measurement tools | Sound waves |
| Measurement use case | Quality control, Compliance, Process optimisation |
| Measurement units | Millimeters, Microns, Gauge, Inches, Mil |
| Measurement calculation | Density, Weight, Cross-sectional area |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring plastic film thickness
Measuring the thickness of plastic film is an important step in quality control and product development. There are several methods and tools available to determine the thickness of plastic film, each with its advantages and limitations. Here are some common approaches:
ASTM Standards
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed several standards for measuring plastic film thickness. These include:
- E252: This method calculates the average thickness of the film by considering the material's weight, density, length, and width. It is often referred to as gauge by weight and is commonly used in the United States. However, it can be time-consuming and may not provide information on thickness variability.
- D6988: This standard uses a micrometer to measure the thickness of plastic film. Micrometers are relatively inexpensive and simple to use. However, they may have limitations when measuring very thin plastic films, as they can only provide precise measurements above a certain thickness (typically over 2 mils). Issues with precision, dirt on the probe, speed of measurements, and reproducibility between operators can also arise.
- D8136: This is a more advanced standard that employs a non-contact capacitance thickness gauge. It overcomes the issues of D6988 by providing significantly improved precision and eliminating problems like dirt interference and operator variability. D8136 is particularly useful for understanding thickness variability and communicating specifications between buyers and sellers.
Micrometer Measurements
Outside of the ASTM standards, micrometers are commonly used to measure plastic film thickness. A micrometer measures the thickness of a plastic film sample at its thickest point. While micrometers are widely available, they may struggle with precision when dealing with very thin films. Additionally, issues with dirt interference, measurement speed, and operator reproducibility may occur.
Other Methods
There are alternative methods for measuring plastic film thickness, including:
- AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy): This technique is used to measure the step height of a scratch in the film.
- Spectroscopic Ellipsometry: This method involves modelling and measuring the wavelength-dependent refractive index and extinction coefficient.
- X-ray Reflectivity: This technique can be used to determine film thickness, although its effectiveness on thicker films is uncertain.
- Cross-sectional Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): While labour-intensive, this method can provide thickness measurements but may not be suitable for lighter elements.
- Slice and Measure: This involves slicing the plastic with a microtome and measuring the thickness under a microscope.
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Contact measurement
The process of contact measurement requires skilled operators and can be time-consuming. It is, however, a reliable way to measure the thickness of plastic films and sheets, which is critical for product quality and compliance with regulations.
Another application of contact measurement is in the assessment of plastic substrates for metallization. By obtaining a contact angle measurement of a drop of liquid on the plastic surface, both before and after acid etching, it is possible to determine whether the surface can be successfully metallized to achieve a firm bond.
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Non-contact measurement
One such non-contact method is the use of ultrasonic thickness gauges. These gauges use sound waves to measure the thickness of plastic films and sheets. Ultrasonic measurement is non-destructive and can be used on moving materials, making it ideal for online quality control. DeFelsko manufactures hand-held, non-destructive ultrasonic coating thickness gauges that are perfect for non-destructively measuring the dry film thickness of coatings on plastic. The PosiTector 200 B1 and B3 are two models that are ideal for plastic substrates.
SolveTech also manufactures high-precision gauging systems using a proprietary capacitance technology. Their PR2000 measures the thickness and variability of plastic film. This technology is in line with the ASTM D8136 standard test method for determining plastic film thickness using a non-contact capacitance thickness gauge.
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Ultrasonic measurement
Step 1: Choose the Right Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Select an ultrasonic thickness gauge suitable for measuring plastic bottles, such as the DeFelsko PosiTector UTG P or similar models. These gauges are designed to quickly and accurately measure the wall thickness of plastic bottles.
Step 2: Prepare the Bottle
Ensure the plastic bottle is clean and dry before taking measurements. If there are any labels or coatings on the bottle that may interfere with the reading, remove them carefully.
Step 3: Calibrate the Gauge
Some ultrasonic thickness gauges may require calibration before use. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific calibration procedures. For instance, the PosiTector 200 B1 from DeFelsko does not require calibration adjustment for most applications.
Step 4: Place the Probe on the Bottle
Hold the ultrasonic thickness gauge firmly against the bottle's wall. Ensure that the probe's measurement surface is in full contact with the plastic surface. For curved surfaces, you may need to take multiple readings and average the results for accuracy.
Step 5: Take the Measurement
Once the probe is in contact with the bottle's surface, initiate the measurement. Depending on the model, you may need to press a button or trigger the device in a specific way. Wait for an audio or visual indication that the measurement is complete.
Step 6: Read the Results
The ultrasonic thickness gauge will display the measured thickness of the plastic bottle wall on its screen. Note this value down, and if needed, repeat the process to take measurements at different points on the bottle to ensure consistency.
Additional Considerations:
- It is important to follow standard practices such as ASTM E797, which outlines the "Standard Practice for Measurement of Thickness by Manual Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Contact Method." This ensures accurate and repeatable results.
- Some ultrasonic thickness gauges can automatically detect and ignore coatings or labels on the bottle, providing the thickness of the plastic material only.
- For measuring coating thickness on plastic bottles, specialised ultrasonic coating thickness gauges are available, such as the DeFelsko PosiTector 200 series.
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Convert thickness units
Converting thickness units is a straightforward process, but it's important to ensure accuracy and avoid confusion when measuring. The thickness of plastic film is typically expressed in gauges, mils, and microns.
To begin with, let's define these three units. A "mil" is equal to one-thousandth of an inch, or 0.0254 millimetres. It's important not to confuse this with a millimetre, as they are not the same. Gauge, on the other hand, is calculated by multiplying mils by 100. So, for instance, 0.3 mils equal 30 gauge.
Now, let's explore how to convert between these units. To convert mils to microns, simply multiply the number of mils by 25.4. For instance, if you have a thickness of 6 mils, it would be equal to 152.4 microns (6 x 25.4).
Additionally, you can use online conversion calculators to convert between various thickness units. These calculators allow you to input the thickness in one unit and receive the equivalent thickness in another unit of your choice. Websites such as ConvertUnits.com offer conversion calculators for a wide range of measurement units, including length, area, mass, and pressure.
Remember, the unit of thickness you choose depends on the specific application and requirements. For example, a 6-mil plastic sheet might be sufficient for protecting furniture, but it would be too thin for landfill lining. Thicker plastic sheeting is often required for applications like vapor barriers, greenhouse films, or heavy-duty construction projects.
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Frequently asked questions
The thickness of a plastic bag can be measured using either contact or non-contact methods. Contact measurement involves physically touching the plastic surface with a gauge or micrometer, which is accurate but time-consuming and requires skilled operators. Non-contact measurement uses sensors or lasers to measure the distance between the sensor and the plastic surface, which is faster and can be automated, but may not be as accurate.
To measure the width of a plastic bag, first measure the width and depth of the container to be lined. Then, add the width and depth together. For a looser fit, you can add 2". This will give you the width of the bag.
To convert millimetres to microns, divide the thickness of your film in millimetres by 1000, as there are 1000 microns in a millimetre.
