NIR Inspection

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Controlled Release Tablets

What is Near-Infrared (NIR) Inspection?

All our pharmaceutical tablet laser drilling machines feature Near-Infrared (NIR) Inspection, a cutting-edge analytical technique that ensures the integrity of osmotic drug delivery systems (OROS tablets). These advanced timed-release tablets often include a bi-layer structure with a semi-permeable coating designed to withstand the stomach environment and release the drug in the intestines. Damage to this coating can cause premature drug release, posing serious safety risks to consumers.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy offers pharmaceutical manufacturers a fast, reliable, and non-destructive method to analyze solid dosage forms. By measuring the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, this technology generates a material signature that identifies composition and verifies the quality of tablet coatings, helping ensure controlled release tablet safety and regulatory compliance.

What Does NIR Inspection Do?

Our laser drilling machines combine precision laser technology with optional NIR inspection and vision systems for unparalleled quality control. These Class 1 laser machines drill sub-millimeter apertures into single or bi-layer tablets, creating the exact dissolution rate required for consistent drug release profiles.

The NIR Inspection System adds an additional layer of verification, allowing manufacturers to quickly confirm that the enteric coating is intact and meets safety standards. This dual inspection approach—laser precision drilling plus NIR analysis—enhances both product safety and quality assurance, ensuring that only the highest-quality controlled release tablets reach the market.

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NIR Inspection System Benefits

Advanced Quality Control: NIR inspection systems provide real-time, non-destructive quality control for pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring consistent product integrity throughout production.
Accurate API & Contaminant Identification: NIR technology precisely identifies active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and detects foreign contaminants, helping manufacturers maintain compliance and product safety.
Reduced Risk of Costly Recalls: By improving detection accuracy and process control, NIR inspection minimizes the risk of recalls that can result in significant financial and reputational damage.
High-Speed, In-Line Inspection: Modern NIR systems operate at lightning-fast sample rates and can verify product quality synchronously with marking, laser drilling, and printing processes.
Enhanced Production Efficiency: Seamless integration into existing production machinery allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and overcome traditional inspection challenges.

Did you know?

We use the same NIR Spectrometers used by NASA in their mission to find water on the Moon.

Ackley Hartnett is at the forefront of cutting-edge pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing. Our VIP Laser Drill + NIR features two fully-integrated Brimrose AOTF-NIR Spectrometers, delivering fast-responding analysis of a tablet’s enteric coating. This process ensures the integrity of each osmotic controlled release pharmaceutical product prior to laser drilling. This innovative use of near-infrared technology improves OROS production quality and consistency. (Photo courtesy of Brimrose)

Engineered for Performance You Can Trust

Proudly made in the USA, our machines are built for simplicity and reliability, featuring a user-friendly interface, low maintenance costs, and an included toolkit. With worldwide customer support, you can trust Ackley Hartnett to provide reliable performance and help when you need it.