XPAR Vision was founded on July 13th 1999. Before that, we were well known as a Dutch industrial research and development center. Since 1989, this center operated in close relationship with the University of Groningen. In fact, most of our highly skilled and qualified employees were educated at this university. Consequently, XPAR Vision still has access to a wealth of technical knowledge and know-how.
Fundamental research
In 1994 we were already involved in the container glass industry, carrying out fundamental research for third parties, aimed at optimizing the glass forming process. At the start of this project, the infrared and thermal behavior of glass containers was mathematically modelled and entered in a computer program. After the initial encouraging results, we went on doing tests, experiments and many onsite trials, using a custom-built infrared camera.
In 2000, at the Glasstec in Dusseldorf, we introduced the highly innovative hot end infrared camera system to the global container glass industry. The first system, the IR-21, was a single infrared camera system. It was quickly followed by the Polysigma camera system. With our system infrared images are made of each single bottle, immediately after the bottle has been formed. The images are analyzed in detail and with this information the quality of the bottle and of the forming process is evaluated in real time.
Cold end > hot end
Since the introduction of the infrared camera system a revolution began: from traditional cold end inspection (quality selection only after 1 till 1.5 hours after production of the bottles) the industry shifted towards hot end inspection, to forming process monitoring and to quality control in real time and ultimately towards forming process automation.
Single > Dual
In 2006, again at the Glasstec in Dusseldorf, we introduced our latest camera systems: IR-S(ingle) and IR-D(ual). The IR-S was the follow up to the Polysigma. Compared to the Polysigma the IR-S is small and compact, without compromising on stability and robustness. The IR-S has centralized computers outside the camera cabinet, which makes the system reliable and easy to maintain. The IR-D is our dual hot end infrared camera system. The logic behind the IR-D is that two eyes see more than one. The main advantage is improved detection of inclusions and critical defects, shape, verticality, thin spots, asymmetry and positioning of bottles/jars on the conveyer belt. These advantages are well recognized by the market: since the introduction of the IR-D only dual camera systems are sold.
Implementation & results
Early 2007 we changed our focus from development mainly towards development and implementation. Our focus on results and implementation is unique for the industry. Our consultants, who are experienced glass makers from the industry with SIX Sigma background, set up and execute customized implementation programs (training & advice) for the different systems. Our aim is not to get our systems sold, installed and commissioned, but to ensure that our customers know how to benefit from these systems. We see well implemented systems as a precondition for customer satisfaction, which in return is a precondition for us being successful in the long term.
New products
In addition to the IR-D our product portfolio nowadays consists of Infrared Gob weight Control, Gob Assist, Blank side Temperature Control system and BoX.