Shrink Wrap Packaging Defects

A common application in the packaging industry is to ensure that shrink wrap is correctly placed and without defects when packaging. Shrink wrap that is incorrectly placed or has holes in coverage can result in damaged products, and using a vision system to catch those defects will save the lost product and rework costs.

The KEYENCE VS Series provides fast and accurate machine vision solutions. Features like one-click image optimization and powerful AI tools help manufacturers meet regulatory standards and ensure quality control.

Shrink wrapping is commonly used in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, construction material, and more. It is able to conform to the unique shape of items and protect the products in transport and storage.

Typically, facilities use heat shrink film to wrap parts together, like a 2-pack of a product, or to protect parts as they travel from one facility to another.

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Common Applications

Using the VS smart camera, facilities can inspect common defects, such as package coverage, tear and hole inspection, and missing product inside packaging.

Packaging Coverage Inspection

When using a film to wrap and package uniquely shaped products, there is a risk of the placement being incorrect. This leaves part of the product exposed and able to be harmed. Use a machine vision system to detect presence of packaging, either by using color or measurement tools.

Package Integrity Inspection

Packaging machine vision systems can detect shrink wrap packaging issues such as surface damage, like tears or holes. The AI tools in the VS smart camera can be taught to detect all defective packaging, even across inconsistent shapes and colors.

Missing Product Detection

Smart cameras can be programmed to count and determine if all products are in the shrink wrap packaging, even through the plastic.

Foreign Material Detection

AI vision systems use algorithms to accurately identify foreign material within packaging, catching contamination before it leaves the facility.

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Issues in Using Shrink Wrap

Shrink wrap can be very reflective, making it difficult to light to detect packaging defects. Machine vision systems can use lighting technology such as Fine HDR, polarization filters, and low angle lighting to mitigate these issues.

LumiTrax™ Technology

LumiTrax™ Technology provides advanced illumination through the use of LEDs and optical filters to create high contrast imaging so tiny cracks and other minor mishaps are detected even under poor lighting.

2D Versus 3D Shrink Wrap Inspections

Most packaging inspections can be run using a 2D image and inspection tools. Some depth related defects will require a 3D system for volume measurement.

Using AI for Shrink Wrap Packaging Inspections

Machine vision systems for packaging that use AI, like the VS smart camera, have revolutionized packaging defect inspections. Models can be trained to allow for lighting and shape changes in flexible packaging but accurately catch defective product before it goes out the door.

Edge learning defect detection tools all run models on the vision system, with no need for a separate GPU for processing. This technology has made AI easy to deploy across all industries.

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FAQ’s About Shrink Wrap Packaging Defects

What Are the Benefits of Using Vision Systems in the Packaging Industry?

Packaging machine vision systems are used to catch defects that can lead to costly recalls and rework across all industries. They can also be used for label inspections, vision guidance for robotic bin picking, or to automate packaging.

What Types of Vision Systems Are Used in the Packaging Industry, Specifically for Shrink Wrap Packaging?

Vision inspection systems for packaging can range from vision sensors for simple go-no-go inspections, to machine vision systems for defect inspection, measurement, character and code reading, and vision guided robotics.

What Challenges Are There With Shrink Wrap Packaging?

Shrink wrap packaging is very reflective, and the correct machine vision system will need to have a light specified to account for glare.

What Are the Primary Considerations When Selecting Vision Systems for Packaging Inspections?

When selecting a vision system for packing inspections, software features for packaging inspections and lighting options are primary considerations.

How Do Packaging Machine Vision Systems Contribute to Cost Reduction and Efficiency in Manufacturing Processes?

Vision systems for the packaging manufacturing industry help reduce manufacturing costs in several ways. They can perform operational tasks much faster than humans while less prone to errors. This increases operational efficiency while also aiding in defect detection before further value is added. They also reduce manual labor costs, downtime associated with malfunctions, etc.

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