Non-contact film thickness measuring is a process that does not connect a film product to the probe that measures the thickness of the film. This sounds like quite an involved test for something that is never touched by the measuring probe, yet it is a necessary process, and there is a reason why you want films measured for thickness without a probe touching the film. 

Certain Films Have to Be Kept Thin Enough to Allow Food to Air

In food industries, the films used are made to allow oxygenation to occur. The release of chemicals found in all things organic begins the minute the produce is plucked from its source, or the meat is butchered. Films keep the food fresh enough on store shelves until it goes home with customers where they will store it in freezers and refrigerators. Chemicals that would be harmful for people to consume if not allowed to escape through the films would build up and make the food taste unpleasant. A thin film over foods keeps them from spoiling completely while allowing the potentially more unpleasant or harmful gaseous chemicals to escape through the barrier. 

Surgical and Medical Films Have to be the Correct Thickness and Remain Sterile 

Let's say a company is testing the thickness of a surgical film that would help protect burn victims as they heal. The film has to be the correct thickness, but it also must remain as sterile as possible. That is just one of the reasons for measuring thickness and maintaining the no-contact-with-the-probe rule. Using this method, the film is tested and remains sterile enough for use. 

Bacteria in Lab Cultures and the Lab Culture Media Have to Be Sealed

Another example is the various cultures used to grow bacteria. Many of these culture materials are organic in nature, especially blood medium and any media containing gelatin as a base. All lab culture media has to be covered and refrigerated to prevent contamination and accidental bacterial growth. Additionally, films are used to cover individual sample dishes and trays of culture media on which a lot of bacteria may be grown rapidly.

To prevent all of these from spreading to areas where they should not, films are used as covers. They need to be an exact thickness for lab purposes, and they need to be as sterile as possible. While film thickness probes are continuously and meticulously cleaned and sterilized, it does not mean that accidental contamination has not or could not occur. Hence, no contact with the lab film is also necessary. 

If you're looking for non-contact film thickness measuring, call a company like Sapience Automation to schedule services today.

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