Vision Inspection

Automation is quickly becoming a major part of the world in which we live. From consumer applications like microwaves and automobiles, to use in large-scale factories that produce everything from dollar-store hair accessories to autopilot-driven aircrafts, automation surrounds us. This is a good thing – the products we use benefit from the increased quality, consistency, and productivity provided by automated systems. 

The overall quality of a final drug product depends on the components of its packaging and delivery systems.  The use of visually inspected components reduces the risk of defective components and helps ensure patient safety.

Spotting a quality issue on a stopper or plunger can be difficult. While a trimming or molding defect may be noticeable, embedded particulate or foreign contamination may be far too small for the human eye to see.

There is an increasing trend in the pharmaceutical industry for ready-to-use components for a variety of reasons.

In today’s manufacturing processes, defects such as loose and embedded foreign matter may cause end of line rejects of drug products—potentially leading to a loss of product or even market recalls. At the same time, regulatory authorities are becoming increasingly more stringent and continually lowering acceptable levels of particulate matter.

West’s Peg Frandolig and Lynn Lundy share how vision inspection systems can help drug product manufacturers and packaging suppliers work together to regulate foreign and particulate matter in finished drug products in the December/January issue of Pharmaceutical Formulation & Quality.