For many years, IRIS and Heye have together been supplying inspection lines for glass container factories worldwide. We are both specialists in our field : IRIS in camera inspection machines, Heye in check inspection machines. This complementary partnership has today become a cold end commercial alliance with added value where intelligent software is combined with a robust mechanics. We bring a collective expertise to your cold end.
Since 2002, IRIS has designed, developed and manufactured intelligent inspection solutions for glass containers. The company offers precise and innovative inspection machines with reduced dependence on the human factor for your increased productivity, quality and efficiency. IRIS is a team of passionate engineers, mastering the entire production of machines from ideas and concepts, to the production of CPU boards and on-site installation.
Based in Obernkirchen, Germany, Heye International is one of the foremost suppliers of production technology, high performance equipment and know-how for the container glass industry worldwide. Our mechanical engineering has set the standard in the industry for more than 50 years. The industry expertise, attitude and enthusiasm of Heye International employees conforms to the motto “WE ARE GLASS PEOPLE”.
EVOLUTION 12 NEO is an intelligent sidewall inspection machine with 12 HD cameras. Thanks to its unique optical design, EVOLUTION 12 NEO provides full body coverage. Equipped with a 21.5’’ touchscreen, these machines offer a full display of 12 to 16 images. The latest generation cameras take sharper and more accurate images improving discrimination between different types of defects (eg small stones and blisters) A powerful processing unit with innovative design and reduced maintenance cost offers a platform for new inspection intelligence.
- 360° coverage
- Intelligent defect recognition
- Realtime feedback for the Hot End
- Engraving inspection
- On-line geometry inspection
- Easy and fast settings for time saving
- Stress inspection option
- Multiple articles inspection
iBot compatible:
EVOLUTION 5 NEO is a fully automatic machine for base, finish, base stress inspection and mould number reading. It is totally modular and can be equipped with between one and 5 HD cameras to fit your inspection needs. A new mechanical design provides better access to all inspection stations and saves set-up. The latest generation LED ensures lighting from several angles to obtain a better image for inspection. Equipped with 21.5’’ deported touch screen with a user-friendly interface, EVOLUTION NEO offers quick and easy job change and inspection of round and non-round containers.
- Intelligent Defect Recognition
- With between one to five inspection modules to fit your needs
- Engraving recognition and inspection
- Reduced mechanical settings
- Motorised cameras
- Time saving with easy settings
Ranger 2 integration:
This advanced camera-based inspection system ensures precise detection of check defects in glass containers by using individual visual analysis. Ranger 2 adapts to various container shapes and sizes, offering reliable, high-speed inspection without manual adjustments.
iBot compatible:
This innovative camera-based solution for check detection is integrable on any starwheel machines from Heye International. Oculus NEO associates flexibility of emitter and receiver technology with the sophisticated camera system making the job change easy and fast. Oculus NEO has no limitation in number of cameras to cover containers of all colors and shapes, including the most complex zones.
Heye SmartLine 2 is the new generation of Heye’s starwheel inspection machine series. The SmartLine series sets the standard in reliability and robustness. The user interface has been improved and makes job changes as easy as possible. Both, the mechanical design and the control unit are extremely reliable and easy to operate. The large hood gives maximum access to the working space, reducing job change times to the absolute minimum. The latest non-contact inspection features are integrated, as well as a self-learning system for camera-based check detection
- Enlarged working radius allows
- High compatibility with existing tooling sets
- Short job change times
- Flexible state-of-the-art inspection options
- Surpassing reliability and robustness
In Obernkirchen smart plant, Ardagh benefits of the long-standing partnership between IRIS & HEYE, offering cutting-edge technologies.
THE PROJECT
In 2023, Ardagh Glass, a global leader in the glass industry, selected WENSPECT as part of their NextGen Furnace initiative in Obernkirchen. Our long-standing partnership with HEYE has fostered the integration of advanced inspection technologies with 21 machines at Furnace 3, distributed across two production lines and seven loops. The deployment included 7 Evolution 5, 7 Evolution 16, and 7 Smartline 2, underscoring a commitment to cutting-edge technology and precision manufacturing.
The project began with the retrofitting of an inspection loop in an older facility, where the Smartline and HEYE systems were successfully deployed. Leveraging the team's expertise with this technology, a strategic decision was made to standardize all inspection loops in furnace construction with these systems, ensuring consistency and operational efficiency.
The successful implementation of these advanced systems highlights the strength of the partnership between IRIS, HEYE and Ardagh Glass, reinforcing a shared vision for excellence in the glass manufacturing industry.
THE COOPERATION
This WENSPECT project and its implementation progressed exceptionally well, reflecting a strong collaboration. This partnership has facilitated the establishment of valuable connections with team members, strengthening the relationship further. The preparation for the Wenspect project, led by a joint project manager from IRIS and HEYE, allowed for the delivery of machines tailored precisely to Ardagh's specifications.
Throughout the project, seamless communication has been a key factor, with team members maintaining regular, direct contact via mobile or through colleagues. This one-on-one support ensured smooth coordination and operational success, setting a benchmark for efficiency and responsiveness.
EQUIPMENT & KEY INNOVATION
The advanced camera technology ensures reliable inspection, meeting all customer requirements. The machines feature cutting-edge innovations like Wire Edge inspection (Evolution 5), high-intensity lighting (Evolution 16), and the Ranger 2 (Smartline 2). Designed for efficiency, the Smartline 2 interface enables intuitive two-click settings management and provides detailed analytics for optimized operations.
The Ranger 2 camera inspection system evolves with customer feedback to meet changing needs. It offers user-friendly operation, minimal training, and quick job changes with pre-stored parameters. Integrated with IBOT, it delivers production insights, detects deviations, and provides actionable recommendations for better decision-making.
The integration of Evolution Neo has introduced AI into inspection systems, making all machines AI-ready. Neo AI enhances inspection by enabling direct error analysis through system images, eliminating physical samples, improving precision, and ensuring consistent reliability.
TRAINING & SERVICES
During the installation process and beyond, we prioritized supporting the team to achieve optimal performance settings as quickly as possible. Our objective was to ensure that operators fully understood the user interface and the system’s functionalities. Our commitment to providing prompt and effective solutions has fostered optimism about future developments. A key highlight is the strong collaboration with IRIS and HEYE, characterized by swift responses to any issues or dysfunctions. Whether addressing unclassified sample bottles or other challenges, IRIS and HEYE consistently deliver reliable support and solutions.
The on-site training sessions, conducted in a dedicated space, effectively combined theoretical learning with practical application. Participants benefitted from utilizing machines that had been out of operation since 2018, which allowed them to directly apply classroom lessons in a controlled setting. Over an intensive week, the team gained valuable new insights, even with prior experience using IRIS systems. The training enhanced their ability to maintain the machines, manage camera adjustments, and troubleshoot independently. Additionally, the prompt response from IRIS and HEYE, through WhatsApp or direct calls, ensured minimal downtime and efficient problem resolution via remote diagnostics or hands-on support.