As competition tightens in the gypsum market, manufacturers are under more pressure than ever to produce consistent, high-quality board while minimizing scrap and protecting margins. For Cabot Gypsum in Nova Scotia, that meant finding a way to monitor key product dimensions earlier, automatically, and continuously — long before quality issues could make it to the dryer.
This case study highlights how Cabot elevated their production capabilities with the Mate Gauge MG5 system and mgApp for Gypsum, and how real-time insight into 12 critical KPIs helped transform their ability to prevent scrap, stabilize their line, and deliver consistent quality.
Why Cabot Gypsum Looked for a Better Way
Before the install, Cabot relied on traditional micrometer checks and touch/feel inspection — methods that only happened after the board exited the dryer. If a defect appeared upstream, operators typically wouldn’t know until it had already produced an oven full of scrap boards. The reactive nature of this workflow left only small windows to adjust the process and protect product quality.
Cabot wanted to change that.
Their goals were clear:
- See thickness and taper performance earlier in the process
- Monitor over a dozen KPIs continuously and automatically
- Identify issues fast enough to prevent costly scrap
- Strengthen quality performance to remain competitive in a demanding market
With these objectives in mind, Cabot selected Mate Gauge’s standard inline thickness gauge, using mgOS and its purpose-built Gypsum App, to provide real-time visibility to a part of the process that had historically been blind.
The Gypsum App displaying real-time data captured directly from the production line.
Installing the MG5 in a Live Production Environment
The installation was led by Ashley Robb, Mate Gauge Applications Engineer, who collaborated closely with Cabot’s team. After jointly reviewing the process, Cabot selected an ideal position for the MG5 — after board formation but before cutting and drying, maximizing early detection of defects.
Prior to Installation:
- Cabot ran power and compressed air to the chosen location.
- Mounting preparations were made during a planned maintenance period.
- The system was leveled, aligned, and configured to their line geometry.
- The team prepared PLC integration to sync MG5 with production events.
Once the line was started, the MG5 delivered immediate measurement feedback.
Cabot’s operators and maintenance crew quickly became engaged with the new system, excited to see what the highly advanced gauging system—one that represents a new quality standard for their process would reveal about their production line. And the insights arrived faster than expected.
Ashley providing hands-on technical support during the MG5 setup, ensuring accurate
measurements and a smooth start-up.
Early Wins: Accurate, Real-Time KPIs and Faster Reaction Time
The first thing Cabot’s team checked was accuracy. They compared the MG5’s measurements directly with their existing micrometer method — and found consistent agreement.
Then came the first valuable discovery:
The MG5 detected that one taper was running too shallow, an issue the operators hadn’t yet noticed. Hand micrometers later confirmed the finding. But because the MG5 identified it much earlier, operators were able to make corrective adjustments before the problem reached the dryer.
This single event validated the system’s purpose:
detect issues early, act quickly, and prevent unnecessary scrap.
Operators also appreciated how easy it was to navigate the mgApp interface:
- KPIs clearly displayed
- Fast visual feedback
- Intuitive touch-based layout
- Minimal training required
Instead of relying on post-dryer inspection, Cabot’s team was now reacting in real time.
Small Footprint. Smart Automation. Minimal Maintenance.
While Cabot had ample space for the MG5, many gypsum plants operate in tighter environments. For those cases, Mate Gauge offers the MGO, a compact alternative designed for smaller mounting spaces.
On the maintenance side, Cabot has found the MG5 simple to keep clean. The system includes:
- Air purge cleaning
- Dirt build-up detection in mgOS
This means operators only perform a quick wipe-down once per day, taking less than two minutes — and it can be done while the line is still running.
Seamless PLC Integration Through mgOS
The system’s PLC handshake went smoothly thanks to mgOS’s built-in PLC setup utility, which:
- Automatically maps MG5 results to Cabot’s process tags
- Allows Cabot tags to be read for start/stop syncing
- Handles line jams, product changeovers, and state changes
This eliminated what would traditionally be a long integration process, making the install as efficient as possible.
Cabot’s team recognized this as a meaningful upgrade — both a technical improvement and a forward-looking investment into the future of quality control on their line.
A New Level of Visibility for Gypsum Manufacturing
Cabot operator reviewing inline thickness readings on the MG5 system while the gypsum line is in motion
With MG5 installed, Cabot now has:
- Earlier detection of thickness and taper issues
- Reduced risk of scrap loading into the dryer
- Clear visibility into over a dozen KPIs
- Real-time insights operators can use immediately
- A more predictable, consistent process
In an industry where minor deviations can create big downstream consequences, the addition of early-stage measurement has already proven its value.
Want to Explore Whether MG5 Is a Fit for Your Line?
You can speak directly with the engineer who led the Cabot installation.
She’ll walk through your line, your challenges, and whether MG5 (or MGO) is the right fit for your operation.
It’s a simple, no-pressure conversation — and often the quickest path to understanding your improvement opportunities.
Mate Gauge MG5 installed @ Cabot Gypsum. Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, Canada