Laser inspection system CUB-X

spectroscopicspectrometernear-infrared

Overview
The CUB-X is a tablet inspection system designed for OSD product and process development, in-process control (IPC) sampling and full-batch inspection and sorting in pharmaceutical environments. It integrates high-speed non-destructive NIR‑SRS spectroscopy, laser line-scanning profiling and an embedded 4-parameter tester to provide actionable PAT data for real-time decisions and support Real-Time Release pathways.

Key features and capabilities

• High-speed non-destructive NIR‑SRS spectroscopy measuring API mass fraction and moisture on-line at rates up to 20,000 tablets/h.
• Integrated high-precision laser line-scanning profiler measuring tablet thickness (precision 50 µm) and verifying position and orientation.
• Embedded high-throughput 4-parameter tablet tester for sampled units (mass, thickness, diameter/length and hardness) up to 400 tablets/h.
• Purpose-designed sampling gate delivering single tablets to measurement instruments for reliable sampling.
• Scalable, technology-agnostic platform suitable from R&D and pilot to full commercial manufacturing.

Key benefits

• Provides accurate PAT data to enable rapid, data-driven real-time decisions (RTD).
• Supports data integrity and regulatory compliance for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Facilitates the pathway toward Real-Time Release (RTR).
• Seamless scale-up from R&D and pilot to commercial production and tech-transfer.
• Enables continuous automated IPC monitoring 24/7, reducing operational interventions.
• Improves quality control via continuous, consistent measurements and minimizes material waste through non-destructive testing.

Embedded technologies
The system uses multipoint NIR‑SRS (Near-Infrared Spatially Resolved Spectroscopy) at high frame rates to acquire multiple spectra per tablet for robust prediction of ingredient mass fraction and moisture using chemometric models. The SRS approach covers a larger surface area and deeper sampling than single-point NIR reflection. A laser line-scanning sensor profiles each tablet to measure thickness with 50 µm precision and confirm correct position and orientation prior to NIR acquisition. Sampled tablets are routed to the integrated 4-parameter tester for mass, thickness, diameter/length and hardness assessment.

Use cases

• OSD product and process development (R&D).
• In-process control (IPC) sampling and analysis during production.
• Full-batch inspection and automated sorting for commercial manufacturing.

Technical specifications

• Maximum inspection speed: 20,000 tablets/h
• Maximum sampling rate (embedded tester): 400 tablets/h
• Minimum product width: 4 mm
• Maximum product width: 24 mm
• Minimum product height: 3 mm
• Maximum product height: 10 mm
• Thickness measurement accuracy: ±0.05 mm
• Length/diameter measurement accuracy: ±0.1 mm
• Hardness measurement accuracy: ±2 N (4–400 N range)
• Weighing accuracy: ±1 mg (in stable environment)
• Air extraction: Integrated HEPA filter H13
• Required compressed air: Min 500 L/min - Min. 6 bar
• Noise level: <70 dB(A)
• Power supply: 380 V 3ph + N + PE
• Frequency: 50 Hz / 60 Hz
• Non-metallic contact parts: FDA approved
• Product type: Tablet
• Function: Quality control
• Containment level: Dust tight
• Application area: R&D
• Product range: Q-Control