High accuracy control system and method for panel line production

Abstract

The invention provides a control system and method for curing composite articles such as corrugated fiberglass resin plastic (FRP) panels. An exemplary system of the invention includes a curing oven, at least one infrared pyrometer sensor which is located within the oven curing zone and which provides an output indicating the temperature of the resin being cured, a tractor unit for moving the panel through the oven, and a comparator circuit which adjusts the speed of the tractor unit in predetermined response to sensor output. The invention thereby provides for the detection of the peak temperature or gelation point of resin in the panel, and allows its specific location in the oven to be controlled to optimize the performance and efficiency of the panel production line. In further embodiments, a plurality of pyrometers are spaced apart along the direction of panel movement to provide a temperature profile that accurately indicates the resin gelation point, and panel line speed or oven temperature can be adjusted accordingly. Exemplary methods are also included.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.