Defect patterns in injection molding

Typical error patterns after using the tool.

Common injection molding defects — with a realistic assessment of what can be visually inspected inline and what cannot.

Macro shot: Short shot / incomplete filling
Short shot

Shortcut / Completeness

Incompletely filled cavities and missing geometry – even in thin-walled areas far from the gate. Depending on the part, lateral areas can be captured by multiple cameras.

optically testable inline

Macro shot: ridge and membrane at the dividing plane
Ridge / membrane

Ridge / membrane

Bursts at separation planes and fine membranes — thin membranes often only become visible in transmitted light.

optically testable inline

Macro shot: Black specks and inclusions
Black Specks

Black specks / inclusions

Dark spots, inclusions, contamination. In cases of highly variable presentation, AI classification helps to distinguish true defects from gloss effects and positional variations.

optically testable inline

Macro shot: binding seams, streaks, color deviation
Binding suture

Binding seams / streaks / color

Binding seams, streaks, burn marks and color deviations can be detected with a color camera and suitable lighting.

optically testable inline

3D topography / wall thickness map of an injection-molded part
1.98 mm−0.12 mm

Wall thickness / 3D shape

Indentations as well as dimensional and shape deviations in the field of view; layer and wall thicknesses or 3D surfaces with additional sensors (OCT/topography) in the µm range.

with additional sensors

Cross-sectional view: internal void
Hidden void

Hidden void

We cannot detect internal cavities or hidden defects without optical access—X-rays or CT scans are the appropriate methods for those. We will tell you this in advance.

× not visually verifiable

Example images (illustration) — Markings placed for illustrative purposes.

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Our product

More than a camera. More than an integrator.

MABRI.VISION does not supply a single component or a one-off custom-built product, but a complete inline inspection system for regulated manufacturing — optics, proprietary software, integration and qualification support from a single source.

VISION.SPECTOR Inline Test Cell in Cleanroom — Injection Molded Parts with Live Evaluation (MABRI.VISION)
This is our product

A complete inline test cell for regulated manufacturing.

High-performance optics (2D, 3D, AI) meets VISION.SPECTOR — our proprietary software with audit trail, user roles, batch reports, and data integrity compliant with ALCOA+ / Annex 11. We integrate the cell into your line, support IQ/OQ/PQ, and remain your point of contact throughout the product lifecycle. No component you have to get up and running yourself.

2D + 3D + AIup to 64 MP / 1 µmVISION.SPECTORAnnex 11IQ / OQ / PQ
Pure smart camera

One sensor. One component.

Typical boundaries:

  • Optical architecture, lighting and integration remain with you
  • Audit trail and Annex 11 data integrity are usually not provided
  • Often limited to a single 2D task — without 360°/3D measurement technology and control loop
  • Support often ends at the camera
Pure Integrator

A custom-built structure using parts from other manufacturers.

Typical boundaries:

  • Single cell made from purchased components
  • Usually no dedicated vision/AI platform — GMP documentation is added later
  • Image processing expertise is often purchased externally; results depend on the project
  • Feasibility studies prior to construction are rarely part of the offer
MABRI.VISION
Testing partner

A complete system.

What we deliver:

  • Optics + VISION.SPECTOR + Integration + Qualification support from a single source
  • Proprietary software: AI, processing, control, audit trail, Annex 11 compliant
  • In-house vision and measurement technology expertise (2D+3D+AI, down to 1 µm)
  • Feasibility studies using real prototypes prior to construction — creditable upon commissioning
  • Contact person throughout the life cycle
VISION.SPECTOR in use
Inline testing system in the cleanroom at the injection molding production line (MABRI.VISION)
Inline testing directly in the injection molding line.
AI-supported defect detection: highlighted deviations on an injection-molded part (MABRI.VISION)
AI-supported defect detection: Deviations from the good pattern are marked and classified in the image — even with highly varied defect patterns.
VISION.SPECTOR software on the monitor: Particle detection with NOK result (MABRI.VISION)
Particles detected → NOK, with proof image.

Over 25,000 measurements documented · ~99.7% OK rate · every test with photographic evidence and audit trail.

Let's take a look at your product ↗ Entry via a verifiable feasibility study using real samples.

Act 3 · Trust

Built for regulated manufacturing.

VISION.SPECTOR, our inspection software, is designed to meet the requirements of regulated manufacturing — from user management to batch documentation.

  • Audit trail and role-based user management.
  • Data integrity based on ALCOA+, image storage per reject part.
  • Batch reports and session statistics for batch documentation.
  • Developed with reference to EudraLex Vol. 4, Annex 11 (computerized systems).
  • We support you in your project with DQ/FS/DS, IQ/OQ/PQ, CE and SAT.
ALCOA+ Annex 11 Audit Trail IQ/OQ/PQ Batch Report
Inline testing in a cleanroom: Top view of an injection molding line (MABRI.VISION)

Regarding AI: Difficult, highly variable errors are classified by a deep learning model—versioned and frozen, retraining only via change control. We deliberately refrain from using self-learning systems in ongoing production.

plain text

What can be visually inspected
and what cannot.

