360-degree closure inspection for all closure types

At the last drinktec trade fair, Krones presented for the first time a new 360-degree closure inspection module for its Checkmat series. At the time, it was designed exclusively for tethered caps. The technology has since been developed further and as of this year is now capable of processing all other plastic closures as well as aluminium roll-on caps and crowns.

How it works is both simple and ingenious: The unit itself consists of four cameras that photograph the cap and the bottle neck finish all the way round to provide a 360-degree view. The composite image is then inspected. This process enables the unit to reliably detect the presence, colour and proper placement of and any damage at the closure. What's more, it can also tell if an irregularity is, in fact, merely a water droplet and thus significantly reduce the number of false rejects.

In addition, Krones offers optional software add-ons that are designed specifically for crowns - and thus ideal for breweries. For example, they can be used to detect any leaks at the closure by evaluating any foam that may be leaking out. The 360-degree closure inspection also makes it possible to precisely measure the diameter of the crown if desired. As a result, the unit can provide 100% inline inspection, obviating the need for the otherwise customary manual testing in the lab. An optional feature is available for silver-coloured aluminium roll-on closures, too, for continuously monitoring the quality of their application.

The inspection module is equally capable at high speeds as well: In a glass line with crowns, for example, the unit can handle up to 80,000 containers per hour.

Linatronic AI also has new features

While the 360-degree closure inspection unit in the Checkmat series is perfect for inspecting full bottles, Krones likewise has a powerhouse in its portfolio for inspecting empty bottles: Linatronic AI. What makes this unit special is that it uses artificial intelligence and has been trained using a deep learning model. This intelligence, combined with a comprehensive stock of data, enables the unit to precisely detect damage and soiling while keeping the rate of false rejects extremely low at just 0.3 per cent.

It's a technology that has proven itself in practice. More than 50 systems are currently in use at beverage factories worldwide. Of course, each new customer brings to the table new products, which add to the database new patterns for detecting material damage or different types of soiling. And that, in turn, further enhances the system's quality and precision. So, the beverage makers themselves benefit from using artificial intelligence - and the statistics back up that claim: In lines equipped with Linatronic AI, the rate of bottles bursting in the filler averages 65 per cent lower than in lines without it. And that increases not only production reliability and process stability but also makes for far less product waste during ongoing production.

Besides all that, as part of its continuous product development efforts, Krones has also meticulously optimised the machine guards and the integrated belt station and thus further improved cleanability, longevity and ease of maintenance.