Inspection System monitors up to 40,000 bottles/hr.
Press Release Summary:
PETWallplus with Vision(TM) combines PETWall® non-contact wall-thickness monitoring system with camera-based inspection system. It provides sidewall thickness distribution monitoring and random defect detection for critical areas in seal surface and base of PET containers. Measurement sensors and vision components mount inside blowmolder. Information provided includes data for individual containers, reject information, production-run summary data, and live trend plots.
Original Press Release:
AGR* TopWave LLC Introduces PETWallplus with Vision(TM) In-the-Blowmolder, Integrated Vision Inspection and Thickness Monitoring System for PET Containers
Agr*TopWave LLC announces the addition of the PETWallplus with Vision(TM) in-the-blowmolder vision inspection and thickness monitoring system to its family of products.
PETWallplus with Vision(TM) offers a total process and quality control concept for PET container manufacturers. Combining Agr's patent pending PETWall® non-contact wall-thickness monitoring system with a high precision camera-based inspection system, PETWallplus with Vision(TM) provides both sidewall thickness distribution monitoring and random defect detection for critical areas in the seal surface and base of PET containers. This combination facilitates a comprehensive approach toward quality assurance and provides the tools for optimal blowmolder operation while reducing or eliminating the need for labor-intensive manual quality checks.
This powerful system offers much more than basic inspection capabilities. With the combination of vision and thickness, every container is monitored at production speeds up to 40,000 bottles per hour, for not only random defects but also for deviations in material distribution, process problems and random distribution-related events. In addition, this system provides a wealth of data for evaluating critical regions such as the bottle base. This versatile product permits easy identification of very small changes in the process, when they happen, making it possible for proactive operator intervention and avoidance of the delays associated with sampling methods.
PETWallplus with Vision(TM) incorporates the latest technology in vision components to accurately and reliably identify random defects while minimizing the incidence of false rejects. Cameras and lighting are configured to provide comprehensive inspections of the base and/or the seal surface region of the container. Base defects such as holes in feet, impurities, off-center and cracked gates, under blown base/feet, and dark spots can be easily detected with this system. For sealing surface inspection, the PETWallplus with VisionTm detects flaws such as nicks, cuts, short-shots, and rolled or oval finishes.
The patent pending PETWallplus(TM) thickness sensors can be configured for up to four measurement zones per container. The PETWallplus with Vision(TM) system utilizes Agr*TopWave's proven infrared light absorption techniques to accurately measure wall
thickness at user definable locations, permitting measurement in the most critical areas of a container. Thickness data is correlated to molds and spindles giving the blowmolder operator information essential for pinpointing problems and ensuring the blowmolder operates and produces containers at desired performance levels.
The PETWallplus with Vision(TM) measurement sensors and vision components mount inside the blowmolder, utilizing the blowmolder's handling and reject system without interfering with blowmolder operation. Versions of PETWallplus with Vision(TM) are
available for a wide variety of the most common blowmolders in use today.
All measurement information and system control is handled through a freestanding, user interface that features touch-screen operation and a high-resolution, color display. Vision and thickness data is continuously updated and available to the operator in a number of easy to understand charts and graphs to facilitate the monitoring of containers and quickly assess the overall performance of the blowmolder. Information provided includes data for individual containers, reject information, production-run summary data and live trend plots.
The PETWallplus with Vision(TM) system is another part of Agr*TopWave's broad line of process monitoring and measurement products for plastic container manufacturers. Agr*TopWave LLC, a division of AGR International Inc., develops and manufactures a
full line of laboratory and on-line testing/quality control devices for plastic containers and similar products. Agr*TopWave's headquarters and main manufacturing facility is located in Butler, PA, USA.
For further information contact: David Dineff, Product Marketing Director, Agr*TopWave LLC, Butler, PA, USA. Phone +1 (724) 482-2163 or email ddineff@agrintl.com.
