Ravenwood, a world leader in linerless labelling, label verification and X-ray inspection equipment, has developed innovative seal detection software for its VXR vision pack inspection system. This cutting-edge technology guarantees 100% accuracy, and protects brand owners from financial loss, product recalls, and hefty fines.

The new detection software is available to existing VXR customers and can also be ordered as an optional feature on new machines.

With the increasing prevalence of end-of-line automation, it is more important than ever to ensure product pack quality inspection using automated systems instead of relying on the human eye and camera-based frameworks. Ravenwood’s X-ray inspection technology now allows for both standard product contamination checks as well as the new seal contamination detection.

Contaminated packs that reach supermarket shelves can lead to rapid product spoilage and reduced shelf life. While faulty packs are sometimes removed from shelves by the retailer before purchase, it is often the consumer who discovers the contamination at home. In both scenarios, the brand owner (and sometimes the packer) can face fines, resulting in financial loss and damage to brand reputation.

James Large, Ravenwood’s VXR and Vision Product Manager said: “This technology significantly enhances production quality in the factory. The VXR’s fault-finding capabilities far surpass those of traditional methods that rely on human visual checks and camera-based systems.”

Traditional fault-finding methods pose numerous challenges. Detecting seal contamination is particularly difficult at high running speeds, and when there is minimal colour contrast between the contaminant and the tray (such as beef in black MAP trays), detection becomes even more challenging, especially with optical camera-based systems.

James added: “By utilising X-ray inspection technology to check for density variations in the seal area, it is now possible to detect even the smallest amounts of contamination, whether from the product itself or a foreign body in the pack seal.”

The new seal contamination inspection system operates automatically with minimal operator input, ensuring thorough checks on each pack, even at high line speeds. It seamlessly integrates standard X-ray capabilities, displaying two images on the VXR interface: one for standard X-ray contamination detection and another for the new seal contamination detection.

Ravenwood’s VXR® Vision Pack Inspection System is the ultimate end-of-line solution for analysing contaminants and ensuring flawless linerless labels. Available as a standalone unit with Vision (or Vision alone) and can be integrated with the Ravenwood Nobac 5000 range of linerless label applicators.

For further information on Ravenwood’s X-ray inspection equipment including information on machine orders and lead times, contact marketing on +44(0)1284 749144.

This image features x2 sets of snapshots to the left. The snapshots show x2 areas of contamination in one tray. The top image shows a typical view from a camera-based framework whilst the bottom shows the findings from Ravenwood’s new VXR Seal Contamination Detection System.