Inspection systems for twist-off caps

The DECOCAP 360-3D inspects caps with a max diameter of 110mm, at speeds of 1,200 caps per minute

SACMI’s latest system for inspecting twist-off caps, the DECOCAP 360-3D operates with the aid of 5 video cameras, one of which inspects the product from above as the other 4 inspect the side walls. This enables a 2D reconstruction of the captured 3D image, thus eliminating any distortion that might stem from perspective, lid shape or surface reflection.

Designed to check caps with a maximum diameter of 110 mm at speeds of up to 1,200 caps per minute, this solution is flanked by ULYSSE, the new Sacmi “all-in-one” vision system that differs from previous units in that the electrical control panel and all relative wiring have been eliminated. With ULYSSE, the calculating unit is inserted directly in the image acquisition unit, a re-engineering of the machine that ensures greater compactness and user-friendliness.

Various configurations are provided, including the one chosen by this customer for interior inspection of lugged caps with extensive decorated areas (including curls and lugs). In this case too, the technological core of the solution is the exclusive, patented Chrometriq illuminator. This uses a mix of RGB and infrared light to capture two images per millisecond (DoubleShot technology), first with RGB light and then with infrared, thus allowing maximum inspection precision.

Compact and easy to install, this solution can, like the DECOCAP, inspect caps with diameters of up to 110 mm at rates of 1200 pieces per minute. For Sacmi, these two orders underscore the soundness of the CVS 360-3D technology developed by the Group's Automation & Inspection Systems Division: a technology that lies at the core of a wide range of packaging applications that include cap, container, label and preform quality control.

An initial production testing of DECOCAP 360-3D and ULYSSE by can-making multinational company in Asturias, Spain, was successful.