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2006 Press ReleasePlacement of a Two-piece Can Inspection SystemPerfecting the can manufacturing process involves many hours of research and development. Some manufacturing lines have a limited amount of single file conveyor space. When this occurs, a single point for inspection needs to be identified. Pressco Technology Inc. believes investing strongly in R+D to provide creative solutions for its customers. Pressco’s engineers were challenged to develop a module that provides comprehensive internal inspection while occupying minimal conveyor space. The simplest way to achieve this technique is to implement a single camera to image the entire surface. However, this approach has several major drawbacks. First, it is very difficult to obtain sufficient depth of field to gain sharp focus on the base and flange simultaneously. Typically, (with a single camera) depth of field would be compromised by focusing at the center of the container. Another major hindrance is the difficulty associated with even illumination. Great care has to be taken in illuminating the flange area of the can. Pressco’s solution utilizes three cameras to image the entire inner surface of the container. Each camera is positioned to analyze a specific area of the container. Camera one is assigned to inspect the base and sidewall section. The second camera employs specialized optics to image the neck and top sidewall while camera three focuses on the flange. All three cameras are encapsulated inside a compact inspection module to fit on a light tester, Belvac system, or a small length of conveyor. This method facilitates independent focus and lighting, resulting in perfectly optimized imaging for each camera view. One-click access to critical inspection parameters and instant awareness of spoilage rates are just some of the advantages Pressco’s modular INTELLISPEC™ systems provide when inspecting defects in the can making industry. By providing a variety of modules, Pressco is able to tailor a system to meet the needs of a particular container manufacturer. Combining innovative software such as RETRO-SPEC™ with unique lighting and optics, Pressco’s Application Engineers are equipped to determine the ultimate design with which to capture images in the most confined locations. For more information about the benefits of Pressco’s products or services please contact:
Al Storey |
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