Total quality in tubing glass manufacturing.

Abstract

Today's demand for higher quality products can be satisfied through a comprehensive quality assurance system (Total Quality System, "Worldwide Quality Standard") using the latest state of the art measuring technologies. Totally automated state of the art glass vial manufacturing begins once the glass tubes are loaded into the machine and ends with the finished product in the packaging machine, all without human contact. This standard is achieved by measuring dimensions with SPC (statistical process control) and 100% inspection of the products. These systems complement each other and give the machine operator instant data in an overview format. To achieve the visual requirements forma vitrum developed the FVC90 control line. This optical surface inspection device controls online and without contact 100% of the products for cosmetic defects as small as 50 microns. It can detect and eject defects such as dirt, scratches, chips, air-lines, loose glass particles, cracks, etc. The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted and is fixed based on client needs. An important quality assurance technique is the checking of dimensions at the production machine with a Vision System. With this system deviations are instantly recognized and corrections can be made immediately, thus assuring that glass products can be run on the high-speed filling machines for which they are designed. These computer assisted inspection systems are key in producing the highest quality pharmaceutical glassware in the 90's.