FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2003
Contact: Lonita McLean
Francis Marketing
(616) 235-1122

Granco Clark Introduces Non-Contact Temperature Probe

Belding, MI — Granco Clark has introduced the first non-contact temperature measurement assembly commercially available to the aluminum extrusion industry. The new probe is available as an option on Granco Clark furnaces, and can also be retrofitted to existing Granco Clark furnaces with PLC temperature control.

Granco Clark partnered with Land Instruments International in the development of the non-contact probe. Land Instruments International—a leading specialist in infrared temperature measurement systems—designed the Aluminum Billet Thermometer System (ABTS). The ABTS is a non-contact radiation thermometry system. Granco Clark designed the mechanical components necessary for the ABTS to function properly in aluminum billet furnace chamber environments.

Traditional probes utilize points for accurate billet temperature readings. Over time, these points become dull and coated with material from the billets. These problems cause inconsistencies that negatively impact the accuracy of temperature readings. The points on traditional probes must also constantly be sharpened—optimally on a daily basis—at a considerable cost of both time and money.

The Granco Clark non-contact probe’s specially designed infrared temperature sensor provides readings without touching the actual billet, so sharpening requirements are eliminated—resulting in savings on maintenance.

David Jenista, Granco Clark Systems Engineer, remarks that the development of the non-contact probe was a customer-driven venture. “Customers have been asking for a non-contact probe for a long time. This option will allow them to greatly reduce time spent on maintenance, with cost-effective operation being the ultimate result.”

- # # # -

Founded in 1947, Granco Clark began manufacturing billet furnaces and has evolved into a global, single-source supplier and leading equipment manufacturer to the aluminum extrusion industry. Quality is a key component in every extrusion system the ISO-9001 certified company fabricates — from billet log furnaces and log shears to age ovens and stacking equipment.