In-line X-ray Inspection of Wound Dressings

Founded in 1991, Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS) focuses on the development and manufacture of innovative woundcare dressings and tissue adhesives for treating and closing wounds. Supplied globally through partners and distributors, their commitment to ensuring their products are of the highest quality and in perfect condition when they leave the manufacturing plant, led them to consider x-ray inspection solutions.

Reliable Product inspection Packaged in aluminium foil or paper sachets, traditional x-ray inspection systems simply do not offer the sensitivity required to detect the presence or position of the dressing, a thin product in light packaging. To obtain the sensitivity of detection that AMS required, control of x-ray generation was key, and SAFELINE offered the superior control required.

The InspireX R20 system is automatically calibrated continuously after each inspected item to ensure maximum stability. With that, maximum sensitivity of detection is achieved for every individual wound dressing. The system reliably checks the wound dressing is not trapped in the seal, ensuring sterility.

Ensuring quality

Detecting contamination is also necessary to ensure product quality. AMS monitor for metal contaminants down to 1.0mm.

Maximizing throughput

X-ray inspection will not create an inspection bottleneck. Throughput is not compromised as up to 500 dressings a minute can readily be inspected. SAFELINE overcame the challenge of devising an accurate reject system for very light objects, operating at fast line speeds. The specifically designed lift flap reject mechanism is able to reject a single sachet at high speed and accuracy. Applying novel sensor technology ensured reject confirmation of every individual product.

Fitted at the end of the high speed packaging line for the final quality assurance check, AMS can ensure their products consistently meet ISO 13485: 2003 medical device regulations and protect their brand reputation with the InspireX R20 system which, Dr Wang the production manager comments, "is easy and safe to use".

Benefits of the Safeline InspireX R20 system:

• Increased brand protection due to the superior sensitivity of detection
• Assurance of product safety - detection and elimination of glass and metal contaminants
• Minimum downtime - operating at low energy offers superior reliability
• Increased productivity - false reject rates are minimised due to adaptive technology
• Maximum uptime with automatic product setup completed in minutes
• Optimise throughput with rapid inspection capacity rates, up to 1500 packs per minute
• With space always a premium, systems can be easily retro fitted into your production line
• Full traceability via a unique user sign in system
• Local service and support network with global reach