The machine vision specialist VITRONIC is involved in the fight against COVID-19. The VINSPEC HEALTHCARE system for automated visual inspection makes it possible to seamlessly monitor the production quality of vials and their crimp caps. Vaccines are efficiently inspected for contamination and packaging defects without affecting the speed of production.
Everyone is talking about the complexity of the supply chain for the COVID-19 vaccine. To ensure continuous access to the vaccine, numerous companies need to get involved with the procurement, production, safe filling and packaging of the vaccine doses. Global projects were initiated at an impressive rate, marked by stable and efficient cooperation within the pharmaceutical industry worldwide.
To live up to the major time pressure and required production quantity, the early detection of packaging defects is essential. Inline inspection is used to detect defective containers at an early stage and initiate the necessary process adjustments to keep future waste levels low. Defective containers are immediately removed from the production process so that subsequent machine resources are solely used to continue processing flawless containers. At this initial stage of the vaccination process roll-out, the early inline inspection enables the provision of the greatest possible number of flawlessly packaged and therefore usable vaccine doses. “Ultimately, 100% inspection using machine vision systems has helped create a basic trust in the safe provision of medical supplies, including vaccines”, states Florian Krickl, product manager at VITRONIC.
The optical inspection is performed at the place where defects occur, straight after the sealing process: all crimp-cap-related defects and faults are detected. For example, if the crimp depth is too low, the inspection technology indicates a high stopper position, thereby preventively eliminating potentially leaky containers. The combination of high-performance sensors and intelligent machine vision algorithms enables reliable error detection.
VITRONIC’s inspection solution is characterized by a very compact design with 360° inspection. The low space requirement in the machine is of benefit with regard to both the simple retrofitting of existing systems and the limited availability of clean room space. With a filling speed of 36,000 vials per hour and complete automation, VINSPEC HEALTHCARE offers sufficient performance to meet the cycle requirements of modern systems in the field of vaccine filling while also complying with the latest regulatory requirements on quality.
VITRONIC is grateful for the opportunity to help provide quality assurance during vaccine production. It works with a global network of subsidiaries and partners to enable all manufacturers to offer a fast and efficient service. In close cooperation with its partners, VITRONIC continues to work actively to ensure and further develop the efficient quality inspection of primary packaging for vaccines using innovative solutions.
VITRONIC is the world's leading innovation driver for machine vision, enabling its customers to master the challenges of tomorrow.
The global group of companies develops forward-looking solutions in the form of specialized products and software for image-based quality inspection, identification and process optimization, which find application in the growth sectors of automation and traffic engineering.
VITRONIC solutions make an important contribution to helping shape a safe and sustainable world. The existing limits of what is economically feasible are constantly being questioned in order to achieve the highest quality and productivity, for example in the production of automotive and pharmaceutical companies. Worldwide, Auto-ID solutions in logistics centers and at cargo airports, take over the reliable and efficient recording of shipments and thus ensure a transparent flow of goods.
In the transport sector, VITRONIC offers leading technology for increased safety on the roads, for optimizing traffic flow and for recording road usage.
Open and honest dealings with our customers form the foundation for jointly exploiting technological and process potential to the full. Joint success forms the basis of long-term cooperation with companies such as B. Braun, BMW, Daimler, DHL, UPS, Fresenius and Sanofi as well as with public clients.
Since its foundation in 1984, VITRONIC has been growing continuously for 40 years. The current annual turnover (2023) is above 240 million EUR and the company is currently represented on five continents in over 80 countries with approximately 1,400 employees. Since 2024 the company is part of ITIS Holding, leveraging the strengths of both entities, creating a strong end-to-end ITS and automation provider.
Development and production of VITRONIC systems are located at the company headquarters in Wiesbaden. VITRONIC subsidiaries span across all continents, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Additionally, a global network of sales and service partners ensures localized support for international customers.