Marking five decades of excellence in the metal packaging industry, Sencon, a global leader in sensors, gauges, and line control solutions, has announced the launch of the SI9700 Coating Thickness Gauge. This release coincides with Sencon’s 50th anniversary and embodies the company’s new guiding principle: ‘Independent by choice, innovative by nature.’

The SI9700 represents an evolution in lacquer film thickness and film weight measurement. Replacing the long-standing SI9600 and the pioneering SI9500 which, when launched in 1990, was the world’s first digital film weight gauge. The SI9700 honors Sencon’s legacy of firsts while looking firmly toward the future.

Modern Interface for Precision Engineering The SI9700 moves away from legacy displays to a high-resolution, 7-inch colour TFT LCD. This highly versatile interface provides operators with crystal-clear visual feedback and real-time data with the option to use either icon-based or text-based navigation. Mirroring the advancements found in the recently introduced SI9200, the gauge features a tactile membrane keypad designed for fast, fail-safe operation in busy production environments.

The SI9700 is housed in a rugged, IP65-rated water-resistant enclosure. This ensures the sensitive electronics are protected against the harsh conditions of a production environment. Workplace ergonomics are enhanced with the ability to mount the gauge on a monitor arm using the supplied VESA mounting plate.

The SI9700 simplifies coating analysis with several key features, according to the company:

• Enhanced data storage: Capable of storing approximately 2000 readings per batch.
• Real-time statistics: Statistical data is calculated instantly and can be displayed on-screen or output to a PC or printer via RS232 serial interface.
• Three-level security: Configurable supervisor controls prevent unauthorised changes to critical testing parameters.
• Seamless connectivity: Fully compatible with existing Sencon accessories via a standard 5-pin connector.

Available from October 2026, the SI9700 focuses on key evolutionary enhancements to speed, connectivity, and user experience. It features complete backward compatibility with Sencon’s full line of probes and pairs seamlessly with the new Sencon Hoverprobe.

Hoverprobe

Sencon has also announced the launch of its new, re-engineered Hoverprobe which delivers smarter ergonomics, enhanced reliability and lower operating costs for quality control teams.

The SI9750 Hoverprobe is designed to measure coating thickness and film weight on flat metal sheets when paired with Sencon’s SI9500, SI9600, or their next generation SI9700 Coating Thickness Gauge. While the distinct blue aesthetic marks a fresh chapter, the real transformation is under the hood, driven directly by feedback from line operators worldwide.

Listening to customer feedback from production lines worldwide, Sencon has refocused the Hoverprobe’s design on practical usability and sheet protection:

• Protective Construction: The updated design features a hover plate manufactured from food-grade engineering plastic. Designed to minimise the risk of accidental surface scratching.
• Streamlined Circuit Setup: By utilising a classic alligator clip connection, the probe ensures a reliable electrical circuit for consistent test readings without relying on problematic metal surface contact.
• Standardised, cost-effective probe tips: The SI9750 reverts to Sencon’s proven standard probe tip design. Fully interchangeable across multiple Sencon coating probes these tips offer a simpler, lower-cost consumable solution for operators.
• Rugged connectivity: Under the hood, internal components have been upgraded alongside a more robust BNC cable connector to ensure stable signal transmission and maximum uptime in demanding factory environments.

“When our customers look at the new blue Hoverprobe, we want them to see more than just a colour change,” said Justin Kite, group marketing manager at Sencon. “Blue is the new black because it represents a return to practical, operator-friendly design combined with smarter internal upgrades. We’ve kept the high precision our customers rely on while lowering running costs and making the probe easier to use every day.”

Despite its refreshed exterior and lighter feel, the core operational advantages of the Hoverprobe remain uncompromised:

• Air-cushion floatation: At the press of a button, the probe glides effortlessly into position on a cushion of air.
• Operator-independent repeatability: Releasing the button settles the Hoverprobe under its own fixed weight, applying the exact same load to the probe tip for every single test and delivering Gauge R&R typically under 10%.
• Material cost reduction: By delivering tight measurement stability, manufacturers can eliminate unnecessary over-application of coatings, saving raw materials and driving ROI.

“Our goal with this updated Hoverprobe was to deliver exactly what our customers need on the shop floor: durability, operator ease, and lower running costs,” said Richard Craddock, managing director at Sencon UK. “By making smart, targeted refinements under the hood and focusing on user-friendly materials, we’ve created a probe that delivers superior practical performance and reliability.”

The new Hoverprobe is available now.