Bump-and-taper tubing changes diameter along its length, so inspection must check each feature and transition. Compare a triple-axis micrometer for live outside-diameter (OD), ovality and feature tracking, Metron for a full-length scan of the cooled part, and FlawSense II for full-contour OD, true ovality and surface-shape inspection.
Gauge Advisor is an authorized LaserLinc sales and applications support representative. We help define the feature recipe, line architecture, equipment scope and manufacturer review.
Inspect the hot moving extrusion inline, scan the cooled finished length with Metron, or map complete outside-contour and surface geometry with FlawSense II.
A single spot diameter cannot describe tubing that intentionally changes size. Choose live production feedback, full-length inspection after cooling or full-contour surface data according to the checks your process requires.
Operators wait for cut samples, ring gauges, microscopes or lab review before they know whether each bump, taper and plateau is acceptable.
Small and large diameters may pass, yet a ramp begins late, ends early or contains overshoot that an isolated spot check misses.
The line detects a problem but cannot reliably associate that event with the correct downstream cut part or sorter position.
A process that met specification at startup can drift during a long run. Alarms, reports or a properly configured control response help the team respond before more scrap is produced.
Strong project fit: the drawing contains more than one OD or transition zone, the finished length needs a repeatable scan, or the acceptance risk includes outside-contour or surface-relief events. If the product has one constant OD with no changing profile, start with a conventional laser micrometer application instead.
Think of the virtual ring gauge as a programmed software diameter—not a physical ring. As the tubing moves through the triple-axis micrometer, Total Vu uses live OD/ovality data, the cutter cycle and any required position reference to identify where the measured profile enters or leaves each recipe zone.
Measurement boundary: these bump-and-taper paths address the outside profile or outside surface. ID, wall thickness and concentricity are separate measurement projects, not additional bump-and-taper system choices.
The recipe must define the diameter and length acceptance rule for every zone. Transition start, end, slope treatment, averaging and exclusions are not universal.
Why the length reference matters: the same OD value can belong to a valid plateau, a transition or the wrong feature. Product position gives that number context.
The cutter trigger establishes the part boundary. LaserLinc can read a cut or cycle signal from Conair, RDN, or another compatible puller/cutter control, then use encoder or speed data when more position detail is required within the part.
Part zones, timing or length rules, product IDs and the production sequence that creates each feature.
Three simultaneous views measure the moving outside profile, OD and estimated ovality.
Read the Conair, RDN or compatible cut-cycle signal; add encoder or speed feedback when needed.
Associate each reading with the correct part and zone, then manage recipes, records and handshakes.
Operator guidance, accept/reject, downstream disposition or a separately engineered control response.
Total Vu brings measurements, feature recipes, part tracking and results into one customizable workflow. Choose the reporting, data sharing, sorting and optional closed-loop control functions that fit your line.
For cut-part tracking, Total Vu reads the cut or cycle signal available from a compatible Conair, RDN or other puller/cutter control. That input establishes which measured zones belong to which physical part; encoder or speed data may provide additional position between cut events.
Live profile, zone results, alarms and operator adjustment during startup.
Cutter-cycle synchronization, correct-part assignment, accept/reject records and downstream disposition.
Engineered adjustment after startup with defined authority, limits and fallback.
Integration boundary: confirm the available dry contact, pulse, PLC tag or network signal; trigger edge; gauge-to-cutter distance; cycle timing; parts in flight; signal-loss response and reject timing. Reading the cutter signal is separate from commanding puller speed, internal air or another optional process-control variable.
Live production feedback, cooled full-length dimensional inspection and full-contour surface inspection are different jobs. These three LaserLinc paths keep that choice understandable without turning every sensor family into a bump-and-taper recommendation.
Three simultaneous diameter views track OD, ovality, transition position and feature length while the tubing is being produced. Total Vu combines those readings with the cutter or line-position signal so each recipe zone and cut part can be identified. The final Triton or triple-axis Axion model follows the OD range, tolerance, speed and installation.
Compare triple-axis micrometers →
Metron moves a cut, conditioned catheter, guidewire or tube through the selected measurement head and compares the complete length-positioned profile with its recipe. Use it for cooled-part verification, reports and release correlation—not real-time extrusion control.
Review Metron full-length inspection →
FlawSense uses laser-line triangulation when a local bump, pit, scratch, raised feature or contour change may not be represented well by three diameter axes. Representative samples still determine whether the visible surface and required event size are suitable.
Review FlawSense full-contour inspection →Start with the decision the data must support. A triple-axis micrometer sees the hot moving extrusion, Metron scans the cooled part over its full length, and FlawSense II maps outside contour and localized surface relief. These systems perform different inspection tasks and can be used together when the application requires it.
Use for live OD, estimated ovality, transition timing, feature length, cut-part tracking and an optional reviewed control response.
Use for a controlled scan of the cooled cut part, length-positioned dimensions, reports and release-method correlation.
Use when complete outside contour, true ovality or localized raised and recessed surface events drive acceptance.
Do not force one method to answer every question: cooling, relaxation, tension, cut position, handling and visible surface behavior can change what each system sees. Correlate combined methods by product recipe and assign the release decision explicitly.
Start with when and what must be inspected: live inline OD and ovality points to triple-axis micrometry; a cooled full-length profile points to Metron; and complete outside contour or surface relief points to FlawSense II. ID, wall thickness and concentricity are separate measurement projects.
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A complete specification is not required to start. The details below help identify suitable equipment and prepare an accurate quotation.
Small and large OD, ovality, feature lengths, transitions, exclusions, tolerances and product variants.
Extruder, die, line speed, puller, air/vacuum and the variable that creates each feature. Include the cutter manufacturer, model and available part-cycle signal.
Normal and maximum speed, part pitch, continuous or intermittent sequence, acceleration and changeover behavior.
Inline space, cooling state and passline; Metron cut-part handling; or the way representative parts and surface events can be presented to FlawSense.
Conair, RDN or other cutter model; dry contact, pulse, PLC tag or network path; gauge-to-cutter distance; encoder, speed feedback and PLC ownership.
Alarm, operator response, cutter, sorter, reject location, parts in flight, correct cut-part assignment and required records.
Reports, logs, lot and recipe fields, OPC UA or plant interface, PLC/HMI, MES and data-retention needs.
Metron or current QA reports, accepted correlation parts, FlawSense surface or contour samples, MSA expectations and the authority that releases product.
Fastest start: send one drawing, a short line video or layout, normal/max line speed, the current inspection method, and the production problem you want the system to solve.
Send the drawing, feature sequence, line speed, current inspection method and desired line action. Gauge Advisor will organize the application for LaserLinc review, equipment selection and quotation.
Equipment guidance is part of the represented-equipment sales process. Final capability, integration, validation and performance terms require manufacturer application review and written scope.
