Caps & Closures

From Setup to Success: Lucca’s Role in Ensuring CapWatcher Reliability

25 September 2024 INTRAVIS
How our service technicians provide support from commissioning to the service check

Hi,

my name is Lucca, and I’m the Team Leader of the Service Commissioning Team at INTRAVIS. Previously, I was a Service Technician and have commissioned and maintained our inspection systems worldwide. Today, I would like to give you an overview of a typical day as I used to have it as a Service Technician. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, but one thing remains constant – my commitment to ensuring that our inspection systems, like the CapWatcher, operate with the highest level of precision and reliability – leading to satisfied customers who receive a value-adding inspection solution! 

The Journey Begins: Commissioning at INTRAVIS in Aachen 

Let's stick with the CapWatcher. After purchase, every closure system starts its journey at our headquarter in Aachen, Germany. Once the project planning as well as mechanical and electrical designs are completed, the journey goes on in our production facility. It’s my job to ensure that everything is set up and calibrated to perfection. Calibration is a crucial step in this process because even the slightest deviation can affect the accuracy of the more than 40 inspection criteria. 

Using our specialized alignment tools, I carefully adjust each camera, taking care that they are perfectly aligned. Our cameras are mounted on a solid base plate, ensuring that each camera is positioned with precise distances to the customer’s closures being inspected. The goal is to achieve a level of precision that allows us to measure down to 1/100th of a millimeter. 

After the cameras are aligned, I calibrate the software modules. This makes absolute measurements possible, guaranteeing that the system can detect even smallest closure defects. Then, we perform several test runs, meticulously analyzing the results, and making any necessary adjustments. Once I’m confident that everything is in order to our checklists and comprehensive quality standards, the system is ready to be shipped to the customer. 

On-Site Commissioning: The Next Critical Step 

When the CapWatcher arrives at the customer’s site, my job is far from over. I accompany the system to its new home, where I manage its installation and commissioning. The transportation process can sometimes cause minor shifts in the equipment, so I re-check the lighting and aperture settings to ensure everything is still perfectly aligned. 

Once the system is up and running, I monitor the production process to make sure everything is operating smoothly. During this time, I also work closely with the customer’s operators, providing training and guidance on how to best use the system. My goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible so that the production can continue without any interruptions. 

Flexibility and Ease of Use: Adapting to New Closure Designs 

One of the features that makes the CapWatcher so effective is its ability to adapt to new closure designs with minimal hassle. Whether the customer is transitioning to a new design or introducing a complex closure like a tethered cap, the system can be easily reconfigured. 

 Our intuitive software allows for simple referencing, guiding even unexperienced operators through the process step by step. This flexibility not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors, ensuring that the production line can continue running reliably. 

Keeping it in Top Shape: Service Checks and Optimization 

Maintaining the precision and reliability of the CapWatcher is just as important as its initial setup. That’s why we offer regular service checks on-site. When I conduct these checks, my focus is on optimizing the system to prevent any potential issues before they arise. Furthermore, I install upgrades which ensure that the system is always up-to-date, and that it receives the latest functionalities. 

One of the key areas I pay attention to is the system’s lighting setup. Over time, minor changes in the environment can affect how the system inspects the closures, leading to false positives or missed defects. By optimizing e.g. the brightness, depth of focus, aperture, and contrast, I can ensure that the system continues to perform at its best. 

Our goal is to minimize the need for operator intervention, especially as it becomes increasingly difficult to find experienced staff. By taking care of the long-term reliability of the vision system in regular service checks, we allow operators to focus on their core responsibilities, improving overall productivity. In addition, we offer our support to customers remotely, in case that problems arise unexpectedly. 

The Value of Experience: Why we’re here for You 

At INTRAVIS, we understand the importance of having a reliable supplier. With over 30 years of experience in the market, we know what it takes to keep your production running smoothly. Whether it’s commissioning, service checks, or training, we support you every step of the way. 

As a Service Technician, I enjoy to supporting our customers on their way to a permanently successful production process without any delivery issues. Each day brings new challenges, but with the right tools, training, and support, I am confident that we can overcome them together. So, whether you are setting up a new system or looking to optimize an existing one, you can trust that our team is committed to delivering highest precision and reliability.