X-ray empty bottle inspector
HEUFT InLine II IX
Detecting glass in glass and more: Smart all-surface empty bottle inspection with pulsed X-ray power.
Intelligent color sensor cameras developed in-house for complete optical inspection. Perfected pulsed X-rays for greater failure and detection reliability. The latest AI technologies for superior image analysis. And a cleaning and maintenance-optimized HEUFT CleanDesign: the HEUFT InLine II IX realizes full performance during the complete quality inspection of all areas of each individual empty bottle – and achieves a new level of precision not only in the challenging detection of glass-in-glass.
Infeed check
Ensure brand purity: Pre-sorting for greater line efficiency.
Defective, deviating, non-brand: the HEUFT InLine II IX can be equipped with various infeed check technologies – including a special rejection system which activates the most suitable rejection function depending on the problem bottle to be rejected – to prevent such bottles from coming in in the first place and impairing the performance of the inspection and the entire bottling line. Before the actual empty bottle inspection, this enables targeted pre-sorting for a single-variety infeed: only the correct empty containers, which can be inspected and filled without any problems, make it through. This not only ensures production quality, but also the efficiency and productivity of the entire line.
X-ray base inspection
Detecting simply more: Perfected pulsed X-rays.
We already developed the concept of using our unique X-ray flash technology for empty bottle inspection some time ago and have been continuously developing it ever since. It has long since established itself as the state of the art in the returnable and premium segment when it comes to reliably detecting glass splinters at the bottom of bottles, even in difficult cases. For example, if they are still surrounded by residual liquid from the washing machine. Compared to a purely optical inspection, pulsed X-rays increase the precision of glass-in-glass detection in such cases while minimizing the false rejection rate. Thanks to lifetime-optimized X-ray components and intelligent HEUFT reflexx A.I. X-ray image processing developed and manufactured in-house the new HEUFT InLine II IX achieves an unprecedented level of failure and detection reliability. Even during the identification of other high-density foreign objects, inclusions, shell-shaped fractures and cracks at the bottom of the empty bottle it is therefore simply much more effective!
Intelligent optical base inspection
Gap-free examination: Full coverage at the bottom of the empty bottle.
Foil, cigarette butts, mould and other low-density foreign matter at the bottom of the bottle which could possibly escape the pulsed X-ray inspection are identified by the HEUFT InLine II IX with smart high-performance optics. HEUFT reflexx A.I. cameras from our own development and production in which our AI-supported image evaluation is directly integrated with the correct algorithms make such defects even more clearly recognizable. The same applies to scratches and cracks in the glass, among many other things. Flexibly controllable LEDs ensure homogeneous illumination of the entire bottle base – and therefore full coverage during optical base inspection. Regardless of their respective position, even transparent and reflective films can be reliably detected. HEUFT reflexx A.I.combines and analyzes the detection images in real-time, distinguishes harmless deviations such as drops of water smartly from critical defects and thus ensures even greater detection accuracy with a reduced false rejection rate.
Finish and thread inspection
Finding defects and cracks: Safety around the bottle opening.
Defects, cracks, rust rings, contamination on the bottle finish and damage to the thread: the HEUFT InLine II IX has intelligent processes for optical finish and thread inspection in order to find such defects before they jeopardize product safety. Spectral lighting, smart image analysis and corresponding HEUFT reflexx A.I. camera technologies open up completely new possibilities. The complete inspection of the inside of the finish also covers the entire thread and underchip area. Critical defects such as overpressed finishes, thermal cracks or stress cracks, which can occur during bottle production in the glassworks or during storage, become visible when inspecting the neck finish sealing surface. Compared to the previous HEUFT standard, the resolution of the brilliant images is increased by a factor of four. This ensures the integrity of the area around the bottle opening as well as the sealability of the empty bottle to be filled.
Quadruple sidewall inspection
Undistorted coverage about 360°: complete all-round inspection.
HEUFT reflexx A.I. cameras with four times the resolution are also used for the complete optical inspection of the side walls of each individual empty bottle, in which smart LED lighting is integrated as well as the AI-based image analysis. Critical defects such as transparent film and impurities in the empty bottle or inclusions, cracks and chips in the glass are thus made even more visible. The image resolution is now even eight times higher in the quadruple sidewall inspection, which covers well over 360 degrees of the bottle volume. Thanks to intelligent real-time image processing, the resulting detection images remain free of distortion. AI-based filters make cracks or inclusions in the glass visible even behind drops of water or embossing during real-time image evaluation and reliably distinguish them from non-critical objects. An optionally integrated special optic (see below) opens up unimagined perspectives during the smart side wall inspection of unfilled ACL bottles.
Residual liquid detection
Detecting caustic solutions, oils and paints: effective protection against product contamination.
