Integrating leak detection into your blow molding production processes is a great step in assuring complete quality in every container you produce. But not all potential defects can be detected by leak inspection equipment...
Did you know there’s more to quality assurance in empty plastic containers than leak detection?
Integrating leak detection into your blow molding production processes is a great step in assuring complete quality in every container you produce. But not all potential defects can be detected by leak inspection equipment. Containers may pass through even the most sensitive of leak inspections, yet still have flashing, visible impurities, or even metal particles resulting from raw materials processing or container production equipment. What can you do to ensure your containers are free from all potential contaminants and defects?
Shifting from leak inspection alone to a comprehensive approach to quality assurance may be the answer.
As part of TASI Test and Automation’s Package Integrity family of businesses, ALPS Inspection is connected with CASSEL Inspection, a leader in the development of x-ray inspection and metal detection equipment. This relationship with CASSEL Inspection means the ALPS Inspection team can offer guidance and technologies to help you develop a comprehensive inspection solution that’s right for your business.
What does it mean to have a comprehensive approach to quality assurance? What does that strategy look like?
Quality assurance applies to every step of your production process, from the place you receive raw materials until your finished containers are packaged for delivery to your customer. There are several steps along the way where contaminants can be introduced. Ideally, contaminants are detected and removed from your line as early as possible. This not only protects your processing equipment from damage but also helps reduce faulty containers and the waste that results from producing and then scrapping them.
Leak inspection is the industry standard in blow-molded plastic containers and provides protection against container defects that can result in consumer safety issues, costly recalls, and damage to your brand.
But different types of defects and contaminants require different methods of detection. Depending upon the type of contaminant or defect that might occur in your process, incorporating vision inspection or metal detection equipment can add value to your operation and brand by increasing the level of quality assurance you can offer to your customer. Understanding where on your line contamination may be introduced can help determine the best placement of inspection equipment.
Which inspection method is right for my operation?
There are a variety of inspection methods, including metal detection, x-ray inspection, and visual inspection. To determine which can deliver the most protection to your operations, start with your raw materials and the containers you produce.
The use of post-consumer recycled content in blow-molded containers is on the rise. This is good for the environment and can expand your customer base, but the recycling process can introduce metal contaminants that can damage your processing equipment, impact container integrity, and contaminate the products that fill those containers.
Even if you consistently use virgin plastic, metal contaminants can be introduced along your production line. Detecting metal not only ensures the quality of your product, but can also alert you to damaged processing equipment, allowing you to make repairs before more of your inventory is affected.
Will adding another type of inspection to my production line slow me down?
The great news is that integrating inspection into your production line delivers huge benefits with little to no impact on efficiency. ALPS Inspection is more than a leak inspection and quality assurance expert: we are container handling experts. Our equipment is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing line (sometimes even over your existing conveyor) and we offer a wide variety of guide rails, moving and stationary test heads, timing screws, ramps, and other accessories to ensure your containers continue along your line at the appropriate speed, without backing up or toppling.
Integrating critical inspection equipment into your blow molding production line protects your investment while you protect your customers and their consumers. If you’re interested in upping your quality game, reach out to the ALPS Inspection team. With our ability to provide leak inspection solutions —and our connection to a group of industry-leading providers of product testing, inspection, and quality solutions— ALPS Inspection is the perfect partner. We will work with you to understand what raw materials you’re using, what containers you’re producing at what speeds, and help you design a comprehensive quality assurance solution that detects any contaminant that makes it onto your line, so you keep them out of your containers.
Questions about integrating leak testing and metal detection into your production line? Contact Us here and a leak detection expert will be in touch.