The Agr International Preform Thickness Gauge (Model C520 Series) is 100% designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States by Agr International, Inc. – the internationally acclaimed benchmark in container testing, dimensional gauging, and quality inspection systems. Specifically engineered for preform molders and beverage bottling facilities, this specialized instrument resolves the critical challenge of managing preform material distribution prior to blowmolding, preventing costly line stoppages, blowouts, and container structural defects.

The technical core of the Agr Preform Thickness Gauge is an advanced measurement cell outfitted with four synchronized ultrasonic sensors arranged around a universal preform fixture. In contrast to time-consuming manual calipers or destructive sectioning methods, the instrument performs a completely non-destructive test over the preform cross-section. Upon loading, the four ultrasonic transducers synchronously scan the preform body, yielding precise, repeatable, and reproducible thickness measurements in mere seconds. This automated architecture enables operators to instantly identify wall thickness variations, assess preform concentricity, and reliably detect core shift or bent cores in the injection mold tooling—a subtle mold defect that causes catastrophic uneven wall thinning during stretch blowmolding.

Engineered with a robust, compact "at-the-line" footprint, the gauge is built to operate reliably in harsh shop-floor production environments adjacent to injection molding machines as well as in dedicated quality laboratories. With a thickness measuring capacity up to 7.0 mm and a universal fixture that eliminates the necessity of complex, dedicated mechanical tooling for varying preform neck finishes (PCO 1810, 1881, 29/25, 38mm, etc.), the instrument drastically reduces job changeover durations. Featuring one-button test execution, clear digital telemetry, and RS-232/USB connectivity for plant-wide SPC networks, the Agr Preform Thickness Gauge is an indispensable quality assurance instrument for PET/rPET preform molders and beverage converters worldwide.

• Manufacturer: Agr International, Inc.
• Origin: 100% USA (United States)
• Product Series: Automated Preform Thickness & Concentricity Testing Gauge
• Model: Preform Thickness Gauge (C520 Series)
• Measurement Principle: Multi-transducer Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
• Sensor Array: Measurement cell equipped with 4 precision ultrasonic sensors oriented around the preform cross-section
• Material Thickness Range: Measures up to 7.0 mm (0.275 in.)
• Cycle Speed: Comprehensive test results delivered in seconds
• Key Parameters Evaluated:
  - 4-quadrant wall thickness distribution
  - Minimum and maximum wall thickness
  - Preform material concentricity
  - Injection mold core shift detection
  - Mechanical bent core detection
• Compatible Preform Materials: PET, recycled PET (rPET), PET/PEN, and clear/translucent thermoplastic polymers
• Fixturing Mechanism: Universal preform fixture; eliminates the need for elaborate custom tooling
• Preform Compatibility: Accommodates various preform lengths, body diameters, and standard neck finishes (PCO 1810, PCO 1881, 26/22, 29/25, 30/25, 38 mm, wide-mouth, etc.)
• User Interface: High-contrast digital readout displaying real-time thickness and concentricity metrics
• Digital Communications: RS-232 / USB communication ports for direct export to PCs, external printers, or plant SPC networks
• Design Form Factor: Rugged, compact "at-the-line" industrial footprint for shop-floor or laboratory deployment
• Power Supply: 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Applicable Industries: PET/rPET preform injection molding plants, high-speed beverage bottling operations (carbonated soft drinks, water, beer, juices), edible oil packaging, pharmaceutical blow-molding facilities, cosmetic bottle manufacturing, and certified plastics testing laboratories.