IN-LINE - Montrose Technologies Inc. In-line vision inspection

SYSTEMS

MT Series In-line System

The MT-Series of systems use high-speed non-contact imaging to quantify a wide range of object characteristics and to automatically divert individual faulty pieces not suitable for packaging.

High speed vision inspection with rejection for 100% of products.

An MT Series vision inspection system is typically positioned just after the product is formed/baked/cooked, or just before packaging. At either location, the vision system can be configured to capture many product attributes, such as true color (top, bottom), height, diameter, symmetry, length, width, and volume. The production data collected is available in real-time and is valuable to everyone in the facility to increase yields and maximize gross margins. Each MT-Series turnkey solution is designed to fit the production requirements, environments, and line layouts.

The MT Series of vision inspection systems quantify a wide variety of physical attributes and corresponding faults which may include:

Diameter, Length, Width and Surface Area
Volume
Height, Slopes
Crown and Heel Bake Color (excluding topping, split)
Topping (color, coverage, count)
Measures Color in L*A*B and BCU

The type and size of food product transported through the vision system will determine the number of cameras needed for the measurement requirements, the individual product rejection method, and hygienic/environmental considerations. Furthermore, MT Series in-line systems may include other customized material handling solutions such as automatic de-kissing of product, automatic box loading, and multi-route sorting.

The systems are easy to use, sanitize, and have a low annual maintenance cost. As a result, MT-Series in-line vision inspection customers are largely self-sufficient.

Key Benefits

Simple integration into existing production lines
Measure over 150 objects per second with 100% inspection and rejection
Measurement of product’s 2D, 3D and top/bottom true color
Complete library of 100+ measurements
Pre-configured with Montrose Inspection software customized for your products
Rejection systems are customized to customer specifications, with various options available
Real time data for individual faults

Simple calibration takes less than one minute
Fully configurable measurements, formula creation and rejection criteria
Automatic generation and distribution of production, quality and rejection reports
Payback is rapid, typically less than 12 months

MT In-line Vision Inspection System Models

System Functionality and Configuration

MT Series in-line vision inspection systems are designed to detect and perform measurements on a high volume of fast moving, randomly sized and oriented food products as they move along a conveyor at various stages of the process. These measurements are calibrated and produced in real-time, producing data to increase yields, quality and maximize gross margins.

Systems are easy to use, with a modern, intuitive user interface which contains a comprehensive suite of measurement, analysis, reporting and archiving functions. The dashboard allows operators easy access to current results, trend graphs along with alarm conditions. More detailed information such as reject counts by result type and lane, histograms and measurement statistics are also available.

Once a fault has been detected, rejection systems designed specifically for the type of product being measured image the rejected product and remove it from the production line.

System options include conveyor belt (width, height, material), number of cameras, type of reject module, additional touchscreens, integration of third-party devices (scale, product handling), output signals to alarm and oven, and data output to plant-wide data systems and dashboard. Camera, lighting and laser placement is specified by the size and type of food product being measured. Montrose application specialists will work closely with customers to find the optimal solution to meet their specific specification.

Operators may view the results in two main formats – individual results with images, and averaged data in various graphical formats, with subdivision by lane.

What Can Be Measured

Vision inspection systems keep detailed records of each measurement and fault type. MT-Series vision inspection systems eliminate subjective and manual measurements, as well as manual data entry. As a result, there is rapid payback of the system cost through lower labor costs, time savings and consistent results. Several examples are listed below, which are just some of the 100+ measurements available in the standard MT-Series menu:

Our measurement library is constantly growing.

Below are three examples of common parameters customers request.

MT series systems measure shape and size through 2D measurements along with height, color and surface attributes using 3D and color imaging. Each bakery, snack and processed food product uses specific product attributes specified by customers to meet their application needs. Solution sheets for common products can be accessed below.