Glass Inspection

In hot-end glass bottle manufacturing, early detection of defects is essential to prevent material waste and ensure consumer safety. InGaAs short wave infrared (SWIR) cameras provide a powerful solution for inspecting glass hollowware immediately after molding, while the bottles are still above 200°C. Unlike thermal cameras, SWIR cameras can see through hot glass, enabling manufacturers to examine both interior and exterior surfaces in real time.

At this critical stage, defects such as unmelted raw materials, uneven cooling, or microscopic glass filaments can pose serious risks. Hairline glass filaments, in particular, may fracture into dangerous shards once cooled, contaminating the product and creating potential hazards for end users. SWIR imaging captures subtle temperature differences between the bottle walls and internal flaws, allowing for early and accurate detection. Once identified, defective bottles are automatically rejected, and the faulty mold can be taken offline for maintenance.

The ability of InGaAs cameras to visualize temperature gradients makes them ideal for monitoring cooling rates, ensuring bottles do not crack from thermal stress. Furthermore, because SWIR cameras function through standard glass, they integrate easily into production lines without requiring specialized optics. This results in more efficient processes, reduced scrap rates, and a significantly lower risk of defective products reaching the market.

With false-color thermal imaging capabilities and calibrated temperature readouts, InGaAs-based systems help glassmakers maintain consistent quality, reduce production downtime, and ultimately protect consumers from injury due to defective containers.