After Print Inspection

Each disc is usually tested by an in-line scanner after the replication process, before printing. But the print process may cause ink splashes and the handling procedure may cause scratches or other defects at the disc's read-out side. To also detect those defects, dr.schwab Inspection Technology now offers an After Print Inspection solution, the IQPC^matrix, based on a 4 mega pixels matrix camera.

The main field of application of the system lies in Read Side Inspection of optical discs after the printing process. A high resolution matrix camera offers full surface defect detection with a resolution of 60 µm, even on the inner area (see Pic 1) of the disc. Combined with dr. schwab's advanced defect classification and Trend Analysis features the system provides reliable information for quality and process control.

An additional feature is reading and verification of the disc's Barcode (see Pic 2), as well as detection of the BCA Code. The new inspection approach does not require rotating the disc 360° and fault detection and code verification is done simultaneously. Therefore the actual inspection time is very fast and results in cycle times of 300 ms. With it's configurable parameter sets the system allows adaptation to customer specific requirements and is easily integrated into any line for complete automation. With its closed loop functionality the IQPC^matrix gives immediate feedback information to control and optimize the printing process.

Measurement Examples

Pic 1: Clamping Area Defect (Inner Area)

Pic 2: Barcode Verification

back