In-line inspection with AI
A new way to inspect special closures
IMD, known for closure inspection systems, developed a very new in-line closure inspection solution based on artificial intelligence. AI is already everywhere and now it is going to get an important position in the in-line closure production as well. In combination with the vision control center-V5 the new IMDvista Neuron is one of the most important software developments in IMD’s history.
IMDvista Neuron inspected already millions of tethered and special closures in different designs, versions and solutions. It is a huge milestone for all IMD customers due to the fact that they have now a quality insurance for all future tethered closure versions as well. After years it is additional possible to fulfil a huge demand of inspection inquires on special closures.
All started due to the new EU tethered regulation
It was a challenge for IMD to find a solution which would be able to detect all current unknown defects which could appear in the future. Without 24/7 production experience and real samples, it was impossible for the brand owners nor for the closure producers to define updated quality and inspection specifications. It was therefore essential for IMD to find a new solution which would be flexible enough to cover all future defined requirements.
The development
The expected size of defects that needs to be detected was significantly smaller than anything known so far. A detailed in-line inspection of a complex outside hinge structure without a rotational positioning was almost impossible. Due to smallest image distortions also a “panorama picture” was not able to solve the task. IMD’s final software-based solution does not need additional mechanical closure orientation as Neuron can detect defects 360° around the closure in a not yet achieved precision.
No performance decrease anymore
No additional investment in an expensive mechanical closure orientation station is needed and this is important in the in-line closure inspection business. It is a fact, that the precision of a rotational mechanical high-speed orientation on an in-line conveyor is never stable enough to work without pseudo rejects. Pseudo rejects generate higher production costs and a performance decrease which is inacceptable in a state-of-the-art production line.
A new opportunity for special closures
With Neuron a detailed inspection of a great variety of very complex closure types in different markets is now possible. In the past it was not possible for a high-speed in-line system to reach all inspection expectations for speciality closures e.g. closures on beverage carton, sport, medical or pharma closures and many other market segments.
A perfect combination with light and optics
Of course an optimal application setup is key for a precise vision inspection.
IMD said that with Neuron it is possible to reach a higher inspection level without a perfect application setup. Due to the artificial intelligence, Neuron is much more flexible to handle non-homogeneous or reflective areas.
Retrofit as an important factor
For IMD customers it will be possible to work with their existing standard IMDvista vision inspection systems. Depending on closure designs, almost all running lines are possible to upgrade without investment in a completely new system.
Neuron for different products and markets
IMD had already several new projects, which were only possible to handle with the new IMDvista Neuron. For example, it is now possible to read very special and complex preform or closure cavity numbers which was absolutely impossible to handle for the vision market in the past.
IMD’s flexibility in the future
In the future Neuron guarantees IMD the flexibility to react quickly on new market requirements and demands. With Neuron it is possible to reduce significantly the engineering time for special demands. Due to the new artificial intelligence tool, the future of IMD has already begun.
