Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHRThe reliable detection of foreign objects and material defects is a key component of quality assurance in industrial production processes. In particular, conventional inspection methods often reach their limits when applied to complex or sensitive products, or may pose health risks to personnel (e.g., due to X-ray radiation).
The SAMMI® system enables nondestructive inspection based on millimeter-wave technology. It is a compact scanner that allows objects to be examined and analyzed in real time during the production process. The test object is conveyed through the system on a conveyor belt and continuously acquired.
At the core of the system is a rotating antenna that simultaneously serves as both transmitter and receiver. During the scanning process, the acquired data are processed directly and visualized as an image of the inspected sample. This approach enables the visualization of internal structures and the precise localization of foreign objects.
The system is designed for medium-sized objects (30 × 30 × 5 cm), but is technologically scalable and can be adapted to different applications. Its compact design (40 × 40 × 30 cm) allows for straightforward integration into existing production environments with varying conveyor speeds.
SAMMI® is particularly suitable for quality control in the food, packaging, and consumer goods industries, as well as for other nondestructive testing applications requiring safe, reliable, and inline-capable detection. For the inspection of letters and small parcels, the system is already being marketed by Hübner Photonics under the name T-SENSE®.