In the glass industry, the difference between a world-class container and a rejected batch is measured in microns. Whether in the mass production of tequila bottles in Jalisco or in architectural glass in the central part of the country, the uniformity of the walls determines mechanical strength and final safety.
Controlling thickness prevents line stoppages due to breakage and reduces raw material waste. AtZION NDT, we help migrate from slow destructive testing to real-time quality control throughNon-Destructive Testing (NDT).
How to measure glass thickness
non-destructively?
There are two leading technologies that we select based on the geometry of your piece:
Hall Effect (Magna-Mike 8600): Ideal for complex containers, bottles, and small parts. It uses a magnetic probe and a steel ball (target) to measure even in corners and bottoms where other sensors fail.
High-Frequency Ultrasound (39DL PLUSand45MG): The solution for flat glass, mirrors, or pipes where a ball cannot be introduced. It works by measuring the time of flight of an acoustic wave.
Hall Effect or ultrasound
for quality control?
Hall Effect Principle: The equipment detects the strength of the magnetic field between the probe and the ball. As the thickness of the glass varies, the intensity changes proportionally, allowing for real-time recording of minimum values as the probe is slid.
Ultrasonic Principle: The transducer emits a pulse that travels at ~5,600 m/s in glass. These characteristics allow for the detection of laminations, lack of adhesion, or the measurement of coatings in thermal glass.
Comparison of ZION NDT Solutions
Equipment | Technology | Main Application | Advantage |
Magna-Mike 8600 | Hall Effect | Bottles, containers, ampoules | Maximum precision (0.001 mm) in curves and reliefs. |
39DL PLUS | Ultrasound | Architectural, flat glass | Mass data recording. |
45MG | Ultrasound | General field inspection | Portable and easy to use. |
Regulatory Framework and Quality Standards: The Language of Technical Certainty
In the glass sector, compliance with national and international regulations is the boundary between a local supplier and a global exporter. The use of NDT technologies in ZION NDT ensures that your production aligns with the most demanding standards:
International Regulations: ASTM and ISO
ASTM C147:Establishes standard test methods for the internal pressure resistance of glass containers. The uniformity of thickness is the determining factor to avoid critical failures under pressure.
ASTM E797:Standard practice for measuring thicknesses using the manual ultrasonic pulse-echo method. It is the regulatory basis for the use of equipment such as the 39DL PLUS and 45MG.
ISO 8113:International standard that specifies the resistance to vertical load for glass containers. An inconsistent wall thickness compromises structural integrity during stacking.
ISO 9001:Although it is a management standard, process control through digital measurement with data logging (Data Logger) is essential for the traceability and continuous improvement required by this certification.
National Regulations: NMX and NOM
NMX-E-153-CNCP: Mexican standard that regulates glass containers for food and beverages. It defines the resistance and safety parameters that containers manufactured in the national territory must meet.
NOM-002-SCFI: Related to net content and tolerances. Although it focuses on the product, the accuracy of the container's volume directly depends on the consistency of the glass wall thickness.
Protect your brand with ZION NDT
Ensuring the uniformity of glass is protecting your profitability and reputation in the face of global audits. At ZION NDT, we deliver the technical certainty that your plant needs to compete.
Let's connect at Expo Plastics 2026:
Real-Time NDT Innovation
Theory is valuable, but in the transformation industry, practice is what defines profitability. AtZion NDT, we know that seeing technology in action is the first step to transforming your quality processes. Therefore, we invite you to be part of this key meeting for the industry.
Event Details
- Where? Expo Guadalajara, the epicenter of the plastics industry.
- When?From24to26ofMarch 2026.
- Our BoothA space designed for technical interaction and live inspection challenge resolution.Booth: #1952
What will you find at the Zion NDT booth?
We don't just showcase equipment; we present comprehensive solutions to connect and empower transformative companies through an efficient and sustainable supply chain. We invite you to see firsthand how you can boost your plant's productivity through:
- Live demonstrations: see how theMagna-Mike 8600solves measurements in seconds with micron-level accuracy.
- Strategic Consulting: Our engineers will be available to diagnose bottlenecks in your production lines and suggest integrations ofNDT technologythat reduce waste.
- Specialized Networking:Connect with other industry leaders who are already implementing sustainability criteria through raw material savings derived from accurate measurement.
Your appointment with efficiencyExpo Guadalajarawill be the stage where technology and profitability converge. Visit us and discover why non-destructive testing is the smartest investment to secure the future of your plastic production.
FAQs in the glass industry
They facilitate compliance with ASTM C147 (pressure resistance) and ISO for food and chemical safety.
No. Unlike ultrasonic, it does not require gel or water, allowing for direct measurement in wet lines.
Yes, it is essential for quality management. The Magna-Mike 8600 and ultrasonic equipment have a high-capacity internal Data Logger to store and export thousands of readings. At Zion NDT, we emphasize that this ensures traceability (vital for ISO standards) and facilitates the creation of professional reports, serving as immediate technical evidence for clients or auditors.
The choice depends on the geometry of the part. For complex containers (bottles, jars), the Hall Effect (Magna-Mike) is ideal due to its precision in curved areas. For flat glass, architectural applications, or if it is not possible to introduce a magnetic ball, Ultrasonic is the appropriate technology. We offer feasibility tests with your samples to ensure the best return on investment.
Related equipment
Magna-Mike 8600
Magna-Mike® 8600: Portable thickness gauge for non-ferrous materials. It uses Hall effect technology to provide accurate and instant magnetic measurements on a color display.
Magna-Mike 8600
Magna-Mike® 8600: Portable thickness gauge for non-ferrous materials. It uses Hall effect technology to provide accurate and instant magnetic measurements on a color display.