A manufacturer had problems with missing caps and date/lot codes on their milk jugs. Photoelectric sensors were not capable of detecting the date/lot code nor were they reliable for detecting the cap due to variations in the position of the jug.

Checker uses a part finding sensor to identify a reference feature, which is used to locate the points where the cap and the date/lot code should be. Then, Checker’s brightness sensor verifies the cap presence and a contrast sensor verifies the date/lot code.

Checker provides consistent and reliable readings even when the position of the jug varies. Scrap and maintenance costs are reduced by adding this inspection step and line speeds were increased by eliminating the mechanical fixture.