Gauging & Measuring | Semi Automatic Gauges | Benchmark™ Front End Gauge

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Benchtop Front End Gauge

Semi-automatic measurement of key dimensions on trimmed (un-necked) beverage cans

The Benchmark™ Front End Gauge (Trimmed Can Gauge) measures can height, mid and top side wall thickness, and dome depth on un-necked, trimmed beverage cans.

  • Automatic measurement of critical features
  • Multiple can sizes with tool-free insert
  • Excellent R&R – no operator influence on results
  • Well proven technology
  • Constant self monitoring/self calibrating
  • Single, and multi-probe variants availble
  • Also available as a fully automatic Master Series™ version
icon for 2-piece (DWI) food cansFor 2-piece (DWI) cans
icon for 3-piece (welded) food cansFor 3-piece (welded) cans
PRODUCT VARIANTS
SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PRODUCT SERIES
SUPPORT RESOURCES

Benchmark™ Front End Gauge

SortProductPageProduct CodeDescriptionCan BodyCan Heights
170SI680xSI6802Benchmark™ Front End Gauge: Single probe202 (54mm) to 214/300 (73mm) tool-free change parts87mm to 196mm automatic adjustment
171SI680xSI6805*Benchmark™ Front End Gauge: Dual-Probe202 (54mm) to 214/300 (73mm) tool-free change parts87mm to 196mm automatic adjustment
172SI680xSI6801Benchmark™ Front End Gauge: DWI Aerosol112 (45mm) to 214/300 (73mm) tool-free change parts96mm to 215mm automatic adjustment

*Fixed probe heights are specified at time of ordering.

PRODUCT CAPABILITIES

Sort:
1
ProductPage:
SI680x
Material:
Aluminium and Steel
Cans Accepted:
Un-necked cans only
Maximum Batch Size:
255 cans
Measurement Features:
Height measurements taken at user-specified number of positions (radial slices) around can circumference [see end note 2]
Wall thickness measurements taken at up to 12 vertical positions (vertical slices) and at user-specified number of positions around can circumference (radial slices) at each vertical position – Ability to set different pass / warning / fail thresholds for mid-wall and top-wall measurements
Single dome height measurement at centre of dome
Measurements can be displayed in metric or imperial units
For can height and for wall thickness at each vertical position, can display:
  • Individual readings at all positions around circumference
  • Average of readings around circumference
  • Max. and min. of readings around circumference
  • Range (max. less min.) of readings around circumference
Accuracy:
Can Height: ±0.01mm (±0.39 thou)
Side Wall Thickness: ±0.001mm (±0.039 thou)
Dome Depth: ±0.01mm (±0.39 thou)

PLEASE NOTE: Cans for testing must be clean and dry.


SPECIFICATIONS

Sort:
1
ProductPage:
SI680x
Voltage:
100 - 240 V a.c., single phase
Air Supply:
6 to 7 bar
Temperature Range:
15ºC to 40ºC (59°F to 104°F)
Relative Humidity:
0% to 80% non-condensing
Ingress Protection:
IP20
Controller:
Process Master™ gauge software running on attached PC
Measurement Reporting:
Batch results displayed on PC screen and optionally sent as report to network storage or network printer (Report format specified at time of order)
No. of batch results stored: user-definable in software (default = 100)
Loading:
Manual loading and unloading
Dimensions:
400 x 650 x 875 mm (15.75" x 25.59" x 34.45")
Weight:
80kg (176lb) gauge only
Compliance:
CE marked, complies with relevant EU product directives
Calibration:
Gauge re-baselines against setting piece (two provided) if measurement drift is detected
Annual calibration of setting pieces is strongly recommended


Due to continual product development, actual specifications may change. E&OE

Measures multiple can sizes with tool-free inserts

The SI6800 Front End Gauge (Trimmed Can Gauge) measures can height, mid and top side wall thickness, and dome depth on un-necked, trimmed beverage cans. The gauge uses well-proven technology that eliminates all operator influence on the results.

MULTIPLE CAN SIZES

Cans with different can diameters can be measured with quick change, tool-free change parts. Different can heights need no change parts. So several standard can sizes and shapes can easily and quickly be tested with a single gauge.

SINGLE, DUAL PROBE

Sencon Front End Gauge - multiple side wall measurements

The SI6802 Single-Probe model can measure side wall thickness at up to 12 vertical locations (to 40 mm from the bottom of the can) and numerous radial positions. The data yielded can be used for side wall modelling to find the transition point. However, as the side wall measurements are made subsequent to the can height and dome depth readings, the cycle time is slightly extended.

The SI6805 Dual-Probe model measures the top and mid wall at two fixed heights concurrently, reducing the overal cycle time. Fixed probe heights are specified by the customer at the time of ordering.

ONE SETTING PIECE

 Every measurement for every batch is automatically qualified using a single UKAS certificated setting piece (for all can sizes). The gauge constantly monitors its own performance and recalibrates if drift is detected. A single setting piece not only saves time and storage space, but also saves costs as only a single setting master requires annual certification. Sencon supply two identical setting pieces, so one can be used while the other is sent for certification.


Benefits of Benchmark™ Series Gauges

The Benchmark Series is a uniquely comprehensive range of benchtop gauges for beverage can measurement, test and inspection. The gauges use the same advanced technologies as the fully automatic Master Series™, making available Sencon's well-proven gauging solutions in compact, standalone units that are well suited to the quality assurance laboratory and are equally at home beside the production line.

Fast, semi-automatic operation

Procedures are defined and selected with Sencon's proprietary Process Master™ gauging software or via intuitive touch screen icons. Then as soon as a can is loaded and the safety door closed the test is automatically carried out.

Multiple can sizes

The gauges all accept different can body and neck diameters and can heights, with either no change parts or quick-fit inserts (see individual pages for details).

