Noncontact measurement continueing process

[coastiecappy]

Need some help. One of our plant managers posed this question. He needs a measurement taken of heater wire, in process, while moving. There are 4 set-ups running at the same time. The measurement is the OD of the wire, requires minimal pressure or no pressure during measurement.
Current measurement is being done with a analog thickness gage ( yes they break a lot of them ). They would like a very inexpensive non contact system, but will use a contact system ( I have already filled him in on several that would do the job ).
Is there an inexpensive system out there, in the non contact ? Keep in mind, on the factory floor we are dealing with about a 3rd grade mentality.
Thanks
Cappy

[ck454ss]

Costie,

One thing you may want to use is a Laser Mic.  Dont know if you are familiar with it but it is a Laser Micromerter.  It is non-contact and Ive seen it used in a moving line to measure wire diameter in a steel mill.  Its nice because you can set the measurement rate as fast or slow as needed.

Hope this helps
ck454ss