Nobody needs a testing facility that doesn't prove itself in operation. That's why we openly address both sides – before the project, not after.

We can do that

  • Missing or excess geometry: short cut, completeness, burr, skin.
  • Surface and color defects: binding seams, streaks, burn marks, discoloration, contamination, visible cracks, black specks.
  • Dimensional and shape inspection in the field of vision — telecentric, down to the µm range.
  • Presence and location of features, code and label verification.
  • Difficult, variable errors — with AI classification under Change Control.
  • Layer/wall thicknesses and 3D surfaces — with additional sensors (OCT/topography).

We cannot do that visually inline

  • Internal cavities and hidden defects without optical access — these require X-ray/CT scans.
  • Material properties: strength, active ingredient content, chemical composition.
  • Internal stresses — except in transparent parts with polarization.
  • Defects below the size that can be meaningfully resolved or without contrast to the good part.

Applications

One inline test, four regulated parts worlds.

GMP-compliant 100% inspection directly after injection molding — for precision and functional parts from regulated industries, using the same platform of 2D, 3D, AI, and VISION.SPECTOR documentation. Find your part.

GMP-compliant inline testing of injection-molded parts for animal health with VISION.SPECTOR
Application · Animal health

Animal health & veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Drug-containing molded parts, applicators, dosing and closure components from GMP production. Completeness, shortness of cut, burrs, black specks and color deviation are checked – 100% directly after molding, with photographic evidence for each part and Annex 11 documentation.

100%accuracy in injection molding cycledown to 1 µm3D / Measurement technologyAnnex 11GMP documentation

Does my part fit?

Applicators,active ingredient molded parts, dosing components,closures,clips
Inline inspection of pharmaceutical and drug delivery injection-molded parts with VISION.SPECTOR
Application · Pharmaceuticals

Pharma & Drug Delivery Devices.

Inhaler components, pen and autoinjector parts, closures, and syringe components. The dimensions and completeness of functional surfaces, locking tabs, and contact pins, as well as surface and color defects, are inspected—in high volumes and in compliance with GMP.

up to 64 MPcamera resolution2D + 3D+ AI classificationAnnex 11GMP documentation

Does my part fit?

Inhaler components,pen/autoinjector parts, closures & caps, syringe components, stopper carriers
Inline testing of MedTech and life science plastic parts with VISION.SPECTOR
Application · MedTech

MedTech & Life Science consumables.

Plastic tubs and trays, microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip, pipette tips and IVD components. Missing geometry (NVA), black specks, channel structures and microdefects are inspected – inline, in real time, using high-resolution 2D/3D optics.

down to 1 µmmicrostructure, 100%per part,audit trailincluded

Does my part fit?

Tubs & TraysMicrofluidics / Lab-on-ChipPipette TipsIVD ComponentsHousings
Inline inspection of cosmetic and consumer health injection-molded parts with VISION.SPECTOR
Application · Cosmetics

Cosmetics & Consumer Health.

Applicators, closures, dispenser and pump components manufactured in accordance with GMP/ISO 22716 standards. Color, completeness, surface finish and dimensional accuracy are inspected – 100% instead of sampling, with documented traceability.

100%in timecolor + shape2D / 3Dtraceabilityper batch

Does my part fit?

Applicators,closures & caps,dispensers / pump parts, lids,tube components

Proceed

Test first, then build.

The entry barrier is deliberately low: a short Teams call, then feasibility assessment using your actual samples — before any discussion about a system.

01

Quick Teams call

We discuss the part, error patterns and test task — and give an initial assessment.

02

Check sample

They send us good and bad parts. We inspect them using appropriate optics and lighting.

03

Assess feasibility

You will receive measurement images, results, and an assessment as a basis for decision-making.

04

design the system

Only now: concept, integration into your line, qualification — as a complete solution from a single source.

The feasibility study has a predictable fixed price — and will be fully credited if the plant is commissioned .

References

Origin and references.

We build optical inspection systems for regulated manufacturing — with roots in Aachen production research.

2015 • Spin-off from Aachen production research

Anonymized Case · MedTech Supply

Plastic tubs for medical/pharmaceutical supply

100% inspection for missing geometry (NVA) and black specks at a regulated plastics processor — VISION.SPECTOR in productive series use.

> 25.000
Measurements
~ 99,7 %
OK quote
Anonymized Case · Animal Health / GMP

Plastic molded parts manufactured according to GMP standards

A GMP-regulated manufacturer in the animal health sector is currently conducting feasibility studies on real samples — using multiple cameras and AI classification for a wide variety of defect patterns.

Multi-camera
+ AI classification
running
Feasibility
B. BRAUN
QIAGEN
SCHEDL
THINXXS
STOCKO
Fraunhofer

Inquire now

Send us your component. We will test it.

Request a trial test now. With your own components and a subsequent professional test report.

What can I expect?
  • Sensor configuration — find out which technologies are suitable for your application
  • Cost estimate — find out early whether and when an automated inspection is worthwhile.
  • Anonymized pilot data from a sample measurement at the Aachen technical center