Corrosive lye, oil or paint: even the smallest amounts of such residual liquids threaten the safety of the end product and the health of the consumer. The system uses two different methods to detect and remove affected empty bottles from circulation before they are filled: It uses high-frequency technology to identify residual suds and infrared sensors to identify oils and varnishes. Like all the detection modules of the completely redesigned HEUFTInLine II IX the HEUFT fluid units for residual liquid detection are fully integrated, safely enclosed and motor-adjustable. Thanks to the new construction of the X-ray supported empty bottle inspector in the hygiene-optimized HEUFT CleanDesign the compact module for detecting residual liquids now demonstrates its impressive precision directly in the device.
Rejecting faulty products
Preventing recalls: reliable rejection of faulty containers.
Fast, already accurate: maximum precision during fault detection is only of any use if the affected products are subsequently removed from circulation. Single and multi-segment rejection systems from the HEUFT rejector series do this precisely and gently at the same time.
Product monitoring and self-tests
Play it safe: Precise product tracking, regular self-tests.
Always know where a particular bottle is currently located: Every single one is tracked very precisely for this purpose. This ensures that none remains uninspected. The integrated reject verification system also checks whether every product identified as faulty is actually removed from circulation. Standardized self-test programs ensure that the detection performance is checked regularly. Thanks to more storage space and computing capacity the new HEUFT reflexx A.I. cameras now make even more possible in terms of self-monitoring.
Easy changeovers
Automatic changeovers: Sustainable reduction in set-up times.
For a seamless complete inspection, servo technology on the cleverly driven conveyor not only realizes a targeted rotation and precise fine alignment of each individual bottle. It also adapts the height and width of the conveyor belt precisely to the changed format when changing types. The same applies to the positioning of all detections. Thanks to clearly reproducible type settings, this is done completely automatically. This reduces the need for manual intervention, saves personnel resources and not only saves time, but also money: efficiency and productivity losses due to lengthy changeover times are sustainably reduced.
Optional additional functions
Detect even more: Expanding the range of functions.
HEUFT SPECTRUM II systems have a modular design and can be extended at any time. A scuffing detection system can be integrated into the HEUFT InLine II IX as an option, particularly for returnable packaging machines. Combined with a rejection rate control system, less heavily scuffed bottles are only rejected if the production situation particularly allows it. The sidewall inspection of ACL bottles now not only verifies the presence of Applied Color or Applied Ceramic labels. With AI-based filters from the HEUFT reflexx A.I. image processing system they can even be hidden for a truly complete inspection in order to find hidden defects.
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A special optic which can be integrated as an option now even enables the detailed inspection of the ACLs themselves so that, for example, misprints or markings, logos and colorations which do not match the type being used can be reliably identified. It can also be retrofitted at any time: a separate recognition unit for the verification of DataMatrix and QR codes on the bottle wall in particular. The HEUFT InLine II IX also offers various options for neck finish inspection - from color ring inspection of the sealing surface to ovality detection. And in addition to those already integrated in the device, further modules for residual liquid detection can be mounted on the conveyor for redundant protection. Real system technology!
Lifetime-optimised pulsed X-ray
Simply better and more sustainable detecting: Unique technology with extended reliability.
More precise, gentler, more durable: what makes the HEUFT X-ray systems so unique is above all the pulsed X-ray technology which is exclusively available from us. Instead of an uninterrupted continuous beam only a short X-ray pulse of a millisecond is emitted. And only at the moment when a product to be examined for dangerous foreign bodies and other safety risks is actually in the detection area. Even if the line speeds are extremely high or fluctuate, full detection reliability is achieved with unrivalled low radiation. The specially developed X-ray tube and other sustainably optimised components not only increase the coverage and sensitivity of radiometric inspection. The same applies to reliability and lifetime, so that the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is significantly reduced.
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Long before individual X-ray components can lose performance or fail, users are also informed in good time so that they still have enough time for preventive maintenance. Filaments are even integrated redundantly: if one should fail, the other takes over immediately and fully automatically, so that production can continue without interruption. Furthermore novel full-field image converters for which HEUFT can now guarantee a lifetime of eight years* within the framework of an existing maintenance contract and a free replacement within this period in the case of a defect ensure considerably more sensitivity, availability and operational reliability with a reduced TCO.
HEUFT SPECTRUM II
Simply automating: universal device platform for maximum performance.
Highly automated, universal and powerful: the HEUFT SPECTRUM II ensures optimum detection and operational reliability during an in-line quality assurance for the sustainable safeguarding of product quality and line efficiency.
