An Industry in Motion
SAC not only provides Vision inspection systems for rubber control but also for complete end-of-line control systems. Semi-finished products, such as machined castings or special parts like the belts in a push belt system, are also subject to Vision inspection. The measurement machines are designed to meet the required Gage R&R, which is documented in a comprehensive measurement system analysis.
Thread at the Correct Height
For a manufacturer of large to very large bolts, a measurement system has been developed to measure the height of the threads during the threading process. This all occurs within a cycle time of less than one second per product. In this way, the machine can operate unattended within the pre-set margins. In case of deviations, the machine is stopped to prevent the production of bolts outside the specifications. This approach directly saves energy and material.
This project was implemented using a Gocator as the sensor for quickly capturing the data.
End-of-Line Control Automotive
An end-of-line inspection of dashboards for an automotive manufacturer. Automatic Vision inspection of components, labels, and colors is combined with manual checks, such as the smoothness of the surface. Both the man-machine interface and the writing of data to the chip in the dashboard via the large RFID antennas have been implemented on an existing jig within the turnkey testing station. For the unsuspecting car user, we can report that we have digital photos of each dashboard, as mentioned in an article from Wij Limburg.
Car Infotainment
For an automotive OEM supplier, the connection part of the navigation system is being inspected. The Sick ranger checks the position of the pins using 3D technology. The photo shows the interior of the automated test cabinet. Zero defect delivery to the assembly line was the reason for this automation.
Mastercell
The master cell is a demo setup designed to showcase various inspection capabilities with a robot. Not only can hole diameters or the presence of components be inspected, but also the surface quality of sealing surfaces. When production changes, the same robot can perform different tasks. The cell is equipped with a camera mounted on the fixed frame and on the robot arm. Both are used for navigation around the product. The operation, as demonstrated at the Vision and Robotics fair in 2008, is still relevant almost 10 years later. See the film showcasing all inspection techniques, including scanning from a robot.
Robot Cell
Inspection system on a robot for measuring dimensions and component presence on a large automotive part for a manufacturer in Germany. The large telecentric lens, combined with robot positioning, creates an effective measurement system for a wide range of variables. Local lighting is managed from the jig.
In such projects, there is always a choice in how to position the product in front of the camera. Either the camera or the product can be suspended from the robot arm. In this case, the decision was made to move both the camera and the robot section. This section also showcases the solution where the product moves instead.
With new technologies, the lens can be made much shorter. Both the lens and camera can be reduced to 25 cm, and the weight is significantly less, allowing for the use of a smaller robot.
Pushband Component
For an automotive supplier, an optical measurement system has been developed for quality control. The inspection stations are used 24/7 and are all designed in a double configuration, with versions available for both the EU and the Far East. The key difference lies in the construction height for the operators.
In 2017, ergonomic adjustments were made to the system to address the light exposure for users. This was achieved within the existing design through shielding and color filtering.
The measurement unit features an inspection surface recessed in the cabinet. Simply placing the product on this surface is sufficient to position it accurately for measurement.
Oilpan Inspection
For a supplier in the automotive industry, an oil pan inspection system has been developed. The pans are presented to a fixed inspection station using a robot equipped with multiple cameras and lighting. Hole illuminations are integrated into the gripper. The sealing surfaces are checked for voids. By placing the cameras in the top section of the inspection booth, oil contamination is minimized. Guaranteed zero defect control without operator influence. The video demonstrates the speed of the process.
In this application, the cameras are securely positioned above in a kind of bus shelter. The robot positions the product correctly for the lens, unlike the other solution in this section where the lens is mounted on the robot.
The robot gripper is equipped with lighting to allow the camera to measure contrast.
