Retrofitting inspection with space problems?

Is limited space giving you headaches when retro-fitting packaging machines with inspection solutions?

The Bayer Bitterfeld GmbH produces approximately 100.000 Aspirin® packages in an 8 hour shift, this equates to more than 300 packages per minute. Information about the production time, lot number and the expiry date is printed on the back of each package with an inkjet printer. An inspection solution integrated into the packaging process verifies if the print is present and legable. If this is not the case, the machine stops working automatically until the error at the printer is rectified.

The basic requirements for the inspection system was a fully reliable method for identifying missing codes or code parts at the best price and a compact solution as space is limited. And retrofitting existing packaging machines always means limited space. Our modular vision systems fulfil these requirements providing a separate camera and controller.

The selection of the vision solution was justified by, "Firstly, the compact shape of the vision sensor and secondly, the prints are inspected before the blisters are punched out. Two blister packs are processed parallel to one another, this requires two cameras to be mounted above the lines. One controller processing data from two camera heads therefore saves space."

Beyond the requirements for a space saving and a cost efficient solution with separate camera heads and multiple image processing in one controller, we also offer solutions for very challenging applications e.g. miniature cameras when space is really tight. The intuitive usage and easy integration into existing systems for statistic evaluation is valued at the Bayer Bitterfeld GmbH. The complete application report is available on request.

In this article you can read more information on our space saving solutions in packaging machines.