Siliconization of the inside of syringe barrels is very important- thin film layer of silicon serves as a lubricant and enables plunger to glide smoothly. It also provides hydrophobic layer that prevents interactions of drugs with glass surface. Both inadequate and excessive siliconization can cause problems.  Most of siliconization in the modern production is done using “Baked-on” process where silicon emulsion is sprayed and  baked to create a permanent thin layer.  Production control of the thin film thickness and uniformity of the silicon layer is essential element of the product quality control. Medical vial are also siliconized but with a more thin silicon layer.

MProbe Vis-MSP (400-1000nm wavelength range, 10nm to 50 µm thickness range) offer  non-destructive measurement solution to determine the thickness of the silicon layer both in syringe barrels and vials. Measurements can be easily done on selected products from the batch. Inline measurement requires additional holder and automation to rotate and move syringe for mapping the film thickness distribution. High-power Xe flash light source is used in inline system, in addition to TH lamp option, to achieve fast measurement.

MProbeVis-MSP uses measurement with a small spot (20µm to 40µm ) because of the high curvature of the barrel.