The Latest in Inspection Equipment

Contracter Selects X-Ray and Checkweighers
A contract manufacturer and packager handling premium pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements has installed five x-ray inspection systems and seven checkweighers on its packaging lines. Contract Pharmacal Corp. (CPC) selected the SmartChek x-ray system, which uses a single beam, an electronically controlled low-powered x-ray generator, and proprietary data and image analysis software to identify objects that are a different density than the product. The systems identify foreign particles such as metal, glass, plastic, and a variety of other objects and automatically remove contaminated products from the packaging line. In addition, the XE2 checkweighers maintain an accuracy of ±100 mg; they can identify a package with just one missing tablet. Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed and Mettler-Toledo Safeline, Tampa, FL; 813/889-9500; www.mt.com/safelineus.

X-Ray Sampling
A manufacturer of x-ray equipment invites customers to submit product samples in order to detemine the technology’s applicability for their applications. Customers can submit raw bulk material or products already packaged for testing. The sample testing is undertaken at the manufacturer’s technical center adjacent to its headquarters; the facility first went into operation in 1964 and has since conducted application tests numbering in the tens of thousands on all types of materials and processes. The laboratory features more than 100 types of permanent magnetic, electromagnetic, vibratory, screening, metal detection, and x-ray systems. Lab workers will conduct a variety of tests on different models of x-ray equipment and immediately share results with customers via a secured Web site where customers can view the testing and be active participants. E-Z Tec X-Ray Inspection Systems use advanced linear array technology to monitor product and package attributes such count, mass, fill level, fat analysis, broken or damaged product, as well as detecting unwanted metals, stone, glass, bone, and some plastics. Eriez, Erie, PA; 888/300-ERIEZ; www.eriez.com.

Automatic Print
Inspection
A product range includes both inline systems inspecting 100% of the production as well as sample testing units designed for examining chosen press samples more closely. A new sample testing technology is designed to inspect the print on round objects such as cans, tubes, and injectors. With the company’s ProofRoller, one may inspect the print quality, content, and readability of a label or a shrink sleeve after product application and check for any damage introduced during the application process. The inspection includes content, print quality, color, and (optionally) variable content and bar codes, which will be automatically identified, decoded, and graded against ANSI or EAN standards. The process takes minutes and generates a full report. EyeC-America LLC, Saint Charles, IL; 330/644-6841; info@eyec-america.com.

Automatic Quality
Inspection System
Operating at speeds up to 120 bottles per minute, a versatile system can inspect various packaging features such as cap, cotton, label, or leaflet with a multitude of container sizes and closure types. The Sentinel is easily integrated into an existing packaging line and was designed to be placed either at the end of a line or immediately after a specific piece of equipment. Intuitive touch screen controls allow the system to be reconfigured based on the batch at the time. Setup is designed to be quick and easy as self diagnostics eliminate manual error and all adjustments are marked with scales ensuring accurate placement. Data on number of rejects, consecutive rejects, and reject monitoring all can be compiled and viewable on screen and then sent through a network to a specific computer or printer. Safety guarding protects operators and prevents access to adjustment points. BellatRx Inc., Pointe-Claire, Quebec; 514/630-0939; www.bellatrx.com.