In order to obtain the images of the fibers the FibreShape systems relie on scanners and digital microscopes with transmissive light units. The use of scanners is crucial for success. They enable the characterization of advanced geometrical properties but at the same time support specimen of large sizes and the measurement of many specimen in a single batch. Microscopes are employed when a higher resolution is required such as for the width measurement in the range of microns.
For different types of fibers differents FibreShape systems are in use:
1. A4 scanner with inlay – FibreShape CROSS SC
for the fibre length analysis of recycled carbon & glass fibers, carbon fibre bundles or ceramic fibres
2. A4 scanner with glass plates – FibreShape SN
for the thickness analysis of natural fibres & length analysis of short natural fibres
3. A4 scanner with automatic Sample Feeder – FibreShape FA or FibreShape CROSS FA
for the length and thickness analysis of wood chips, TMP fibers, hemp hurd, flax shives and length analysis of recycled glass fibers
4. A4 scanner with manual sample feeder – FibreShape FH or FireShape CROSS FH
FH: for the length analysis of wood or flock fibres or thickness analysis of natural fibres or aramid fibres
FH CROSS: for the length analysis or recycled carbon fibres, carbon fibre bundles, wood or flock fibres
5. High resolution film scanner – FibreShape D
for the thickness analysis of thin natural fibres (e.g. refinded hemp or flax fibres) or recycled glass fibers
Length measurement: 12µm – 1cm, thickness measurement: 10µm – 100µm
6. Digital light microscope
for the thickness analysis of recycled carbon fibres
Length measurement: 3µm – 100µm, thickness measurement: 2µm – 30 µm