Advanced Photonix Signs Agreement With VAR
ANN ARBOR -- Advanced Photonix Inc (NYSE Amex: API) said Monday it had signed a value-added reseller agreement for its T-Gauge industrial terahertz gauging system with Waltham, Mass.-based Thermo Fisher Scientific for its line of Thermo Scientific Web and metal gauges.
The T-Gauge measurement system can be used for on-line or off-line measurements for quality assurance and process control of web based and converting industries. API is developing a VAR partner network to enable T-Gauge industrial process control solutions for continuous web, discrete manufacturing and anomaly defect inspection applications.
The company plans to develop a VAR network which will serve vertical markets where VARs have unique subject matter expertise. VAR partners are trained to sell, install and support API T-Gauge measurement products. Each VAR will have an in house application development T-Gauge system to perform feasibility studies and develop new market applications for non-contact measuring of physical properties such as; multiple layer thickness measurements, density, contamination by foreign substances, sub-surface defects within a product and moisture analysis. The technology is very adaptable to different sensor configurations, including robotic controls, to support many different applications. The resulting innovative gauge will help manufacturers to improve quality and reduce costs.
Said Richard Kurtz, president and CEO: "Thermo Fisher Scientific ... has a long history of investing in new technologies for non-destructive measurement for manufacturing process control, including the introduction of the first beta gauge for basis weight measurements. Thermo Fisher provides a global presence with world class customer support and market knowledge, which we believe will lead to more rapid market adoption of our terahertz T-Gauge platform."
Douglas Wright, Global Commercial Manager for Gauging at Thermo Fisher Scientific added, "Their new sensor technology compliments our Thermo Scientific measurement and control product portfolio to address a wider range of web and metal coating applications. It supports our company strategy to meet customers' requirements for new and more advanced instruments and process solutions."
API will be exhibiting at The International Plastics Showcase, NPE, the largest plastics exposition in the Western Hemisphere, in Orlando, Florida from April 1-5, 2012.
Terahertz radiation occupies a spot on the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared light. Little understood and hard to generate before the 1990s, "T-rays" are now being eyed for a variety of testing and security applications. Among their most interesting properties -- they "see through" many materials without packing the damaging, ionizing punch of X-rays.
More at www.advancedphotonix.com
