JANUARY 21, 2009--Ohio-based Applied Vision Corp. (www.appliedvision.com), a provider of application-specific machine-vision inspection systems for packaging, food, and beverage containers, and color printing, and Colorado-based Stolle Machinery (www.stollemachinery.com) have entered into an exclusive arrangement to manufacture a machine-vision inspection system that reportedly delivers 100% surface decoration inspection for metal containers.
The new technology, expected to become available in the first quarter of 2009, will be the latest product offering in Applied Vision's KromaKing series of color vision systems. This color- and pattern-inspection technology will allow can manufacturers to test sample batches or re-sort "hold for inspection" (HFI) to reduce waste. The new inspection system uses the same high-speed container-handling machine as Stolle's inside spray systems.
"Decoration problems are the costliest defect faced by container manufacturers. Approximately 70% of the cans put into HFI are there for decoration-related defects. Every year, manufacturers scrap millions of these cans, generating substantial annual losses. There is a true need for 100% surface coverage at sampled or full production rates. It is especially crucial at a time when there is an industry trend towards highly complex, multicolored decoration patterns," says Bud Patel, vice president of sales at Applied Vision.
