Machine Vision solution for packaging quality control
For the pharmaceutical industries, the effort to continuously improve the quality of the products also concerns to a large extent their packaging, which is a critical point of quality control.
The right packaging protects the products from contamination, wear and tear, ensuring the maintenance of their effectiveness, until the moment of use.
The need
The client, a large pharmaceutical industry in the country, identified the need to improve the quality control of two (2) specific products, with a solution that would allow the timely detection and rejection of their defective packages.
The requirements included easy selection of the controlled package (“recipe”) by the operator, as well as the detection of specific defects before filling, such as:
- broken fuse,
- wrong orientation
- open tube
In addition, it was requested to be able to measure the distances between the tubes.
Finally, it was a customer requirement that the machine be stopped during the rejection phase (when an error is detected), so that the operator can intervene with corrective actions.
The solution
The solution came from the KALAMARAKIS AUTOMATION team, which designed and coordinated the implementation of a comprehensive machine vision proposal.
Before the programming and parameterization of the automation materials, tests were carried out with samples of good and rejected products, initially in the laboratory of KALAMARAKIS AUTOMATION and later on the machine itself, at the customer’s production site, to ensure repeatability (Proof of Concept) in real conditions.
The proposal included the installation of an Omron color Smart camera with an integrated controller, developing recipes for two operational situations, and installing the necessary software to display and select the recipes for the 2 packages.
Finally, operators were trained in selecting a recipe and managing the discard phase.
Benefits
- Quality control machine upgrade with advanced machine vision system
- Early detection of errors and machine stop before filling the packages
- Possibility of visual control and operator intervention
- Autonomy: Machine operator training in the use of the software
- Application Flexibility & Scalability: the possibility of future adaptations for new packages
- Optimum utilization of workforce and existing equipment
You can rely on our experience and diverse product selection to upgrade your equipment.
Contact us to explore the most suitable options tailored to your specific needs!
