At IFFA 2025 (May 3-8, Frankfurt), Engilico introduces an in-machine version of the HyperScope® seal inspection system. This system utilizes hyperspectral imaging to accurately detect seal contamination in plastic or cardboard trays and thermoforms. Mounted above the packaging line, in-machine seal inspection offers numerous advantages, including eliminating the need for additional space in the packaging line, eliminating the need for extra conveyors, and promptly identifying defective packages immediately after sealing, when packages are still ideally shaped and positioned.
HyperScope® uses hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and artificial intelligence image processing technology to reliably and swiftly detect contamination in the seal of trays, with a much higher contrast than standard vision cameras. As hyperspectral cameras capture information of material composition, rather than only RGB colours, these are perfectly suited for in-machine seal inspection. Even when using opaque or printed plastic foils, colored or cardboard thermoforms – when contamination is hardly or not visible for traditional vision-based systems – seal contamination can be detected by a hyperspectral camera.
HyperScope’s camera and illumination are both positioned above the processing line, before the packages are cut and separated. Inspecting the packages right after the sealing phase is also the ideal moment, particularly when handling thinner or more flexible film, as the packages are still undeformed and stable positioned when transported under the camera.
The AI-powered hyperspectral solution delivers automatic and precise seal identification and reliably detects contamination in the sealing area of the product. Another benefit is that the in-machine solution can also handle arrays of products in one single processing step.
Defective packages are subsequently removed from the packaging line by e.g. an ejector or pick & place robot system. This has an immediate positive effect on outgoing product quality, line efficiency and total cost, with less rework and avoided recalls. Typical applications are in-line seal inspection of trays or thermoforms with meat, meat substitutes (vegetarian proteins), fish, cheese, ready meals, etc.
In-line, 100% seal inspection for flexible packages
Beside seal inspection of rigid packages, Engilico also showcases SealScope® for in-line, 100% seal inspection of flexible packages. SealScope® is an easy-to-integrate and non-destructive in-line seal inspection and process monitoring technology for popular packages such as pouches, VFFS bags, flow wrappers, etc. For meat applications, SealScope is ideally suited for seal inspection of sausages, meat balls, bacon, sliced meat where flow-pack, pouches or VFFS packaging types are used or when replacing trays or thermoforms to reduce plastic waste.
SealScope® integrates with major machine brands such as PACRAFT (previously Toyo Jidoki), SN Packaging, Leepack, HDG, Fuji Packaging, Omori, ULMA, Ilapak, PFM, GEA, Rovema, Volpak, Mespack, and many more.
More info
Engilico@IFFA (Frankfurt, Germany), Hall 12.0 A28
Contact Renaat Van Cauter | renaat.vancauter@engilico.com