EYEPORT: With Eyes Wide Open

As a flexible, modular rod sensor system, the new EYEPORT has a clear focus on product quality and enhances production flexibility in all cigarette and filter makers.

Cigarette quality is a top priority for the tobacco industry. Effective material and quality controls during production are therefore essential. The range of products manufactured by the cigarette industry is growing constantly so the sector is now focusing its investment activities primarily on creating production facilities that offer greater flexibility, standardization, ease of maintenance and user-friendliness.

“As the first flexible, modular rod sensor system for monitoring quality in all filter and cigarette makers, EYEPORT offers maximum investment security for our customers,” explains Teut Barkhan, project manager for EYEPORT at Hauni. “Initially, EYEPORT will be available for all machines in the M-generation of Hauni makers. However, in the future, customers will also be able to integrate it into older machines.”

Plug-and-play for exchanging sensor modules

There are many advantages to having a modern, standardized sensor system that can be used in every area of production: the system of individual modules is compatible with different makers and thus increases the efficiency and flexibility of every production facility. Uniform operation and maintenance procedures offer further performance enhancements. In addition, the optional flexible rod guide enables the operator to convert the rod guide to the new diameter after a QBC or QSC simply by pressing a button. The feedback Hauni has received from its customers is very positive.

“We were impressed by the EYEPORT’s modular design,” reports one customer after the successful 9-week field test. “Modules and sensor functions can be changed and exchanged flexibly and quickly. The solution minimizes standstills: a major plus.”

EYEPORT is suitable for cigarette production lines with a rod speed of max. 720 m/min, lengths between 65 and 120 mm, and diameters from 4.5 to 8.39 mm.

“There are no limits to the possibilities for future developments even in filter production lines,” says Barkhan. “The sensor system can be integrated into filter makers with an output of up to 12,000 fpm and a rod speed of up to 720 m/min. The filter rods can be between 65 and 180 mm in length.”

EYEPORT enables cigarette manufacturers to integrate all existing quality measuring functions as well as customer specific sensors from Hauni into their makers easily as modules. Up to seven EYEPORT modules per rod can be installed in the EYEPORT using plug-and-play technology. The following modules are currently available: the new MIDAS-MD weight measuring module, the newly developed HIFAS-MD module for NTRM, ODM-MD diameter measurement, OPPS-MD print position measurement module, ORIS-MD for optical rod inspection, IRIS-MD for soft spot detection, and LARIS-MD module for cut position measurement of filters.

“The new MIDAS-MD weight measurement system for tobacco rods is available exclusively for the EYEPORT and combines improved weight measurement accuracy with efficient calibration and lower energy consumption, “said Barkhan. “The new HIFAS-MD module also offers enhanced NTRM detection. We are working continuously on the development of further modules. In the next phase we will be supplying modules for capsule detection as well as measurement of triacetin and charcoal content.”