Machine vision for packaging inspection
August 2013
Sensors & Transducers
Machine vision (camera based inspection) is an invaluable tool for packaging related quality control functions, and, with over a decade of experience, Westplex is well positioned to deliver reliable, robust solutions. This expertise is based on a thorough understanding of all the elements involved such as imager performance, vision tool functionality strengths and weaknesses, optics and lighting.
Westplex is the South African channel partner for Cognex vision sensors, vision systems, vision software and industrial ID readers. Cognex has a full range of products from the cost effective and surprisingly fast Checker vision sensor to the versatile, high performance Insight range of smart cameras. All Cognex products incorporate innovative technology and are universally recognised as offering high accuracy, reliability and performance. Devices can interface seamlessly with most commonly field bus types such as Profinet, Ethernet IP, ModbusTCP, as well as robots such as ABB, Denso, Fanuc, Kawasaki, Kuka, Motoman and Staubli. OPC, RS-232, TCP/IP and discrete I/O connectivity are also available.
Inspection of product appearance
Using tools such as pattern match, a machine vision system can perform the functions of ensuring that the correct label has been applied to a product, that it has been applied straight and that it is not torn. The PatMax algorithm provides invaluable pattern match performance.
Verification of variable data
A cost effective Checker vision sensor can check for the presence of data such as an expiry date printed by an inline inkjet printer. This can be done reliably even if the location or print quality of the code is inconsistent.
Barcode reading and verification
Both 1D (barcodes) and 2D codes can be read and verified to ensure that they are present and meet the minimum required standard for readability. Cognex products feature the advanced IDMax algorithm which can read almost any code on any surface, including badly marked or damaged codes.
Detection of rejects
Machine vision can perform a range of quality checks that cannot be performed reliably by other means, these include:
* Detection of damaged or deformed containers.
* Missing or skew closures.
* Closure safety ring inspection.
* Incorrect fill levels.
* Verification of correct label for product contents.
Further reading:
Miniature inductive sensors
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The inductive IY/IZ type sensors from ifm are used in various industrial areas where space is limited.
Read more...
The expanding role of 3D cameras in industrial quality control
TANDM Technologies
Sensors & Transducers
Across factory floors, warehouses, mines and research centres worldwide, computer vision paired with 3D camera technology is revolutionising quality control.
Read more...
PDS implementation on mines
Sensors & Transducers
Level 9 vehicle intervention for collision avoidance has been mandatory on South African mines since 2022, yet the effective roll-out of proximity detection systems remains slower than expected. This is not due to the technical limitations of integration but to operational readiness on site.
Read more...
Monitoring analogue process values
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Everywhere in industry, electronic sensors are used to detect process values such as temperature, pressure or flow. Process value monitoring often takes place directly in the sensor.
Read more...
Protecting buildings’ embodied carbon with retrofitted systems
Schneider Electric South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The World Economic Forum has said that around 80% of the buildings in existence will still be around in 2050; it is therefore essential that in order to combat climate change we retrofit them for energy efficiency.
Read more...
Listening for damage to wind turbines
Sensors & Transducers
The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, working in concert with the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems, has developed a solution that can be used to identify cracks and breakage inside wind turbine blades remotely at an early stage.
Read more...
Enhancing gold leaching efficiency
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Endress+Hauser offers a range of advanced technologies designed to enhance the stability and accuracy of pH and dissolved oxygen measurements on gold processing plants.
Read more...
Powering safer mining with PDS
Sensors & Transducers
With the mining industry under increasing pressure to prioritise safety without compromising productivity, Booyco Electronics is pushing the boundaries of Proximity Detection System and Collision Avoidance System technology across both underground and surface operations.
Read more...
The car of the future listens
Sensors & Transducers
The perception of external sounds in cars has been lacking, even in automated driving. That is why Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA is researching the integration of acoustic sensor technology in its KI4BoardNet project with the Hearing Car.
Read more...
High-performance LineScan camera
Sensors & Transducers
Lynred, a global leader in infrared imaging technologies, has launched its next-generation SWIR LineScan camera and sensor, specifically designed for the inspection of silicon wafers, solar panels and waste management.
Read more...
printer friendly version