Cosmetics labelling machine can read its own labels

Citation

(2003), "Cosmetics labelling machine can read its own labels", Sensor Review, Vol. 23 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2003.08723daf.001

Cosmetics labelling machine can read its own labels

Cosmetics labelling machine can read its own labels

Keywords: Machine vision packaging

Harpenden Engineering Services (HES) has used an Omron pattern recognition sensor in the design of a new double headed tube labelling machine for Advanced Labelling Systems (ALS), so that it can check label application and position to the levels of perfection demanded for cosmetics packaging (Plate 1).

The machine is designed to apply a barcode label to a plastic tube container of facemask and a second spot label for indicating the colour or shade of the mask. The tube is pre-printed with some information that must not be covered up by the labels. Additionally, the positioning of the labels has to match the exacting standards of presentation expected by cosmetics consumers, while the colour of the label and information printed on it also have to be correct.

Plate 1 Harpenden Engineering Services (HES) has used an Omron pattern recognition sensor in the design of a new double headed tube labelling machine for advanced labelling systems (ALS)

Recognising that control engineering was the key to the successful implementation of this project, HES called in specialists from Omron Electronics to discuss ideas. They quickly realised that the requirements could be met with Omron's unique F10 pattern recognition sensor. The control system that evolved from the initial meetings includes several other types of Omron sensor, one of Omron's new CPM 2A programmable logic controller (PLC), and a human-machine interface (HMI) also from the Omron stable.

In essence, F10 bridges the gap between the simple photo sensors and high performance vision systems. Its image processing power is demonstrated in this project by the fact that it actually reads the name of the facemasks' colour on the second label so that the machine has a built-in quality assurance routine.

Omron sensors control the infeed of empty tubes to an eight-station rotating mandrel of 300mm diameter, so that a tube is loaded into the first station. This is then indexed through the eight stations, at each of which a function is performed.

The first station is for loading a tube onto the mandrel.

At the second station an Omron photo sensor checks for the presence of a black mark. The tube is then rotated to a set position to pre-orientate it ready for labelling.

Station three uses another Omron sensor to detect the mark and a spinning rubber roller to orient the tube and apply the barcode label precisely in the right place.

At the fourth station, the tube is again rotated so that a barcode reader can check that label is in place.

The next station reorients the tube as per the second station ready for the application of the second label at the sixth station. This label is a 10 mm diameter self adhesive disc, which is colour matched to the cosmetic that will later fill the tube. The name of the colour of the cosmetic is also printed on the disc.

Omron's F10 pattern recognition sensor is at the penultimate station, where it performs two distinct functions. First, it checks the position and orientation of the label. And finally it recognises the "pattern" of the printed colour name, comparing it with the various colour name patterns held in one of the eight memory banks.

Finally at Station eight, the twin-labelled tube is air blasted onto an outfeed chute to a filling machine and then the empty mandrel rotates back to the first station to repeat the cycle.

The F10's pattern recognition abilities allowed Omron's control systems experts to develop an elegant architecture that fitted perfectly with the operation of the existing machine. HES now expects to build several more of these machines over the next few years, along with the other special purpose machines it designs and manufactures. Its Web site address is www.hesmachines.co.uk and for ALS labelling systems visit www.als-advanced-labelling.com

For further information, please contact: Paul Borrett at Omron Electronics Ltd, 1 Apsley Way, Staples Corner, London, NW2 7HF. Tel: 020 8450 4646.