Inspection

Industrial Dynamics/filtec (Torrance, CA) develops a new Single Platform Technology (SPT) system allowing users to view and access local and remote machines from a single touch-screen interface. The SPT interface is available for new machines, and can also serve as a compatible upgrade for all older filtec inspection models.

Actavis Inc. is implementing the Inspect wt (web technology) inspection solution from Laetus Inc. for 100% inspection on liquid filling lines at its Lincolnton, NC, manufacturing facility. With the solution, Actavis is expanding the inspection functions performed on its lines. The goal is improving product quality, says Jason Grai, senior packaging engineer, Actavis.

As effective as end-of-the-line inspection solutions may be, in-process inspection provides cost and time saving advantages that manufacturers cannot afford to ignore. Easily scalable camera-based vision systems can be used at various stages of the packaging process, for example, to establish 100% inspection and improve process control.

Pharma Tech Industries (PTI), a contract manufacturer and packer of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and personal care products, has adopted x-ray and metal detection systems from Mettler-Toledo Safeline and checkweighers from Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed.

Global Vision is offering BraillePoint, a Braille dot measurement tool the company says is superior to scanner and camera-based measurement systems. The company will also introduce at Interphex new text inspection solutions.

Rotoflex has introduced a100% inspection system available on most Rotoflex finishing solutions. The LT Web Inspection system, designed specifically for Rotoflex, will provide high-quality inspection at a very competitive price, broadening inspection options for new and existing Rotoflex users.

Contracter Selects X-Ray and Checkweighers

Omrom (Schaumburg, IL) offers a trifecta of new advantages with the latest versions of its compact E5GN temperature controllers for small machines. The upgrades support increased indication accuracy and a faster sampling rate.

Banner Engineering (Minneapolis, MN) has introduced what it calls the first industrial touch screen bar code reader, the iVu BCR (Bar Code Reader). Suitable for mounting on or above a packaging line conveyor, the compact, rugged device allows users to set up and monitor complex applications without a PC or external controller. It employs an intuitive interface, reducing operator training time.

For years, users of linear bar codes have been able to do something 2-D bar codes users haven’t—confirm the accuracy of bar code verification systems through the use of a Calibrated Conformance Standard Test Card (CCSTC). These cards can be used for verifier calibration but are principally designed as a tool to test a verifier for conformance as per ISO/IEC specifications. In December, however, GS1 US announced the availability of the ISO/IEC Data Matrix and GS1 DataMatrix CCSTC, featuring 2-D bar code symbols of exact dimensional and reflectance values.