Antares Vision Group will offer live demonstrations of an integrated line providing automatic denesting, inspection and labeling for prefilled syringe production at Interphex Booth 2821. The company will debut a new automatic visual inspection and leak detection system. Other highlights include a lab-level manual inspection unit, a  next-gen unified interface for its portfolio of inspection systems, and its traceability management solutions for drugs requiring cold chain handling – including GLP-1s. 

Automatic Visual Inspection & Leak Detection Machine for Liquids in Prefilled Syringes

The company’s new automatic visual inspection and leak detection system for liquids in prefilled syringes is powered by software algorithms and patented technology. The new CY Series is designed to achieve exceptional levels of inspection accuracy while maintaining the high speeds in pharma manufacturing. The system will be fed by the AD 300 Denester, which is capable of loading tubs directly from a conveyor for streamlined product flow; when appropriate, the denester also allows for connection directly to upstream filling stations. 

Container closure integrity testing is conducted via integrated high-voltage technology to best assure that no leak goes overlooked. The CY Series also checks for proper fill levels, as well as any microcracks, pinholes or other potential defects in PFS components like flanges, needle shields and plungers. The product itself also is thoroughly inspected for a broad range of reflective and non-reflective particles, including fibers, floaters and heavier/settled foreign substances. Upon defect detection, a reject rail allows for streamlined reinspection.

The CY Series can handle glass or plastic prefilled syringes up to 15 mm in diameter, and inspect liquids ranging in viscosity from water-like to suspensions and emulsions. The machine can achieve throughput speeds of up to 200 pieces per minute. Expedient changeover can be performed in just 20 minutes through straightforward replacements of star wheels and tilting screws, while inspection parameters can be reconfigured via recipe selection.

Automatic Labeling System for Prefilled Syringes, with Plunger Rod Insertion

At INTERPHEX, the CY Series will be paired with ETFS-300 Automatic Labeling System, which provides valuable multifunctionality for prefilled syringe production: thermal transfer printing and an Antares Vision camera system for complete print control, precision label application and tight-tolerance plunger rod insertion. Following a plunger rod insertion process driven by a mechanical pick and place system, the unit applies syringes with equally exacting accuracy. 

The ETFS-300’s label dispenser also is equipped with a servomotor for premium precision, and a rejection system flags syringes with missing plunger rods and/or labels. Among other benefits, by combining two critical processes in one compact design, the machine maximizes floorspace productivity in increasingly crowded manufacturing environments. 

Lab-level Model Providing Manual Visual Inspection for Any Container Size

Antares Vision Group will also feature the Easy TB, ideal for the manual visual inspection of small batches – or to help trend and characterize potential defects in combination with semi-automated or fully automated systems. Capable of handling containers up to 52mm in diameter, 110mm tall and with volumes up to 100ml, the flexible unit – so-named for its simple, tool-free format change in under a minute – is suitable for inspecting a wide array of vials, bottles, cartridges, ampoules and prefilled syringes. 

Unified Interface for Antares’ Vision Inspection Systems

Antares Vision Group will showcase INSPECTA, a next-generation interface unifying all of the company’s wide range of visual inspection solutions. The platform is a comprehensive, modular software suite channeling all inspection capabilities into a single intuitive interface.

GLP-1 Ready: Barcode-based Cold Chain Management 

The company will also be highlighting its solutions set for comprehensive cold chain management, including for the growing GLP-1 production landscape. 

Antares’ barcode-based cold chain management solution is integrated with real-time dashboards and proactive alert systems. Products are scanned as they move through different temperature zones, such as freezers, refrigerators, or ambient. The scalable system is designed to eventually incorporate RFID technology, further reducing manual scanning and expanding automation as operations grow.