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The cross-system control unit with multiprocessing capability for different modules, systems and applications convinces due to its exceptional degree of automation. Brand and format changes can be carried out without manual intervention. The unique human machine interface of the universal device platform is self-explanatory. Human resources are effectively saved in this way. In-house developed hardware and software of the latest generation and a future-proof network connection achieve highest computing power and data transmission in real time. The result: maximum precision during purposeful product tracking, inspection and rejection.
HEUFT reflexx A.I.
Simply detecting more: real-time image processing with artificial intelligence.
The AI discipline of machine learning for targeted object classification has been mastered by our self-developed image processing since 2010! And since then it has learned a lot: intelligent filters distinguish drops of water on the container from air bubbles in the glass and even make it possible to identify tiny defects which are hidden behind ACLs or embossings. HEUFT reflexx A.I. now also uses deep learning!
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Appropriately trained neural networks are used for example to denoise X-ray images or to find dangerous foreign objects in structured products and to reliably distinguish them from good objects which are extremely similar in their shape, size and density. With true artificial intelligence, the hardware and software from our own development and production again increases detection reliability - and minimises the false rejection rate. The smart image processing can be directly integrated into the HEUFT reflexx A.I. camera which was developed in-house and which processes and evaluates its own images directly in real time and raises the adaptive image analysis to a top level.
HEUFT NaVi
Simply knowing what to do: self-explanatory audiovisual user guidance.
Intuitive, individual and audiovisual: previous knowledge is not required in order to operate the HEUFT SPECTRUM II systems reliably. The HEUFT NaVi user guidance is self-explanatory and supports the respective user step by step.
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An RFID login with user-related access rights provides an overview and makes the respective user's work simply easy: he only sees what he really needs to on the clearly arranged touchscreen user interface with a flat menu structure, integrated tutorials and precise auxiliary tools in order to fulfil his specific tasks optimally. He is supported by a virtual assistant in the course of this. She speaks to him and clearly explains what has to be done when and where. Purposeful and focussed on the essentials – the audiovisual HEUFT NaVi user guidance makes the reliable operation of HEUFT systems simply easy!
HEUFT checkPoints
Simply seeing where what has to be done: trouble-free localisation.
Clear, direct and purposeful: the user can cope immediately on the rare occasions when manual intervention is needed. Because eye-catching HEUFT checkPoints make it clear at a glance exactly when it is necessary to take matters in hand in addition to the audiovisual information which the HEUFT NaVi provides.
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The orange tags not only flash on the touchscreen but also at the respective component if the worst comes to the worst. The problem is located without a long search. This saves time and human resources, shortens standstills and therefore increases productivity.
Network technologies
Networking everything: online connection for increased efficiency and quality.
Information transmission in real time, production data acquisition, line analysis and remote maintenance: networking is the answer!
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HEUFT systems have future-proof network interfaces (Gigabit Ethernet and TCP / IP) for an online connection via the Internet and the database interface (SQL / DDE) for top line efficiency and an optimum quality management with considerably faster and easier workflows. Therefore production data, shift records, productivity faults and HACCP limit value analyses are available network-wide. The result: early identification of quality and efficiency problems. The firewall protected direct connection to the HEUFT TeleService makes competent remote maintenance possible all around the clock.
HEUFT CleanDesign
Cleaning quite simply: hygiene-optimised construction.
Accessible, clean and safe: its HEUFT CleanDesign predestines the system for use in hygienically sensitive areas.
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Sloping surfaces facilitate cleaning and prevent the accumulation of stubborn dirt. Special channels and openings allow the liquids required for cleaning purposes to be drained off completely. Consequently dangerous germs and bacteria have no contact surface whatsoever. Specially constructed casings and doors create optimum accessibility. The electronics are totally encapsulated. Sensitive areas such as the inspection units are dust-proof and protected against contact as well as water jets.
HEUFT rejector
Removing faulty products: the right rejector for all cases.
The compact HEUFT flip and HEUFT mono single-segment systems as well as the HEUFT DELTA-K and HEUFT DELTA-FW multi-segment rejectors are ideally suited for the reliable discharge of faulty full products.
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reliable detection of glass-in-glass and other foreign objects of high and low density
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gapless inspection of all surfaces of empty bottles
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unique combination of intelligent high-preformance optics and exclusive X-ray flash technology for full detection and rejection reliability
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high-resolution color sensor camera images
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brilliant X-ray shots with minimal radiation
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AI-supported camera and X-ray image processing with HEUFT reflexx A.I.
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revised HEUFT CleanDesign for better accessibility for cleaning and maintenance
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highly automated HEUFT SPECTRUM II platform with self-explanatory HEUFT NaVi user guidance
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automatic changes of type and format
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easy integration into existing filling lines
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online connection for remote maintenance and production data acquisition
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Output range: up to 72,000 empty bottles / h
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≤ 0.2 percent false rejection rate