The establishment of close working relationships between IRIS Inspection machines and its many customers throughout the world has been critical to the development and long-term success of Evolution inspection solutions for hollow glassware. Today, Evolution inspection equipment is operated by many of the international glass container industry’s key players, with installations throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
It was following a visit to Glassman Europe 2005 exhibition in Prague that Russian glass packaging specialist ‘LLC Glass Factory January 9’ acquired its first Evolution 12 machine from IRIS Inspection machines. In the subsequent 14 years, a strong relationship has developed between the two companies, with camera-based cold end inspection machines having been installed at the Vyshniy Volochek glassworks, located between Moscow and Leningrad. This includes both Evolution 12 and Evolution 5 systems for sidewall/sidewall stress and base/finish/base stress inspection respectively.
Recently, the decision was taken to modernise this equipment. The hardware and software for all machines has been upgraded and converted to the latest Evolution NEO technology, making it capable of operating like brand new, smart inspection equipment.
The Evolution NEO’s ability to discriminate intelligently between saleable and non-saleable containers has been widely appreciated by customers, together with its simplified adjustment procedures and reproducibility features. In addition, glassmakers benefit from the equipment’s Industry 4.0 readiness, with the availability of intelligent data for process improvements.
The methodology adopted embraces defect identification, as well as the creation of statistics by defect type. Local trend analyses are produced on the machine, with information presented in a user-friendly format. Every setting has been designed to be handled by the machine itself, making the equipment less dependent on human operators. Evolution NEO recognises the article and its exact shape, automatically drawing the inspection zone. This simplifies job changes and reduces the human error factor.
The equipment allows operators to follow defect rejection rates, while also bringing their immediate attention to the most significant information analysed by the machine. In addition, within its statistical tools, Evolution NEO integrates a helpful set of different data, including time, mould number, images etc.
‘LLC Glass Factory January 9’ was established in 1892 and over the decades, has built up considerable experience in the design, development and manufacture of high quality bottles and jars for the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage and food sectors. Based at Vyshniy Volochek in Russia’s Tver region, the flint ware specialist operates advanced manufacturing technologies that have been sourced from some of Europe’s leading suppliers. The product range covers capacities from 0.098 to 1.75 liters.
The longstanding partnership between the January 9 management team and IRIS Inspection machines has benefited all parties. Based on mutual trust and a belief in the benefits of business co-operation, this successful relationship is expected to continue long into the foreseeable future.