LYNX-SPECTRA 3D is a high-resolution, laser-based image processing system for 3D inspection of the geometry and volume of packaging materials and products from the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food sectors, which was developed by scanware electronic GmbH, Bickenbach.
The system checks for Undesirable deformations of any kind, such as pressure marks, bulges or flaking. It is used for inspection tasks and applications that can no longer be solved with 2D cameras. From 2D to 3D inspection. The system was developed after a customer approached the company with a task that could not be solved using existing technologies.
„The aim was to ensure the quality of sealed aluminium blisters by detecting the smallest deformations in the aluminium caused by the transport process in the machine,“ explains Harald Mätzig, Managing Director of scanware electronic GmbH.
Tests with black and white and colour cameras in combination with various lighting techniques did not lead to the desired results. In particular, the use of a very fast packaging machine required a camera with an extremely high processing speed. In the end, a solution was found that met all requirements. Thanks to this project, the first valuable experience could be gained as to what this system can achieve and which tasks can be solved in the future.
Adaptation to customer-specific requirements
Possible applications often arose from customer requirements. Shortly after the first successfully implemented project, another customer confronted the company with a problem: the inspection of grey tablets in combination with aluminium blisters (grey-in-grey). Theoretically, inspection is possible using conventional colour technology, but due to batch fluctuations in aluminium and product colours, reliable detection cannot be guaranteed. The Grey-on-grey problem results from the lack of contrast between product and packaging.
Since the control Double fillings or the Lack of productsIf the aim is to recognise the shape and volume of a room, 3D technology is the perfect solution, as the laser used in the system determines and displays geometries and volumes. Contrasts and colours are irrelevant with this approach. With the LYNX-SPECTRA 3D can therefore be checked grey-in-grey with process reliability.
Wide range of applications
Pharmaceutical products are becoming more and more complex and the demands on inspection systems are therefore becoming more diverse. Multilayer tablets for example, are a product group that also cannot be reliably checked by conventional colour systems. Although the respective colours can be taught in, reliable detection of missing components is only guaranteed by the volume measurement of the 3D system.
Due to the possibility of Height measurement With the LYNX-SPECTRA 3D, when sealing oblongs, it is possible to ensure that there is no sealing of protruding objects and that these defects are reliably detected. The function is also used to detect fragments underneath products and is therefore a crucial component of quality control. While black-and-white or colour systems are unable to detect such defects or congruent double filling, the 3D system detects these defects using the height information obtained. The latest applications include, for example Powders or inhalers. By controlling the Volumes product defects, such as missing powder quantities, can be detected quickly and reliably.
Simple operation with maximum safety
Like all scanware systems, the LYNX-SPECTRA 3D is equipped with the QNX real-time operating system equipped. It is robust and reliable and is therefore used in aerospace and medical technology, for example. Visualisation takes place via the scanware GUI. It impresses with a standardised user interface for all systems, convenient data input and easy-to-understand menu navigation. The system is also equipped with 3D visualisation. Images are generated using a laser light sectioning process. The camera used makes it possible to generate the 3D data at very high speed and quality. The prerequisites are a frame grabber and a multi-camera mixing card to support line-orientated image transfer. Certification is required due to the use of lasers. This includes laser protection class 1. Maximum security offered.
A look into the future
Even after ten years, the market continues to produce new requirements. The system should also be able to solve these in the future. One step towards addressing these problems is the development of a new type of system, the LYNX-SPECTRA 3D colour. It enables a pixel-perfect combination of 3D and colour data. The reduction in size is another development step. This allows better integration into machines and systems with limited space.
[infotext icon]About scanware„The significant reduction in size gives us additional opportunities to make customised systems even more compact. This is because colour and 3D inspection can now be installed in one housing,“ says Dominik Hüfner, Software developer at scanware and main person responsible for the LYNX-SPECTRA 3D.
scanware electronic GmbH is an internationally active, privately owned, medium-sized company. As an independent manufacturer, it develops and produces systems for product and packaging material inspection for use in packaging systems. The products are consistently customised to individual needs and the real requirements of practical and economic efficiency. Over 25 years of experience and a high degree of specialisation enable the specialists to always offer their customers complete solutions. Practice-orientated and specially tailored to the strict GMP requirements, the product range is the result of intensive cooperation with pharmaceutical companies and machine manufacturers worldwide.
