At IFFA 2025 (May 3-8, Frankfurt), Engilico introduces an in-machine version of the HyperScope® seal inspection system. This system utilizes hyperspectral imaging to accurately detect seal contamination in plastic or cardboard trays and thermoforms. Mounted above the tray packaging line, in-machine seal inspection offers numerous advantages, including eliminating the need for additional space in the packaging line, eliminating the need for extra conveyors, and promptly identifying defective packages immediately after sealing, when packages are still ideally shaped and positioned.

In the food industry, automation and 100% inspection are crucial for controlling total costs. As sealing is a vital packaging step, food producers also need an in-line solution to inspect seals, alongside other quality control measures like metal detection and checkweighing.

HyperScope® uses hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and artificial intelligence image processing technology to reliably and sw detect contamination in the seal of trays, with a much higher contrast than standard vision cameras. As hyperspectral cameras capture information of material composition, rather than only RGB colours, these are perfectly suited for in-machine seal inspection. Even when using opaque or printed plastic foils, colored or cardboard trays – when contamination is hardly or not visible for traditional vision-based systems – seal contamination can be detected by a hyperspectral camera.

HyperScope’s camera and illumination are both positioned above the tray processing line, before the packages are cut and separated. Inspecting the packages right after the sealing phase is also the ideal moment, particularly when handling thinner or more flexible film, as the packages are still undeformed and stable positioned when transported under the camera.

The AI-powered hyperspectral solution delivers automatic and precise seal identification and reliably detects contamination in the sealing area of the product. Another benefit is that the in-machine solution can also handle arrays of products in one single processing step.

Defective packages are subsequently removed from the packaging line by e.g. an ejector or pick & place robot system. This has an immediate positive effect on outgoing product quality, line efficiency and total cost, with less rework and avoided recalls. Typical applications are in-line seal inspection of trays or thermoforms with meat, fish, cheese, ready meals, etc.