Schwarzwaldhof, a subsidiary of Edeka Südwest, is using modern technology to further improve the quality of its ham cube packaging. The company has implemented a hyperspectral seal seam inspection system to detect impurities in the seal seams and prevent leaking packaging.
Schwarzwaldhof is known for its Black Forest ham and sausage specialities, especially for the many varieties of ham cubes it produces. These are produced on a deep-drawing machine from Multivac packaged in a protective atmosphere. The quality of the sealed seams was checked by visual inspection by employees until mid-2023. To ensure the improve the efficiency and reliability of this process, the company decided to implement a new automatic control system.
The hyperspectral HyperScope system replaces the previous X-ray inspection system, which was unable to reliably detect smaller ham particles in the sealed seams. HyperScope utilises the Hyperspectral imaging, to identify contaminants in the sealing seams with high contrast, even on printed films. The system can inspect up to 160 packages per minute and is ideal for inspecting sliced, chopped and poured food products.
„Sealing seam defects can have catastrophic effects on the shelf life of our products,“ explains the Technical Packaging Manager at Schwarzwaldhof. Thanks to the automation of the final packaging and the introduction of HyperScope, it has been possible to minimise the Ensure product quality and reduce complaints.
Source: Engilico
