Chromasens Unveil 3DPIXA Stereo Line-scan Cameras

Chromasens has announced the 3DPIXA, a new stereo line-scan camera which adds a new dimension to pharmaceutical quality control.

In the pharmaceutical industry, machine vision cameras play an important role in tasks ranging from microscopy used to diagnose diseased cells to a high-speed inspection of packaging. Today, three-dimensional (3D) cameras are increasingly taking over responsibilities once filled by traditional 2D cameras. These cameras enable imaging over a 360° spectrum through the collection of X, Y, and Z axes of the object under inspection. In particular, 3D cameras are being deployed where dosage accuracy must be verified, such as tablets, capsules, and pre-filled syringes.

In order to meet the quality and safety standards of the pharmaceutical industry, Chromasens has built high-resolution colour imaging and 3D height mapping into a single device, the 3DPIXA dual three-dimensional line-scan camera. Using factory-calibrated stereo technology and the universal Camera Link interface, 3DPIXA dual cameras simultaneously add height information to 2D colour images, making it possible to obtain data about volume and thickness. Height and shape are calculated using special algorithms running on powerful GPUs. Chromasens 3DPIXA dual cameras make it possible to determine if a pharmaceutical tablet, for example, is the absolute correct shape, length, and width, and that the tablet is whole in case it has been broken or partially formed during production. Defective tablets are rejected, thereby removing the possibility of shipping flawed medicine in the wrong dosage.

Chromasens 3DPIXA dual cameras are available in nine unique models, achieving larger scanning widths and higher accuracies than standard 3D models by combining two line-scan cameras with tri-linear CCD sensors into one stereo device. User-friendly Chromasens 3D-API (Application Programming Interface) allows for simple software integration into systems. In addition, the cameras support HALCON, MIL, LabView and SAC libraries. The versatile cameras have scanning widths up to 1400mm (55.1 inches) for a wider field of view, along with optical resolutions of up to 200 µm, and height resolutions from 0.55 to 60 µm. Given the versatility of the designs, Chromasens 3DPIXA dual cameras are ideal for the inspection and assessment of wire bonds, PCBs, foods and metal surfaces, along with pharmaceuticals.

Selecting the right illumination is an important step in any successful machine vision application but it is absolutely critical in a pharmaceutical inspection. Chromasens Corona II LED illumination systems provide definitive performance advantages compared to traditional halogens or fluorescent lamps, such as lower heat generation, longer durability, more consistent spectral behaviour, and higher levels of brightness — up to 3,500,000 lux. Bright-field illumination, dark field illumination, the industry’s brightest tube light, and an optional coaxial module are some of the choices Corona II lighting offers customers to meet their application requirements.

Chromasens developed a special technology for Corona II systems that focus LEDs using elliptical reflectors instead of lenses. This patented technology ensures no colour aberration, greater efficiency compared to lenses, and higher brightness at longer working distances.

Find out more about Chromasens.

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