New tasks in bottle inspection
Additional operating modes, extended functionality, new machine connections: The Heuft One expands its range of applications. From now on the entry-level device can not only be used for checking full containers but also as a smart distribution system, for detecting downtimes and serial faults on master machines or for localising the cause of quality defects in good time. A new thermal sensor even makes it possible to check lasered best-before dates and markings on PET bottles.
Space-saving detection and direct evaluation of defects on the conveyor. The slimline control terminal can be flexibly accommodated in the filling line, even further away from the actual detection units. Combining a smart detection technology such as the X-ray measuring bridge for the simultaneous detection of underfilling and overfilling with a maximum of one further simpler function in order to check the presence of the closure at the same time, for example. This concept has made the Heuft One the standard for entry into the full case check. It quite deliberately provides for a device to fulfil only one or two individual basic tasks at a time.
For instance, the use of an intelligent colour sensor camera with a directly integrated image evaluation is possible as an alternative to the fill level check with infrared, high frequency or X-ray technology. This can then be used for detailed label inspection, for example, which in turn can be supplemented by simple sensor technology, such as for checking the internal pressure of the container. Or it verifies the colour or coding of the closures in a top-down arrangement, which can also be checked for overheight by means of a photo cell.
This compact entry-level device is already ready for a wide variety of applications. The latest release brings new possibilities so that the range of individual tasks which the Heuft One can fulfil in each case has been extended even further: the new “Large containers” mode now also makes it possible to check the quality of voluminous full containers. Another alternative mode of operation turns the Heuft One into a smart distribution system which controls the distribution of full containers to two different lanes in order to ensure a uniform supply to leading machines or other important filling areas.
Because the device can now also be connected directly to the respective filler, closer or labeller it can – without an additional conveyor area – adapt itself exactly to the timing of such leading machines, detect downtimes as well as serial faults and integrate detection modules directly into them. Freshly applied labels, for example, can be checked within the labeller, bottle bursts or filling tubes that have become entangled in the full product can be detected and managed while still in the filler, and sealing faults can be identified immediately after sealing.
A locator identifies in good time those filling valves and capper heads which repeatedly cause incorrect fillings and closure faults. The Heuft One can also control random sampling and realise production data acquisition and remote maintenance in real time via an online connection. And as an alternative to the bbd and code verification with the intelligent Heuft reflexx A.I. camera a special thermal sensor can now also be connected which checks the presence of product markings lasered into PET full bottles directly behind the coder on the basis of their ambient temperature.
Designed as an affordable entry-level device a Heuft One device can usually only be equipped with a maximum of two detection modules or can only carry out one of the different operating modes available in contrast to more powerful full container inspection and fill management systems from Heuft. This has not changed with the latest release. However, the individual standard tasks which it can now take on have been considerably expanded.
