Keyence TM-3000 series optical micrometers measure up to pharmaceutical inspection challenge

The plastic vials are 26 mm in diameter, with a bevel that is used to pierce the membrane seal. The in-line inspection system required for the application had to show the necessary levels of accuracy, while being able to keep up with high production rates. Four sides of each of the 32 parts made have to be measured every 10 seconds (two for height measurements and two more to check the bevels). "We knew that it would be difficult to find a solution that could rise to the challenge; being fast enough, while complying with our requirements, in terms of precision", explains Eric Daniel, maintenance manager at Capitol Europe's plant in Niederbronn-Les-Bains, Alsace, France. Capitol Europe opted for an innovative solution enabling high speed, two-dimensional in-line measurement with an accuracy level of the order of a micron: the 2D Keyence TM-3000 sensor that can operate at up to 1,800 images per minute. This system does away with expensive off-line inspections that rely too heavily on operator skills. Mr Daniel confirms the performance of the system: "We have made 11,000,000 parts since the TM-3000 was installed. We have not had any measurement problems at all, and the level of accuracy remains stable at 0.03 mm. "We have obtained the result with several repeat measurements of a given production batch. The result shows a remarkable degree of precision, because our parts are irregularly shaped." In spite of the high performance levels shown by the TM-3000 series micrometers, they are easy to install and operate, as the Mr Daniel concludes: "My colleague in charge of the system mastered it in 10 minutes and the installation took hardly any time at all." And ideas for other inspection uses are under consideration.