PLEVA Introduces Contactless Coating Measurement Systems for Technical Textiles
AF 310 and AF 120 enable continuous online monitoring of coating applications to support process control, material efficiency and quality assurance.
Technical textiles used in protective and defence applications require precise coating, printing and finishing processes to achieve their intended performance characteristics. PLEVA GmbH has introduced its AF 310 and AF 120 microwave measurement systems, designed to provide continuous, non-contact online coating measurement during production.
Technical textiles used in applications such as protective garments, tents, tarpaulins, covers and technical carrier materials rely on accurately controlled coating and finishing processes to achieve properties including flame resistance, water repellency, weather resistance and defined air permeability.
To support these production requirements, PLEVA GmbH offers the AF 310 and AF 120 microwave measurement systems for continuous, contactless monitoring of coating application during the manufacturing process. Installed after the coating unit or doctor blade, the systems measure coating directly online, enabling operators to identify process deviations before larger quantities of material are produced outside specified parameters.
Continuous Online Coating Measurement
The AF 120 monitors coating application at a single predefined position, while the AF 310 measures coating at three locations across the fabric width—left, centre and right. This allows manufacturers to identify variations between the fabric edges and the centre, helping maintain uniform coating application across the material. The system is designed for applications involving coatings, pastes and foams where consistency across the fabric width is required.
Supporting Process Optimisation
According to PLEVA, continuous online measurement can contribute to:
- Faster machine setup
- Reduced start-up waste
- Fewer manual inspections
- Improved process reproducibility
- More accurate dosing of chemicals, pastes and foams
- Lower material consumption
- Reduced drying energy requirements
The systems enable operators to monitor coating application in real time and make process adjustments when measurements move outside defined tolerance limits.
Monitoring and Data Analysis
Measurement data from the systems can be visualised, documented and analysed using PLEVATEC pro software.
For the AF 310, coating application values from the left, centre and right measuring positions can be monitored against predefined tolerances. The software supports quality assurance, process analysis, traceability and integration with company networks, including through OPC UA.
According to the company, the systems combine coating measurement with process monitoring, resource management and production documentation for technical textile manufacturing.