The applications range from the new CapWatcher FC and different variants of the IMLWatcher to the CapWatcher Q-Line, which is optimized for the inspection of tethered caps and will be presented with the latest version of the IntraVisualizer analysis software. Dr. Gerd Fuhrmann, CEO of INTRAVIS GmbH, is already looking forward to the trade show: “We will undoubtedly generate a lot of attention with our exhibits and new developments.”
CapWatcher FC: Extensive information at the INTRAVIS booth
At the INTRAVIS booth 11 A56, visitors will receive extensive information on the latest system in the product portfolio, the CapWatcher FC. With it, INTRAVIS introduces for the first time a new inspection technology that uses index markings to inspect the application angle. With the help of five side cameras, the system detects whether the closure is screwed on in the target position or whether it has been screwed on too far or not far enough. The vision inspection system is guided by markings on the closure and neck support ring that are barely perceptible to the end user. If these markings are within a tolerated range of each other, the system assumes that the closure has been completely and correctly fitted and releases the bottle for packaging. The production line operator also receives comprehensive statistics correlating the average application angle with the capper’s tool. This allows malfunctions of a tool to be detected at short notice. In addition, the CapWatcher FC inspects the bottle for damage, presence and correct positioning of the closure, and records the fill level of the bottle.
New washdown design for high splash protection
The CapWatcher FC is completely designed in the new washdown design. Dr. Gerd Fuhrmann: “The washdown design is intended for INTRAVIS systems that are located exclusively in the wet area of the filling lines behind the filler. Thanks to the specific design, the inspection unit and the associated control cabinet are splashproof all around and meet the hygiene requirements of the fillers.” The design also simplifies cleaning of the system. as the exterior is designed to drain off any water. In addition, the interior of the CapWatcher FC is easily accessible.
Besides the CapWatcher FC, the label inspection system LabelWatcher is also now available in the washdown design. Janina Orlowski, Product Manager at INTRAVIS: “With the washdown design on the LabelWatcher, we are once again significantly expanding its application possibilities. Each component is individually enclosed and thus optimally protected during ongoing operation and cleaning.” The LabelWatcher is already established on the market and is used for the comprehensive decoration inspection of bottles, jars, cans and containers.
CapWatcher Q-Line: new separation methodology for tethered caps
Additionally, INTRAVIS will also present its new and further developments of the CapWatcher Q-Line at drinktec, which is tailored to the challenges of tethered cap inspection. INTRAVIS will show an exhibit of this inspection system for caps at the booth 15/D22 of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH.
What is new is the way the closures are separated during an inspection. Whereas the system previously used a star wheel to separate the caps from above, a positive, lateral star wheel separation is now selected. Gerd Fuhrmann: “The external shape and stability of tethered caps pose a challenge for separation, especially as the caps are becoming thinner and thinner. With our new form-fit, lateral star wheel separation, our systems ensure perfect separation and positioning of the caps even at the highest speeds. In the process, the closures are handled gently and carefully. “Due to a software logic that has been optimized for the non-rotationally symmetrical outer appearance of the caps, the tethered caps no longer have to be aligned. This further simplifies the separation process.
IntraVisualizer: New version as cloud-based solution
The CapWatcher Q-Line exhibited at K is also equipped with the latest version of the IntraVisualizer. The software solution already serves many companies as a trend detection and analysis tool for optimizing production processes.
In doing so, the software accesses the multitude of product-related quality data from all INTRAVIS inspection systems in a production plant, analyzes them in detail, and uses them to determine trends and important information for the quality, manufacturing, and management teams.
A new feature is that the IntraVisualizer is now offered as a cloud-based solution. Markus Juppe, CMO at INTRAVIS says, “The benefits of a cloud-based solution are many for our customers. For example, they do not have to maintain their own IT infrastructure to use the IntraVisualizer and therefore do not have to maintain it. We take care of updates automatically - and without affecting the users. Furthermore, our customers are now completely flexible: they can connect as many systems as they like and no longer come up against capacity limits.” The cloud solution also enables all information to be displayed on mobile devices.
IMLWatcher: Experience different inspection options
The IMLWatcher is a system for quality inspection of products with in-mold labels that is well established in the market. INTRAVIS will be represented with it at a total of three partner booths.
At the booth of Enelkon Automation (12/ A43) INTRAVIS will show an IMLWatcher, which is integrated into a robot handling system of Enelkon. Ten cameras carry out a 360° inspection of the labels per shot, as well as an inner inspection and an inspection for short shots on four round cups each.
The IMLWatcher at the Wittmann Battenfeld booth (15/C06) is also integrated into a robot handling system - namely the IML handling system from Beck Automation. Its ten cameras inspect drinking cups from four cavities. In addition to 360° inspection of the labels and inspections of the interior and for short shots, this IMLWatcher also offers special software functions. These include a long-term image memory, extended cavity statistics, a prewarning stage when a tolerance range is foreseeably exceeded, and extensive user administration.
The IMLWatcher presented at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag (15/D22) together with Campetella Robotic Center S.r.l. follows a different concept. In this case, the ten cameras are installed on a conveyor belt and inspect the labels of the eight different cavities 360° for quality. In addition, the system performs a quality control of the bottom label and reads both a data matrix code and a barcode.
