Clear images of defects

Plastics Engineering, April, 2006 by Alice Blanco

The Smash Advanced Surface Inspection System from ISRA Vision Systems provides superior resolution of defect images at fast production speeds, according to the company. With its 60 MHz processing speed, the Smash is said to be 50% faster than similar systems. Defect images with high detail (three times the number of pixels for each defect image compared with similar systems) enable accurate classification for root-cause analysis, resulting in a reduced number of defects and improved film and sheet quality. By accurately determining the types of defects within the web, rolls can be segregated. Additionally, specific defects, such as gels that cause production slowdowns, can be identified for removal before value is added to the film.

The combination of the Smash System's accurate classification of defects and the capabilities of the "rewind manager" makes it possible to automatically direct the web to stop on preselected defects. Defects that will cause the web to break can be classified and marked. This technology is applicable to all roll and sheet products, particularly films, laminations, coated and metallized films, and rigid sheets.

ISRA Vision Systems; 770-449-7776; www.isravision.com