Benefits of Vision Measurement Systems

Numerous industries rely on vision measurement systems to closely inspect work performed in their processes. Unlike CMMs, these noncontact optical measuring systems require minimal measurement programming and come in a wide range of sizes with field-of-view options that are easily customizable to fit your needs.

These solutions can be integrated into conveyor lines for inspection of unique product shapes, ensuring that parts are in the correct position and more. Here are a few of the benefits of these vision inspections:

Reduced Error Rates

Vision measuring systems, also known as machine vision systems, can locate and inspect 2D and 3D (with a touch probe) part features quickly and easily. By using a video camera, operating through zoom and telecentric lenses, they can detect the edges of a part based on the difference between light and dark areas in an image, and the software can reconstruct the information to make a measurement.

Vision inspection software eliminates expensive errors caused by human fatigue and variances between operators. By eliminating the need to manually inspect products, production can continue at high speeds and accuracy.

In addition to reducing production errors, vision measurement systems create an overall safer work environment. By removing the need for humans to operate bulky machinery, they prevent workers from getting hurt or accidentally contaminating clean rooms. The technology can also identify vulnerabilities or signs of wear and tear, allowing predictive maintenance programs to be initiated before equipment or components break down.

Safer Work Environment

Noncontact vision inspection systems can help reduce the risk of injury and infection due to worker contact with hazardous materials. They can also detect misaligned parts and components, allowing them to be corrected before they cause issues on the line.

Vision measurement systems use a combination of lighting, lenses and image sensors to capture an object’s features. The system’s software then analyzes the images and makes a decision. In this way, vision systems can quickly inspect hundreds and even thousands of products each minute. This enables them to eliminate costly errors caused by fatigue and person-to-person variance.

Using a combination of confocal and white light interferometry, these vision systems can reconstruct the geometry of a surface’s roughness. This allows medical manufacturers of replacement components to simulate wear through a number of cycles and measure aftereffects. This helps them reduce the need for costly replacements and repairs and deliver consistent performance. This translates to lower operating costs for the manufacturer.

Increased Productivity

Vision systems reduce the need for human interaction in many areas, eliminating specialized training and reducing operator error. This allows for faster inspection and less downtime during production, which increases overall productivity.

Vision measurement systems also help reduce production costs by decreasing the time and fees needed to fix mechanical components as they wear out or fail. This can help lower manufacturing costs, improve profitability and increase revenue.

Machine vision systems use a camera and programmable analytical software to measure a specific area of interest, such as the edge of a part or component. The system then uses the data to automatically and instantly calculate and display results, without needing the operator’s input.

They’re ideal for a wide range of applications, including identifying parts, detecting defects, locating items, interpreting color and assessing surface quality. They’re often used with robots for applications such as object recognition or robotic guidance and are able to interpret the environment of an application in near real time.

Reduced Downtime

Machine vision systems operate using a video camera and advanced software. The image sensor converts the light it captures into a digital image and then sends this information to the system’s processing unit. The computer analyzes the data, makes a decision and then communicates the results to a communication system that quickly passes them to specific machine elements for action.

Since they do not require contact, vision inspection and measurement systems safeguard fragile parts from damage, which reduces operational costs due to repair and replacement fees. These noncontact systems can also detect defects early on in the production process which prevents defective products from entering or escaping the factory and improves customer satisfaction.

By eliminating the need to perform manual inspections, you free up valuable personnel for more productive tasks. This enables you to meet production deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards. In addition, your employees can spend more time on strategic planning and procurement activities thereby increasing overall productivity.