Machine Vision - Camera-Based Automatic Vision Systems

Vision systems can check 100% of products, even on high speed lines, allowing Statistical Process Control (SPC) to be used to monitor any variations in quality. Applications include print recognition and verification, including verification of date / lot codes, checking the presence of all components and colour checks in pharmaceutical devices.

Machine Vision Technology provides a range of camera-based automatic vision systems for the pharmaceutical industry. We supply complete engineered vision systems for all tablets and capsules. Our vision systems are also available to be retrofitted to existing production lines at any point where quality and or potential contamination is an issue.

Machine Vision Technology's record within the food industry for Optical Character Recognition (OCR) combined with product verification is unrivalled, with 18 live systems and five more on the way. This technology has now successfully been transferred to the pharmaceutical industry. We now provide the world's leading blue chip manufacturers with fully-commissioned automatic vision systems. All our systems conform to CFR 21 PART 11 standards and are provided complete with FAT and documentation prior to shipping.

VISION-BASED TABLET INSPECTION SYSTEMS

Machine Vision Technology's vision-based tablet inspection systems use OCR and / or Optical Character Verification (OCV) to inspect tablets for the presence and quality of multiple characters stamped or printed on both surfaces. The systems are suitable for both flat and convex tablets in all shapes - round, oval, oblong, triangular, square, tear shaped, etc.

The surfaces of the faces and sides of the tablet can also be inspected for defects such as chips, cracks and protrusions, as well as for the presence and position of a drug release hole. Colour sorting and verification can also be included if required. All inspection systems come with FAT prior to delivery. Installation, on-site commissioning and a twelve month warranty are also included.

VISION-BASED CAPSULE INSPECTION SYSTEMS

Machine Vision's capsule inspection system checks capsules for surface defects - such as contamination and bubbles. The ability to rotate individual capsules has also been successfully designed and developed. This enables the system to implement OCR on logos and / or dosage values on 360° of the capsule surface. This capability is believed to be an industry first and has attracted a huge amount of interest in the capsule manufacturing industry.

This vision-based inspection system conforms to 21CFR PART11. All material that comes in contact with the product is FDA approved, from the 316 L stainless steel to the polyurethane coated hoppers, bowls, and exit chutes.

ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS

Machine Vision also provides systems for assembly projects, which ensure the integrity of the final assembly to OCR, print verification and expiry date verification. The most recent system in this area was for the correct final assembly of pregnancy testers. Machine Vision's assembly systems were integrated into the manufacturing and assembly process of pregnancy testers.

BLISTER PACK INSPECTION

Machine Vision's blister pack inspection systems, complete with custom lighting, can be retrofitted to existing blister pack machines. Our inspection system has a rate of 100 blisters per minute and incorporates the ability to inspect the blister from the pocket side. Pocket deformations are inspected and ripped pockets detected. The blister pack inspection system can also inspect the print on the side of the aluminum cover, including the lateral-embossed type of printing.

The following abnormalities will also be detected by Machine Vision's blister pack inspection system:

• Foreign objects in the pockets
• Missing products
• Dirty or scratched pockets
• Deformed pockets
• Faulty products
• Print defects
• Sealed-in foreign debris