MUNICH - Rohde & Schwarz has introduced the R&S IMAGER millimeter-wave inspection system for real-time, non-destructive inspection of packaged products. The system uses non-ionizing millimeter-wave signals to generate three-dimensional images of products and components inside packaging materials that can obscure conventional optical inspection systems.

The R&S IMAGER analyzes reflected millimeter-wave signals using a sensor array and produces subsurface images that can reveal missing components, misplaced objects, material defects, and other anomalies without opening the package or using X-rays. The system uses both signal magnitude and phase information to analyze materials and objects. Rohde & Schwarz has also described inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) processing as part of its millimeter-wave imaging technology.

The R&S IMAGER-2X2 model has a 6-millisecond scan time and can image a volume measuring 450 by 450 by 320 millimeters in a single scan. The model has a voxel size of 1.5 by 1.5 by 5 millimeters and provides a 1 Gbit LAN interface. A hardware-trigger option provides 24-volt trigger capability for integration with automated inspection systems.

The system is designed for applications including pharmaceutical, logistics, and food and beverage inspection. In pharmaceutical packaging, millimeter waves can penetrate materials including cardboard, multilayer packaging, and laminated seals to inspect components such as syringes, needles, and autoinjectors. Artificial intelligence can evaluate three-dimensional images to identify missing or misaligned components during production.

For logistics applications, the system can inspect sealed packages for missing, misplaced or damaged products and can generate digital representations of package contents for supply-chain tracking. Rohde & Schwarz says the system can be integrated into conveyor-based workflows for continuous inspection.

The R&S IMAGER can also inspect sealed cartons, multipacks and glass containers in food and beverage production. Applications include detecting missing products, packaging defects, and anomalies such as compromised vacuum seals.

For more information, please visit https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/.