Thanks to a broad range designed to meet producers’ specific needs (in-line as an aid in the Quality Control lab or off-line for high-speed sorting), the SACMI PVS ‘family’ leads the industry by letting users create a comprehensive set of checks on PET preforms that include size/weight checks and cavity number readings.

The hallmark of these systems is ultra-precise checks on preforms of different size and color. Now, the PVS10L off-line preform quality control solution completes the SACMI machine family for in-line and sample inspection.

The inspection revolution: ?self-guided? size changeovers

One of the key features of the SACMI PVS10L is on-machine integration of the self-guided SACMI D.R.I.V.A. (Drive and Recognize through Intelligent Vision Algorithms) system on the ‘off-line’ PVS10L range. The system consists of AI algorithms capable of identifying each type of preform via its basic characteristics (diameter, length and color) and autonomously performing the size changeover.

D.R.I.V.A. thus works like a true ‘automatic brain’, providing workers with close, precise, reliable support while eliminating any risk of error when setting the parameters. What’s more, autonomous size changeovers slash format switchover times from over an hour to just one minute, ensuring maximum sorting line availability.

Artificial Intelligence and polarized light

The system applies SACMI-patented polarized light inspection, which uses AI and Deep Learning-based Computer Vision algorithms to simulate the human brain when interpreting the flow lines generated by the preform. The outcome? Maximum inspection repeatability even when there are frequent size changeovers, which can be managed by workers quickly, easily and accurately.

A single control interface lets the operator govern all the machine settings and display inspection results, making the machine extremely user-friendly, even for inexpert personnel.

In this configuration, the operator simply has to oversee the general production process, analyze production graphs and monitor quality statistics.

Up to 36,000 preforms per hour

The PVS10L line lets manufacturers handle and inspect up to 36,000 preforms per hour. The line consists mainly of four machines: a variable-drive tipper that transfers preforms from the octabin to a hopper, the hopper with elevator and a roller-type orientator with an automatic size changeover system controlled by the PVS10L.

Then we have the heart of the system, the PVS10L inspection machine with autonomous size changeover: after this step, defective preforms are separated from good quality ones and placed back in the octabins.

Full inspection systems by SACMI

With the PVS10L, SACMI has renewed its mission to achieve total quality control of the product, using both in-line and stand-alone solutions. More specifically, the PVS10L expands the SACMI machine family for in-line and sample inspection by combining cutting-edge sensors with the full potential of Computer Vision Technology.

As with all latest-generation SACMI inspection systems, the result is not just total quality control of the product but better management of production. This is aided by accurate, real-time statistical reports that allow for feedback-generated process control, correction of any problems and forecasting of any drift away from ideal parameters.

The result is the ability to transform inspection into an additional, highly valuable tool that enhances the overall efficiency of the preform production line.

All SACMI computer vision systems feature the CVs 2022 64-bit software version to maximize usability and interoperability between machines. This also lets users share statistical information on the web via the use of OPC/UA, MODBUS and http protocols, making it simple to transfer production data from the vision system to ERP or MES systems.

Last but far from least, SACMI operates worldwide with 80 production, distribution and service companies, ensuring customers can count on outstanding assistance and consultancy services before, during and after the sale. Additionally, in China, the SACMI Shanghai facility acts as the hub for all SACMI machine assistance and spare parts services.