ROHDE & SCHWARZ HAS announced a quality and inspection scanner that uses millimetre-scale waves to see through common packaging materials – including plastics, cardboard and composites – at production speeds, without using X-rays, thus protecting both products and operators. The company says that the move from surface-based inspection to volumetric imaging marks “a quantum leap in quality assurance”, and will simplify the inspection of packaged goods. The R&S Imager uses non-ionising radiation to penetrate materials in real time. It analyses the return signals and creates detailed images that reveal any hidden structures or material defects. It can integrate with existing production control software, allowing users to enhance their inspection capabilities without needing to redesign their manufacturing lines. The high-contrast 3D images can be used as digital twins and combined with AIpowered fault detection systems. Target markets for the scanner include: n The pharmaceutical industry, where the device fills a gap between camera-based and weight-based inspection systems. Because multi-layer secondary packaging, cardboard boxes and laminated seals are transparent to the millimetre waves, the sensor can detect syringes and needles inside a package. It generates a 3D representation of the contents of every package at production speeds, allowing full inspection of all internal components and their assembly. By using AI to evaluate the volumetric images, production lines can detect missing or misaligned parts automatically, without affecting throughput. The millimetre waves will not affect the efficacy of pharmaceutical substances, and they eliminate the risk of radiation damage to sterile products. n Logistics applications, where the imager produces an internal view revealing any missing parts, misplaced objects or damage. It can be used in applications where weighing scales or surface inspections cannot confirm that the presence and integrity of products inside sealed packaging, and X-ray methods would raise safety and regulatory concerns. When used with a conveyor belt, the imager can provide a continuous stream of images that can be analysed by AI to inspect the contents, and to detect any anomalies in real time. This reduces the need for manual checks, improves inventory accuracy, and ensures documentation of the entire supply chain for each shipment. n The food and beverage sector, where the imager offers a non-invasive way of inspecting sealed cartons, multipacks and glass containers. The millimetre waves reveal missing items, damaged products or sealing defects that would otherwise remain hidden. They can detect the smallest deviations, such as a loss of vacuum in glass bottles. Operators can implement strict safety and quality standards even with production lines running at full speed. Because the non-ionising radiation affects neither food quality nor employee health, the technology complies with safety regulations. www.rohde-schwarz.com/solutions/security/ security-screening/imager_256948.html TECHNOLOGY n Scanner sees through packaging to deliver ‘a quantum leap in quality assurance’ The scanner penetrates the packaging of items on production lines to check their contents #&/&'*54 XXX SJUUBM DP VL 4
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