IntraVis release BarrierWatcher Inspection System for EVOH barrier multilayer thin-wall packaging

IntraVis Vision Systems of Germany have released a BarrierWatcher Inspection system which is able to inspect  EVOH (Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) barrier layers for defects.

EVOH is used as plastic packaging for food, medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic goods. It creates a barrier to oxygen and carbon dioxide in food containers. This allows for the quality and flavours of the food to be locked inside. It is either extruded or injection moulded  as a multilayer structure with regular plastic materials such as PP or HDPE.

However, the continuous production of evenly distributed EVOH layers can be challenging.

This challenge led Intravis to the development and introduction of  the BarrierWatcher, which is an inspection system, that checks parts with a built-in EVOH barrier layer for an equal and adequate distribution of this layer.

There are currently two versions of the BarrierWatcher: a laboratory system with manual handling, or as an inline system integrated with an injection moulding machine. Typical parts inspected are multilayer preforms, tubs, cups or barrier closures

The BarrierWatcher detects insufficient layer thickness by comparing the product to the reference object. The special EVOH cameras compare the relative thickness and can detect small holes in the layers. Each module can have up to eight cameras and can inspect up to 8 items per second.

The technology is now being used by leading multi-national food and packaging companies.