Defect Pointer: A revolution in inspection systems
The glass industry and its inspection systems are faced with the challenge of ensuring the highest quality while increasing production efficiency. Standard inspection alone is often not enough to meet the increasing demands of customers. Viprotron's Defect Pointer plays a vital role in modern inspection systems, not only helping to locate defects, but also protecting the health of employees.
Why a standardised test in the inspection system is not enough
An inspection system for glass based solely on standardised specifications is a good starting point - but often not enough. Modern glass products with special coatings or finishes require a highly accurate inspection system. The smallest defects, such as hairline scratches, roller marks or pinholes, can affect function and appearance. Reliable detection by the inspection systems is therefore essential - the defect analysis is performed by the software, but the defect pointer is the central tool for physical location on the glass.
The defect pointer in the inspection system
The Defect Pointer is an indispensable element of Viprotron's modern inspection system. As a visual guidance system, it helps the operator to locate detected defects on the glass with pinpoint accuracy - without having to move into dangerous positions. The defects are detected by the software, then transferred to the Defect Pointer via coordinates and marked on the side of the glass using LEDs. This allows defects to be located quickly, accurately and safely - without physically strenuous or potentially dangerous movements for the operator. The cycle time of the inspection system is increased, while the health risk is reduced.
High-performance inspection with the Quality Scanner 3D
The Defect Pointer works in conjunction with the Quality Scanner 3D - the heart of the Viprotron inspection system. Installed directly after the washer, it ensures fully automatic defect detection in clean conditions. The Quality Scanner 3D uses three inspection channels - bright field, dark field and reflection - to reliably detect all relevant glass defects, from inclusions to coating defects. The modular design allows the inspection systems to be flexibly expanded to meet individual requirements.
Advantages of the defect pointer in the inspection system
The combination of software analysis and the defect pointer brings significant benefits to the inspection system:
Fast localisation: there is no need to search for defects - the system pinpoints them.
Health protection: Dangerous positions or physically strenuous movements are eliminated.
Increased efficiency: Clean glass is processed directly, while faulty glass is ejected.
Documentation: All defects are systematically recorded and can be presented to the customer if required.
Areas of application in the inspection system
Throughout the production process, the Defect Pointer shows its strengths in combination with the inspection system:
The Defect Pointer is currently used exclusively in vertical inspection systems - especially after processing and before further processing, for example in the production of insulating glass. It is also used for fire resistant glass, frosted glass and mirrors. In this way, it contributes to the precise elimination of defects in these production stages - efficiently, safely and reliably.
Modern inspection systems use different camera and lighting technologies to detect defects:
Bright field: For high contrast defects such as bubbles and inclusions.
Dark field: For low contrast defects such as hairline scratches or indentations.
Reflection: For the detection of coating defects, e.g. in low-E coatings.
The modular design allows inspection systems to be flexibly adapted to production requirements.
Inspection system of the future
The Defect Pointer represents a new standard in glass inspection. It complements existing inspection systems by pinpointing defects, supporting operators in their daily work and ensuring safe, fast processes. When combined with high-end components such as the Quality Scanner 3D, the result is a future-proof inspection system that guarantees maximum quality and efficiency.
Interested in an advanced inspection system with Defect Pointer?
Contact us for a no-obligation potential analysis - we will show you how you can optimise your glass production with a Viprotron inspection system.
