This paper describes the functionality of equipment measuring the infrared (IR) radiation emitted from each single glass container directly after the forming processes in glass production plants. The IR images from the hot containers show the glass distribution, cooling behaviour of the article, but also glass faults in an early stage after forming. Combination of this technique with statistical methods enables process control and the IR imaging method supports operators to improve the settings of the forming machines or gobbing process and monitors the performance of the swabbing process. Examples are shown for the application of these IR imaging sensors in an industrial environment for Hot End Quality Inspection, Process Monitoring, Process Control and Process Optimisation.