Flexible configuration

The gauges are highly configurable for test parameters, setting up of operator and supervisor presets, and for display and output of results.

Excellent R&R for better process control

Reliable and consistent measurements from gauges with excellent R&R (repeatability and reproducibility) allow manufacturers to gain better control of their process. Sencon has carefully researched and developed appropriate technologies for each test to deliver accuracy and efficiency in the beverage can making plant. The gauges are constantly self-monitoring and self-calibrating to ensure optimum performance at all times.

Low maintenance, low running costs

Each gauge is designed for low maintenance, eliminating wear parts where possible to reduce running costs and maximize durability

Benchtop

BACK END
(FINISHED CAN) GAUGE

The Benchmark™ semi-automatic back end gauge takes measurements of key dimensions on finished ('back end') beverage cans.


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Benchtop

BUCKLE TESTER
(DOME REVERSAL) GAUGE

The Benchmark™ semi-automatic buckle (dome reversal) gauge measures the pressure required to reverse the dome on beverage cans.


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Benchtop

AXIAL LOAD
GAUGE

The Benchmark™ semi-automatic axial load gauge measures the maximum force which can be applied in the axial plane before deformation of the can.


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Benchtop

FILM-SCAN™
OPTICAL COATINGS GAUGE

A compact, semi-automatic benchtop gauge for non-contact, optical scanning measurement of coatings/film thickness on beverage cans.


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Benchtop

DOME REFORM
GAUGE (DRG)

The Benchmark™ dome reform gauge (DRG) carries out a complete and detailed, non-contact, 360° optical scan of the reform feature beverage can domes.


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Benchtop

Flange
Thickness Gauge

The Benchmark™ Flange Thickness gauge is the industry's first high precision solution designed to bridge a critical gap in beverage can quality control.


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TECHNICAL DOCUMENT LIBRARY

To access USER MANUALS, SOFTWARE AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES for Sencon's Benchmark™ Front End Gauge please LOGIN to our Technical Document Library. If you do not have a user account, you can REQUEST REGISTRATION HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: A company email address is required for access. Personal and web-based email accounts (e.g. gmail) are not accepted. Please be aware that the registration process is not automated, so the granting of access may be delayed depending on when the request is made.



Big on capability, small on size

The Benchmark™ range of compact, semi-automatic benchtop gauges for the modern can plant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

These are some questions we frequently hear from people looking at our Benchmark™ Front End Gauge. If you don’t see yours, please contact your regional Sencon office.



What dimensions does the Front End Gauge measure?

It measures can height, mid and top side wall thickness, and dome depth on un-necked, trimmed beverage cans using non-contact technology that eliminates operator influence.

Does it support different can sizes?

Yes — the gauge accepts multiple can diameters using tool-free, quick-change inserts, and automatically adjusts for different can heights without requiring change parts.

What model variants are available?

  • SI6802 (Single-Probe): Sequentially measures at up to 12 vertical positions (up to 40 mm from the can bottom) and many radial angles—ideal for side-wall modeling, though with slightly longer cycle times.
  • SI6805 (Multi-Probe): Measures mid and top wall thickness simultaneously at fixed heights, significantly reducing cycle time. Three-probe options (two fixed + one flexible) are also available.

How accurate are the measurements?

  • Can Height: ± 0.01 mm (± 0.39 thou)
  • Side Wall Thickness: ± 0.001 mm (± 0.039 thou)
  • Dome Depth: ± 0.01 mm (± 0.39 thou)

Does the gauge calibrate itself?

Yes — it features self-monitoring and self-calibration. For each batch, it checks against a single UKAS-certified setting piece and recalibrates if drift is detected. Two identical setting pieces are supplied so one can be certified while the other remains in use.

Is there any operator effect on results?

No — the gauge uses proven, non-contact measurement technology that eliminates operator influence, resulting in excellent repeatability and reproducibility (R&R).

How are procedures controlled, and where are results shown?

Measurement procedures are defined and selected using Process Master™ software or intuitive touch-screen icons. Results are automatically displayed on the connected PC and can be sent to network storage or printers.

How do I choose between single-, dual-, or triple-probe options?

  • Single-Probe: Offers maximum flexibility — you can measure at any position around the can, ideal for side wall analysis (though slower).
  • Dual / Triple-Probe: Designed for speed, measuring multiple positions concurrently. The triple-probe includes one flexible measurement point for added adaptability.

How does this semi-automatic unit compare to the fully automatic Master Series™?

While the Benchmark™ unit provides compact, standalone semi-automatic operation perfect for QA labs, the Master Series™ offers fully automatic, modular configurations with multi-lane conveyors, more extensive automation features, and seamless data integration (e.g., OPC-UA).

Visit the Master Series Front End gauge product page here.

Is technical support and calibration available?

Absolutely. Sencon provides worldwide service, accredited calibration, and after-sales support via engineers across North/South America, Europe, and Asia, backed by multiple technical support centers.

How does this gauge relate to other Benchmark™ series models?

The Front End Gauge is part of the compact Benchmark™ benchtop series, which includes instruments like the Back End Gauge, Dome Reform Gauge, Axial Load Gauge, and Film-Scan™ Coatings Gauge. They share the same advanced technology used in the Master Series™ but in standalone form ideal for QA labs.

RELATED PRODUCT NEWS

WORLDWIDE SERVICE AND SUPPORT YOU CAN TRUST

With service engineers based in North and South America, Europe and Asia, backed up by support from our experienced industry specialists at three technical support centers, you can trust Sencon for support, accredited calibration and after-sales service for your Benchmark™ Front End Gauge.

95% of beverage cans worldwide have been measured, tested, controlled or influenced in their manufacture by a Sencon product