PRESSESERVICE

The German machine vision expert Bi-Ber has expanded its portfolio for the confectionery industry, adding a new space-saving inspection system for empty mould checks. Plant manufacturers can integrate the module individually into their production lines. Bi-Ber has over 25 years of experience in manufacturing plant-specific empty mould check systems and offers a sophisticated multilingual Windows-based analysis software, which it continuously expands by new functions. There are currently five standard hardware models for mould widths up to 1100 mm. In addition, Bi-Ber also implements customer-specific designs. One or more megapixel colour cameras are installed in a stainless-steel housing. Shielded from the process, they are mounted above the conveyor belt where they check polycarbonate, metal or silicone moulds for product residues during operation. The associated panel PC transmits inspection results and prompts to discharge contaminated moulds to the system control. The latest model, P(anel), features a terminal box for communication and power lines on the machine side of the camera housing. The panel PC is supplied separately, without a control cabinet, for flexible integration. The food-grade inspection system is optionally designed with IP67 protection.

Overview of the five standard models:

The B(asic) model combines cameras, lighting, and a touch panel PC in a stainless-steel cabinet that is placed directly onto the conveyor system, with a signal light mounted on top. Good ambient light shielding through the control cabinet ensures high, repeatable image quality. The use of multiple cameras allows for a wide field of view at short working distances. Doors on both sides of the control cabinet provide good access to the system.

The S(eparate) model offers all the advantages of the basic system in terms of accessibility and ambient light shielding. However, the imaging technology and the computer are installed in two separate enclosures. The cabinet with the operating panel and signal light can be freely positioned so that it is clearly visible and accessible.

The F(lexible) model with a slim camera and lighting module also features a separate control cabinet and was developed especially for enclosed lines and low-height surroundings. It is also available as a multi-camera version for wide moulds.

The new P(anel) model is a modification of the F(lexible) model without PC control cabinet or signal light.

The C(ompact) model is condensed to include only the minimum necessary equipment and does not contain a signal light, either. The control box with a touchscreen is attached directly to the camera housing. The compact model is particularly cost-effective and also suitable for lines with limited space.

The documentation for all standard variants is available at https://www.bilderkennung.de/download.html#suesswarenindustrie.

The German machine vision expert Bi-Ber has enhanced its empty mould check systems for confectionery production lines, adding multiple new functions. The teach-in of similar moulds is facilitated by allowing users to copy entire parameter sets for editing and adjusting. There is a new efficient automatic function for correct mould position detection, which also provides useful data to machine builders about potential belt elongation. At customer’s request, the manufacturer has also added an archive function for browsing the most recent images with negative results. Bi-Ber offers a range of systems for optical empty mould check based on colour image processing. The inspection systems are installed directly above the conveyor and, working at line speed, check whether the moulds contain product residues, fragments or splashes. This eliminates the need for the elaborate production of mould-specific stamps and time-consuming mechanical checks. The series currently comprises four options for varying line layouts with limited available space, each of which can be designed for different mould widths. In addition, customer-specific adaptations and tailored inspection systems are possible. Cameras, lighting and a touch panel PC are integrated in a single or two separate stainless-steel cabinets, depending on the model. Thus, there are suitable solutions for retrofitting in existing production lines, too.