XPAR Vision was founded on July 13th 1999.

Before the company acquired the name XPAR Vision, it was well known as a Dutch industrial research and development centre. Since its beginnings in 1989, the centre has operated as part of a close relationship with the University of Groningen. In fact, most of its highly skilled and qualified employees were educated at this university. Consequently XPAR Vision always has access to a wealth of technical knowledge and know-how.

XPAR Vision became involved in the container glass industry in 1994. At that time it was carrying out fundamental research work for third parties aimed at optimising the glass forming process. At the start of this project, the infrared and thermal behaviour of glass containers was mathematically modelled and entered in a computer program. Following the initial encouraging results, there followed tests, experiments and many on-site trials using a custom-built infrared camera.

In 2000, at the Glasstec in Dusseldorf, we introduced the highly innovative hot end infrared camera system to the global container glass industry. The first system, the IR-21, was a single infrared camera system. This IR-21 was quickly followed by the Polysigma camera system.

With the infrared camera system infrared images are made of each single bottle immediately after the bottle has been formed. The images are analyzed in detail and with the information the quality of the bottle and the quality of the forming process is evaluated in real time.

Since the introduction of the infrared camera system a revolution began: from traditional cold end inspection (quality selection ca. 1 hour after production of the bottles) the industry is shifting towards hot end inspection, (forming) process monitoring and quality control in real time.

In 2006, again at the Glasstec in Dusseldorf, we introduced our latest camera systems: IR-S(ingle) and IR-D(ual). The IR-S is the follow up to the Polysigma. Compared to the Polysigma the IR-S is small and compact, without compromising on stability and robustness. The IR-S has centralised computers outside the camera cabinet, which makes the system reliable and easy to maintain.

The IR-D is our dual hot end infrared camera system. The logic behind the IR-D is that two eyes see more than one. The main advantage of the dual camera system is improved detection of inclusions and critical defects, shape, verticality, thin spots, asymmetry and positioning of bottles/jars on the conveyer belt. This advantage is recongnized by the market: since the introduction of the IR-D only dual camera systems are sold.

Early 2007 we changed our focus from development mainly towards development and implementation. Our focus on implementation is unique for the industry. Our consultants, who are experienced glass makers from the industry with 6-sigma background, set up and execute customized implementation programs (training and advice) for the different systems. The aim of all this is not to get our systems installed and commissioned, but to ensure that our customers know how to benefit from these systems. We see well implemented systems as a precondition for customer satisfaction which in return is a precondition for us being successful.

In addition to the IR-D our product portfolio nowadays consists of XMIS (SQL based information system), Infrared Gob weight Control system (IGC) and Gob Assist. With the infrared gob weight control system the weight of the gobs (from which the bottle is produced) is controlled automatically and with high accuracy. The Gob Assist is used to monitor and control the gob loading. Bases for this gob assist is a high speed (500 pictures/second) optical camera system. Together with XPAR Vision software the process of loading is measured accurately in terms of position, speed, lengths, shape and diameter of the gobs just before they enter the moulds.

Besides, other innovations are in development.