Flock Shape

Flock Shape

The system was developed to measure a flock sample according to various criteria within a very short time. Here, the flock fibers are measured for their diameter and length by means of quantitative image analysis. For the thickness and length measurement only those fibers are considered which are recognized as single fibers. The thickness and length distribution of the measured fibers is displayed graphically.

In addition, the number of all existing fibers is determined during the same measuring process in order to mathematically determine the existing weight of the entire flock sample. This function is particularly interesting with regard to a residual flock analysis on flocked parts.

The measuring system consists of:

1. Minolta dimage scan Elite 5400, resolution 5,400 ppi.
2. Software Flockshape for the actual field analysis
   The software is available in 3 levels: SE, Lite, Full.

The main features of each expansion stage are:

Flockshape basic version SE

• User profile fixed
• Scanning images via a fixed scanner
• Measuring mask fixed

Flockshape Extension Option Lite

• User profile can be freely parameterized by the customer
• Any number of user profiles or drawing numbers can be created
• Scan images using preset scanners and settings
• Measuring masks freely selectable by the customer
• Storage of the measurement data by lot number in a database and
  Recallable at any time
• Creation of quality charts via Excel
• Certificates from Excel freely configurable
• Evaluation via different measuring masks (e.g. mixed analysis)

Flockshape extension option Full

• User profile can be freely parameterized by the customer
• Any number of user profiles or drawing numbers can be created
• Scan images via any scanner and settings
• Measuring masks freely selectable by the customer
• Measuring masks freely parameterizable by the customer
• Storage of the measurement data by lot number in a database and
  Recallable at any time
• Creation of quality charts via Excel
• Certificates from Excel freely configurable
• Evaluation via different measuring masks (e.g. mixed analysis)
• Statistical evaluation of the measuring tube data via spreadsheet calculation
• Advanced image processing of any images e.g.: SEM, TEM
• Image processing freely programmable by means of macros
• Individual evaluation of measurement objects
• Free evaluation of all measurement parameters
• Orientation analysis, analysis of nearest neighbours

Not included in the scope of delivery is the required PC or laptop. For this purpose, all common makes can be used that meet the following minimum requirement:

• IBM compatible >= 2.0 GHz
• Up-to-date CD-ROM
• RAM >= 1.0 Gbyte
• Hard disk >= 40 GB
• Graphics >= 32 MB no graphics acceleration,
• Windows XP Professional and MS Office SBE
  (English or French or German or Italian)
• Virus scanner must be turned off when Flockshape is running.