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Bold Laser Automation announced the launch of its CL1506TP Confocal Differential Thickness Measurement System, a fully integrated inline solution designed to measure web material thickness with high accuracy, stability, and real-time data visibility. Engineered for manufacturers requiring precise quality control across continuous materials, the CL1506TP provides in-situ measurement while the web is in motion, eliminating the need for offline inspection or production interruptions.
The system integrates a confocal differential measurement module within a robust scanning platform capable of traversing up to a 24-inch web width. Built for demanding production environments, the CL1506TP combines precision mechanics, vibration-isolated architecture, industrial safety compliance, and advanced data analytics to deliver reliable measurement performance across a wide range of web-based materials.
“The CL1506TP was designed for advanced manufacturing environments where precision, adaptability, and real-time insight are critical,” said Todd E. Lizotte, Co-Founder and CEO of Bold Laser Automation. “Its modular architecture allows it to be retrofitted into existing web-handling systems, delivering continuous thickness measurement feedback for coating and extrusion processes.”
Two Configurations for Flexible Production Needs
The CL1506TP system is available in two configurations that conform to Class 1, Division 1 explosive environments:
Configuration 1 — Dynamic C-Frame Scanning System:
A dual-sensor confocal arrangement mounted on a precision linear stage traverses the web in a programmed sinusoidal motion while the material advances. This design captures dense measurement points across both width and length, generating a continuous thickness profile with position, time, and date correlation.
Configuration 2 — Six-Zone Static Monitoring System:
Six paired sensor-sets measure fixed positions across the web, providing simultaneous multi-zone monitoring without scanning. This configuration is ideal for processes where consistent position-based measurement is required.
Both versions feature adjustable mounting, encoder-triggered acquisition, and synchronized tracking with web movement to ensure accurate positional measurement.
Engineered for Accuracy in Real-World Production Conditions
To maintain measurement integrity, each CL1506TP system undergoes pre-integration vibration analysis using accelerometer testing. Results of these tests guide the mechanical isolation design and mounting strategy, ensuring sensor stability within operational tolerances. The system’s superstructure incorporates viscoelastic isolation elements, armored cable routing, and protective sensor housings to safeguard performance in active production environments.
Parallelism across the web is dial-indicated within the depth of field of the selected sensor head, helping maintain measurement consistency across the full scanning range.
“By reducing variation in coating thickness, manufacturers can significantly lower material costs while improving overall product consistency. This platform is ideally suited for industries requiring tight thickness tolerances and traceable quality data, including advanced materials, medical substrates, specialty films, technical textiles, electronics materials, and precision-engineered webs,” added Lizotte.
Real-Time Data, Visualization, and Integration with Bold OptixOS(TM)
The CL1506TP streams measurement data continuously to an onboard industrial computer for storage, analysis, and display. The Bold OptixOS platform delivers real-time monitoring and system control with graphical trends, alarms, profiles, and secure data management.
Industrial-Grade Electrical and Safety Design
The system operates on standard 110–120 VAC single-phase power and is housed within a sealed electrical enclosure featuring filtered cooling, grounding protection, and safety interlocks. Components are selected to comply with recognized industrial electrical and safety standards, and the system includes emergency stop capability, lockout provisions, and operator safeguards.
