PACKAGING RESOURCE CENTER
Print-Quality Inspection System
 |
A device inspects for color-standard variance, blemishes, sequential numbering, shape and correct position, pattern matching, optical character recognition, and optical character verification at read rates up to 1000 characters per second. The LVS 7000 validates number sequences and bar codes, verifies linear and matrix bar codes to ISO standards, checks for duplicates, and analyzes GS1 DataBar matrix structure. The LVS 7000 can inspect any combination of linear, matrix, and stacked codes to ISO print-quality standards. The bar codes can be in any orientation, with any quantity on a label, and as many labels across the web or form as required. Label Vision Systems Inc., Peachtree City, GA; 800/432-9430; www.lvs-inc.com.
Miniature Long-Range Laser
A line of long-range miniature through-beam sensors designed to detect small targets in tight locations conforms to the toughest inspection and position-control applications found in the packaging, material handling, pharmaceutical, and medical manufacturing processes. The Mini-Eye Class 1 red laser sensor has a range of up to 200 ft. Its red, 650-nm narrow beam provides precision sensing, and the device resists ambient light and strobes. Tri-Tronics Company, Inc., Tampa, FL; 800/237-0946; www.ttco.com.
Digital Laser Sensor
 |
A laser sensor uses a newly developed algorithm to detect targets that conventional sensors cannot. The GV Series Digital CMOS Laser Sensor relies on an optical triangulation sensor and can analyze shiny targets with multiple reflections as well as light-absorbing materials such as black rubber. Designed for automatic, inline sensing applications, the GV detects target presence or absence based on surface characteristics or target height. Up to four sets of sensors and amplifiers can be used for each application. Keyence Corp., Woodcliff Lake, NJ; 888/539-3623; www.keyence.com.
Optical Inspection System
 |
An optical system caters to manufacturers of OTC and regulated solid-dose pharmaceuticals, with a special focus on softgel applications. The Optyx SG/P automatically inspects each softgel capsule at production speeds and identifies and removes defects and foreign capsules from the product stream. The Optyx SG/P verifies product color, size, and shape to conform to pharmaceutical manufacturers’ specifications. The system can inspect up to 1 million softgel capsules per hour. The SG/P uses four inspection cameras located above and below the product stream, which work with image-processing data to evaluate each capsule. Symetix, Walla Walla, WA; 800/941-3701; www.symetix.com.
Orienting Machine
 |
An orienting system employs four cameras for a 360° field of vision. The OmniView can read bar codes, verify text, inspect graphics, and measure features at production-line speeds of up to 1200 parts per minute. OmniView’s vision software uses images from multiple cameras to create a seamless 360° image of any cylindrical surface without rotating the product. Cognex Corp., Natick, MA; 877/264-6391; www.cognex.com.
Print Inspection System
A standalone, bolt-on blister print inspection system checks individual blisters or cartons on conveyors for lot/date codes, bar codes, RSS, and other forms of data. The system mounts to existing conveying systems and is independent of upstream or downstream equipment. Using Scanware Vision hardware, the system performs individual pocket inspection on HUD blisters at a rate exceeding 350 cards per minute. An optional magazine feeder allows reintroduction of overflow product. Micron PharmaWorks Inc. Odessa, FL; 727/232-8200; www.pharmaworks.com.
Optical Sensor
 |
An optical sensor fills the gap between conventional discrete sensors and vision systems. Sharpshooter is an optical sensor that uses a vision system within the parameters of a photoelectric sensor. It uses vision technology to provide error-proofing inspection and verification of product count, part inclusion or identification, product configuration, and label inclusion, plus verification of nearly any product feature. The Sharpshooter’s size (58 × 52 × 40 mm) allows it to replace photoelectric sensors. The device also can be used to control quality and detect errors on parts or products that are presented in different attitudes or configurations. Balluff Inc., Florence, KY; 800/543-8390; www.balluff.com.
