Extrusion International 2-2026

25 Extrusion International 2/2026 Applications Thanks to the exible arrangement of system compo - nents, a wide range of applications can be addressed. These include, for example, pharmaceutical packaging requiring the highest level of quality control, hygiene products where strict standards and certi cations are essential, and food packaging lms as well as technical lms, sheets, and tapes. Due to this exibility, the inline image processing technology can be integrated into new production lines already at the extrusion design stage or retro tted into existing lines. Picture 1 shows a solution for a Scandinavian manu- facturer and service provider of advanced, sustainable plastic packaging solutions. With a strong focus on qual- ity and a goal to optimize all phases of the value chain, the company decided to enhance its quality control in lm production. The system was integrated into an existing PET ex- trusion line with a maximum roll width of 850 mm, lm thicknesses ranging from 0,4 to 2,5 mm, and a line speed of 22 m/min. The critical defect size was speci - ed at 100 µm, with a focus on detecting particles, pinholes, and gels. To achieve optimal illumination for predominantly transparent, opaque, and colored lms, a so-called transmission setup was chosen – cam - era and light source positioned on opposite sides of the lm web. Additionally, the defect detection system includes a labelling station. Quality-relevant areas are marked and identi ed by automatic, contactless application of self- adhesive labels, enabling downstream process optimi- zation (e.g. thermoforming). Extensive analysis tools are available to users, display- ing all defects on a complete roll, including key data such as defect types, sizes, and densities. Despite the system’s individual customization, instal- lation and commissioning on-site at the customer loca- tion were completed within just a few days. For a leading Indian manufacturer and supplier of specialty packaging, including sustainable ultra-high- barrier solutions as well as labels, coatings, and thermal lamination lms, an inspection system was installed on a slitter line. Picture 2 shows the system con guration for met - allized BOPP lms, with a thickness range of 8 to 80 µm, a roll width of 2.500 mm, and web speeds of up to 800 m/min. The critical defect size was 100 µm, and the goal was to detect pinholes, metal oxidation, oil stains, and scratches. Preliminary sample measurements car- ried out in SBI’s in-house test lab de ned the optimal system con guration as a direct transmission setup, enabling reliable and accurate detection of all critical defects. Comprehensive analysis data are also available for this application, and through customized software modi cations, a tailored solution was realized for this customer. Due to the positive experience with the WIS 1000 sys- tem, a second slitter line has now been equipped with an SBI defect detection system. Premium Service As part of its comprehensive offering for defect detec- tion systems, SBI provides extensive services – from free sample evaluation (defect detection, classi cation, and analysis), determining and designing the optimal sys- tem con guration within production lines (e.g. camera type and number, lighting solution, mechanical xtures, software packages), to on-site customization, training, and support – available 24/7 worldwide. For speci c requirements that demand on-site evalu - ation, inline tests can be conducted on production lines to demonstrate system detection capabilities and sup- port informed investment decisions. Conclusion The integration of inline defect detection systems into extrusion lines represents a decisive step toward seam- less quality control, documentation, and production op- timization. Thanks to their adaptability and customiza- tion, a wide range of applications can be supported. System components tailored speci cally for the plastics processing industry allow for competitive pricing and en- sure superior quality control at manageable costs. SBI Mechatronik GmbH Kaplanstraße 12 2020 Hollabrunn, Austria www.sbi-mechatronik.com Picture 2: WIS-1000 System installed at a slitter-line