The Agr International Base Clearance Gauge (System Code: C508) is 100% designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States by Agr International, Inc. – the internationally recognized global benchmark in container inspection, dimensional metrology, and physical strength testing instrumentation. Engineered as an agile, rugged, and precision-machined benchtop instrument, the C508 resolves the vital operational necessity of measuring base geometry—the highest stress-bearing region of pressurized PET and recycled PET (rPET) containers.

Base clearance (commonly referred to as dome height or push-up depth) represents the vertical clearance from the container's standing ring contact points to the apex of the center injection gate. Insufficient base clearance leaves containers vulnerable to catastrophic bottom roll-out when pressurized by carbonation or subjected to elevated distribution temperatures, causing container toppling on high-speed filling conveyors. Conversely, excessive base clearance indicates inadequate material orientation during blowmolding, which compromises bottle topload strength and wastes resin. The Agr C508 empowers operators to verify this critical quality attribute in seconds through a simple placement of the container onto the precision base.

The instrument is engineered with a heavy-duty, ultra-flat ground measurement base that establishes an uncompromising reference plane for containers up to 100 mm in diameter. Centered within the base is an industrial digital indicator offering 0.01 mm (0.0005 inch) resolution, a high-contrast LCD screen, one-touch unit toggling between millimeters and inches, and instant zero-reset capability. The digital indicator incorporates an integrated serial communications output port, facilitating real-time data streaming into plant SPC networks or quality logging computers. Its robust, compact "at-the-line" footprint allows reliable operation directly alongside blowmolding machinery or within incoming quality control testing laboratories.

• Manufacturer: Agr International, Inc.
• Origin: 100% USA (United States)
• Product Series: Manual Benchtop Base Clearance & Dome Height Testing Gauge
• Order Model Code: Base Clearance Gauge (Code: C508)
• Measurement Methodology: Precision mechanical contact with integrated digital indicator
• Measuring Range: 0 to 10 mm (0 to 0.400 in.) / optional indicators up to 12.7 mm
• Digital Resolution: 0.01 mm (0.0005 in.)
• Container Compatibility: Accommodates rigid plastic containers up to 100 mm in body diameter (Compatible with bottles up to 100mm in diameter)
• Target Applications: PET/rPET bottles, petaloid bases, champagne-style bases, wide-mouth plastic jars, and rigid containers
• Reference Base Plate: Circular, heavy-duty alloy steel base plate with ultra-flat ground reference surface
• Display & Interface: Clear LCD digital screen, mm/inch unit toggle button, and zero-setting function at any position
• Digital Connectivity: Integrated industrial data output port (Serial / Digimatic compatible) for direct export to PCs or plant SPC software
• Calibration Reference: Includes dedicated zero-setting flat standard for instant pre-shift verification
• Operation Mode: Manually operated benchtop gauge yielding instantaneous measurement readouts in 1-2 seconds
• Recommended Operating Locations:
  - At-the-line measurement station near blowmolding equipment
  - Dedicated packaging QA/QC laboratories
  - Incoming preform/container inspection areas
• Mechanical Dimensions: Compact profile, approx. Ø 125 - 130 mm base diameter, approx. 140 - 150 mm total height
• Net Weight: Approx. 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) providing solid stability during specimen placement
• Applicable Industries: High-speed PET/rPET container blowmolding plants, carbonated soft drink (CSD) and beer bottling facilities (F&B), mineral water bottling plants, edible oil packaging lines, personal care and household chemical containers, and accredited packaging materials testing laboratories.