
Blister pack inspection is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals and other products packaged in blister packs. Advanced vision technology has revolutionized this process, enabling faster and more accurate inspections than ever before.
With the ability to inspect every blister pack individually, manufacturers can detect even the smallest defects, such as missing or misaligned tablets. This level of precision is made possible by advanced machine vision systems that can capture high-resolution images of each pack.
These systems use sophisticated algorithms to analyze the images and identify potential issues, including defects in the packaging material, incorrect product placement, and even tampering. This ensures that only flawless blister packs leave the production line.
By implementing advanced vision technology, manufacturers can significantly reduce waste and rework, saving time and resources in the long run.
Suggestion: Blister Pack Phone
Packaging Inspection Challenges
A small opening in the cavities or cut in the blister tray can lead to corrosion, microorganism contamination, or even humidity damage.
Medical devices shouldn't be delivered to health facilities and institutions with defective blister packs.
Blister packs housing medical equipment must be defect-free to ensure regulatory compliance for the production of critical devices as medical equipment.
Non-compliance fines can result from errors in blister packaging inspection.
Built-in technologies in KEYENCE vision systems designed for blister packaging inspection make medical device manufacturing inspection accurate and free of errors.
Accurate Image Capture
Accurate image capture is crucial for blister pack inspection. Inaccurate and unreliable imaging can lead to incorrect inspection results.
Blister pack inspection systems may struggle to capture clear images due to the transparent or reflective nature of the blister material design. This can cause issues with inspection accuracy.
The transparent nature of blister packs can make it difficult for cameras to focus and capture clear images. This is especially true for systems that rely on visible light to inspect the packs.
Packaging Vision Systems
KEYENCE's vision systems for blister packaging inspection are designed to ensure regulatory compliance by detecting even the smallest defects, such as a small opening in the cavities or cut in the blister tray.

These built-in technologies make medical device manufacturing inspection accurate and free of errors, preventing non-compliance fines. This is especially important for medical equipment, where defect-free packaging is crucial for patient safety.
KEYENCE's AI vision systems technology provides algorithms that help detect defects and irregularities from captured high-res images, making it easier to isolate inspection targets from the environment.
Here are some key features of KEYENCE's vision systems:
- Non-destructive, deterministic blister leak test device designed to test all foil types
- Incorporates innovative 3D technology that can detect leaks in individual blister pockets, channel leaks and weak seals down to a 5μm laser drilled pin hole (pack and material dependent)
- Tool-less device making it ideal for production lines running multiple products
Unique Shapes and Sizing
Unique Shapes and Sizing can make it challenging to find the right machine vision systems.
Different blister packaging has unique shapes, designs, and sizing.
This may make it challenging to find the right machine vision systems that can accurately inspect for openings, deformities, and other anomalies in various blister packs.
Some blister packs have irregular shapes, while others have unique designs that require specialized inspection.
Finding a machine vision system that can accommodate these variations is crucial for accurate inspection.
Packaging Vision Systems
Packaging Vision Systems are crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of medical devices. A small opening in the cavities or cut in the blister tray can lead to corrosion, microorganism contamination, or even humidity damage.

KEYENCE vision systems designed for blister packaging inspection make medical device manufacturing inspection accurate and free of errors that could lead to non-compliance fines. These systems are built to detect defects and irregularities from captured high-res images.
Older vision systems can struggle with isolating inspection targets from the environment during blister packaging inspection. KEYENCE's AI vision systems technology provides algorithms that help detect defects and irregularities from captured high-res images.
The VisionScan 3D brochure is available for download, providing more information on the blister pack inspection solution and 3D Leak Detection technology. This technology can help improve your package assurance process.
Some key features of the VisionScan 3D include a non-destructive, deterministic blister leak test device designed to test all foil types. It incorporates innovative 3D technology that can detect leaks in individual blister pockets, channel leaks, and weak seals down to a 5μm laser drilled pin hole.
Here are some key features and benefits of the VisionScan 3D:
- Non-destructive, deterministic blister leak test device designed to test all foil types
- Incorporates innovative 3D technology that can detect leaks in individual blister pockets, channel leaks and weak seals down to a 5μm laser drilled pin hole (pack and material dependent)
- Tool-less device making it ideal for production lines running multiple products
- Large test area (297x210mm) provides high throughput
- Can test multiple packs per test cycle
- Can test packs that contain tablets / capsules in multiple material / design formats
- Streamlined validation process for different foil types
- Rapid test time down to 60 seconds for micron holes and as low as 30 seconds for gross holes
- Simple operator use via a touch screen interface
- Operating system can store unlimited product types
- Network connectivity to a central server
- Can form part of 21 CFR part 11 compliant system
- Capable of storing and exporting data for audit and quality control purposes
- Active Directory and flexible reporting built-in
Scanware Inspection
Scanware Inspection is a game-changer for blister pack inspection.
The hardware used by scanware offers wear-free, homogeneous, electronically adjustable W-LED illumination, which is a huge advantage in terms of durability and consistency.
Modular design and high-quality cameras are also key features of scanware's hardware, allowing it to adapt to any production line and deliver top-notch performance.
The software developed by scanware's team of developers is constantly being updated and offers a range of evaluation options to suit different inspection tasks.
Algorithms based on the QNX real-time operating system work incredibly fast and provide a variety of parameters to support inspection tasks.
The integrated software features automatic learning runs, format-saved lighting settings, and running production statistics, making it a powerful tool for quality control.
The user interface is intuitive and fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11, making it easy to use and maintain.
Preventive system maintenance can be carried out with CURA to ensure the system runs at optimal performance.
Versatile Solution
The POLYPHEM wt camera system is a versatile inspection solution for blister packaging. It can detect errors in colour, form, dimension, and position of the contents, as well as recognising contaminations, damages, or overfilled pockets.
Whether you're inspecting medication, toothbrushes, or chocolate confectionary, the POLYPHEM wt is a reliable choice. It's a high-quality camera system that can be upgraded at any time to meet your changing needs.
The system can inspect blister packs in various formats, including coloured tablets, capsules, dragees, syringes, and vials or applicators. It's also capable of detecting fragments, overfilling, or empty cups in blisters.
The SPECTRA BW camera inspection system is a cost-effective option for lines that pack a single product in continuous operation. It can inspect the shape, position, circumference, and size of products, and eject blisters with errors.
The SPECTRA CL colour blister inspection system can detect under-mixing as well as colour differences, making it a great option for products with complex colour schemes. It also features illumination control for precise results.
The SPECTRA HR high-resolution inspection system uses multiple cameras to detect even the smallest soiling and flaking on products. It's a great option for products with sensitive packaging or special requirements, such as hormone products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you check blister packs?
To ensure accuracy, check one row at a time in a blister pack to verify the appearance of the items before taking the medicines. If you have any concerns, contact your pharmacy for guidance.
What is the challenge test for blister packing machine?
The challenge test for blister packing machines involves intentionally adding a broken tablet to a blister and verifying that the machine detects and removes it. This test ensures the machine's accuracy and is a crucial step in batch documentation.
Sources
- https://www.keyence.com/products/vision/vision-sys/industries/medical-device-manufacturing/blister-packaging-inspection.jsp
- https://www.scanware.de/en/our-solutions/blister-inspection/
- https://lp.sepha.com/blister-pack-inspection
- https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/93773-vision-system-performs-flawless-blister-pack-inspection
- https://www.imveurope.com/press-releases/polyphem-blister-pack-inspection-solution
Featured Images: pexels.com