(Sensor Products Inc.: Madison, NJ) -- During tough economic times it is tempting to reduce quality control to cut costs. However Dolph Beyer, an engineer with Mohawk Fine Papers, asserts that doing this is actually counterproductive. He has determined that using pressure indicating sensor film as a quality control tool actually decreases costs while significantly improving product quality.

“By taking nip impressions with pressure indicating film every couple of weeks we have extended roll life by a few months in many cases,” says Beyer. “This quality control measure not only lowers costs for the replacement of these covers, but also minimizes equipment downtime.”

Beyer uses Pressurex sensor film that can reveal pressures from two to 43,200 PSI (0.14 – 3,000 kg/cm²). When placed between contacting rollers, the sensor film instantaneously and permanently changes color in direct proportion to the actual pressure applied. Precise pressure magnitude is then easily determined by comparing color variation results to a color correlation chart (conceptually similar to interpreting Litmus paper). Variations in pressure that lead to defects in papermaking, converting, and printing can be quickly and accurately detected and corrected—improving yield, decreasing scrap, and increasing productivity.

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