IR, Nuclear and Beta Gauge Instruments

IR, nuclear and beta gauge instruments use the absorption of radiation to measure the thickness or basis weight of webs, sheet materials or coatings. On nonmetallic materials such as paper or plastic films or webs, the amount of radiation is reflected back or transmitted through the material is measured to determine absorption levels. An increase in mass, density or thickness will result in increased absorption. IR, nuclear and beta gauge instruments are often calibrated with sample of known thickness, density or mass. The radiation source used can be IR (infrared electromagnetic), nuclear (beta particles) or other radiation sources (x-ray, gamma rays) and will depend on the material and inspection conditions.