Peco Controls, claims its LabelScan, compares conformity to allow correct labels to pass, while rejecting those out-of-tolerance.

While companies are investing in machinery to automate packaging and labeling products, checking the appearance quality is also important as defects can lead to problems further up production lines and loss of consumer appeal.

The system can be programmed to inspect the full label area or specific areas by defining the appropriate "region of interest," the company claims.

Each system includes a camera, lighting, control enclosure, ejector timing, and an ejector. When mounted upon a rotary labeler, up to 800 containers per minute can be inspected for tears and other defects, claims the manufacturer.

Tolerance levels can be adjusted to allow packages with small label defects to be accepted or rejected.

The LabelScan operator console features a large display and includes the Peco controls multi-trac ejector control for accurate ejection of out-of-tolerance packages, the company claims.

An encoder input and timing sensors are also included to track packages from the inspection to the ejection station.

By depressing the "learn" button, the image of the label is remembered. Operators can then select previously "learned" labels from the menu, or through the keyboard supplied with systems.

LabelScan can be equipped with camera inputs selected for the application and inspects a broad range of container sizes. Alternative configurations also allow for "front and back" inspection.

California-based Peco Controls provides package inspection systems for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and personal care along with other industries.