Mesh Automation

Inline Pharmaceutical Label Inspection

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Project Details

MESH recently engaged in a project for the inline vision inspection of labels for a major pharmaceutical company. The customer wanted to increase throughput and maintain their quality standard.

The labels varied in size and material. Some of the labels had a clear plastic backing, and some had a white paper backing. The location of the information to be verified was in different locations based on the product type. There were over 30 different label configurations that had to be handled by the system.

MESH developed a solution that utilized a single high-speed camera positioned inline with the labeler to inspect each label before it was applied to the vials. The system inspected each label to verify the date code, lot number, and label number.

Vision Inspection Equipment

  • Keyence 5 megapixel camera system
  • Keyence bar light

Project Outcome

  • Productivity: Due to the speed of the vision inspection system, the customer was able to increase throughput.
  • Quality: Reduced the number of rejects caused by incorrect splicing of label reels and verified date, lot, and label number information printed on labels.
  • Uptime/Maintenance: Inline inspection reduced the number of vials rejected due to incorrect labeling, helping the cell achieve greater than 90% OEE.
  • Changeover Time: Pushbutton changeover resulted in minimal operator involvement.