AT ACHEMA 2024, ANTARES VISION GROUP TO DEBUT AUTOMATIC INSPECTION MACHINE FOR BLOW-FILL-SEAL CONTAINERS 

Company also will showcase AI-enhanced blister filling control, checkweighing equipment, and solutions for efficiency in track & trace compliance and line clearance procedures. 

Travagliato, 16th May – Antares Vision Group, a leading player for traceability and visual inspection solutions, will present its latest technological developments for the life science sector at  ACHEMA, June 10-14 in Frankfurt, Germany. Among other solutions, at Stand B4, Hall 3.0 the company will debut its first automatic inspection machine for blow-fill-seal (BFS) cards. Providing 100% inspection, the VRI VI for BFS Cards can provide seamless quality assurance at speeds of up to 100 pieces per minute. 

BFS containers are among the most prominent packaging type for pharmaceuticals; however, their inspection presents a set of unique challenges due to characteristics such as surface non-uniformity, complexity of shape, variable transparency and opacity, and small dimensions. Antares Vision Group’s BFS card machine performs cosmetic inspection, particles detection (reflecting & non-reflecting), fill level check (short wave infra-red) and tab OCR/OCV verification. When necessary, the unit can employ advanced algorithms capable of effectively detecting foreign particles in containers at low fill levels, which pose additional challenges given their aversion to spin-centric detection techniques.   

Leak Detection Capabilities 

Also at ACHEMA, Antares Vision Group will emphasize its prowess in leak detection. For example, the company’s container closure integrity testing (CCIT) plays a critical role in maintaining the sterility and stability of sterile products, and is essential for preserving critical headspace gas conditions – including those common to freeze-dried products. The company’s solutions set in this niche includes Head-Space Gas Analysis (HSGA), a rapid, reliable, and non-destructive analytical method suitable for monitoring gas concentration and pressure measures in sealed containers. HSGA can be used to detect primary container leaks, or as a process analytical technology (PAT) to control facets of the upstream process (e.g. humidity excess).  

Antares Vision Group provides visual inspection, CCIT and combined VI & CCIT machines that are specially designed for small- to large-volume BFS containers, as well as solutions for other container types. 

AI-enabled Solutions for Blister Filling Control 

At ACHEMA, Antares Vision Group also will showcase a completely redesigned solution for  inspecting pharmaceutical blisters. Equipped with artificial intelligence features, the Blister Filling Control (BFC) module can be easily integrated into common blister production and sealing lines. The system’s features provide enhanced inspection of various oral solid dose products housed in blisters – including scenarios where low contrasts (such as white pills in white packaging) present inherent challenges. The BFC unit also facilitates and expedites new product recipe setup. 

Weight Control 

At ACHEMA, Antares Vision Group also will display its new range of checkweighers designed for maximized efficiency and seamless line integration. The machines perform accurate weight control at speeds up to 350 ppm, and feature a top-bottom gripping system with stabilization conveyor. ​The range is fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11, and can be equipped with various ejection systems as determined by product weight.  

Other solutions presented by Antares Vision Group at ACHEMA include: 

  • Serialization and aggregation technology: Antares Vision Group’s proven modular solutions for managing track & trace compliance with seamless integration on any third-party equipment, as well as standalone modules covering Levels 1-4 hardware and software for EU-FMD, DSCSA and other regulatory requirements.  
  • Smart Clearance: A solution environment designed to automate the mandatory line clearance process through integrated cameras powered by artificial intelligence, toward the goal of improving plant efficiency and productivity. 
  • Layout Inspection for stick packs: A system that verifies the correctness of printed information (including variable data or barcodes) designed for inline installation on stick pack filling machines.  

Antares Vision Group systems are part of DIAMIND, the integrated ecosystem of solutions connecting physical products with digital identities and operating at line, factory, warehouse, enterprise, and supply chain level to guarantee product quality and end-to-end traceability through integrated and cloud data management.  

MEET ANTARES VISION GROUP  

ACHEMA, 10-14 JUNE – HALL 3.0, STAND B4