Factory Automation & Industrial Vision Systems Unite

Although quality control is one component of the larger system of factory automation it’s a sound idea for the two to be tightly coupled. After all, quality control systems and specifically automated vision inspection can have a substantial impact upon the physical environment.

Presentation & Handling

Automated imaging for quality control requires proper presentation of parts (parts handling.) This typically falls in the realm of automation. As with most projects, implementation can take place on a continuum starting with minimal essentials and escalating to more elaborate solutions  that fulfill enhanced requirements down the road.

Examples of more Spartan automated inspection designs for parts presentation may involve examination of only critical inspection items, such as a single surface. This same design may deal only with only pass/fail handling. However, more elaborate design can perform complete parts inspection and require more comprehensive parts presentation and segregation.

Capable systems, such as our Vision Inspector line of products, perform highly complex inspection, examining many elements and features requiring both metrology and defect inspection. In addition, defects can be characterized based on the type of defect so that root cause can be determined, reducing waste and increasing production efficiencies.

As you can see the implications of quality control design decisions upon factory automation are significant. Equipment layout, machine location, conveyor design, product packaging, robotics, and assembly all are seriously affected by QC decisions. Quality control considerations are driven by the need for efficiency. This is certainly common for factory automation.

How Vision Technologies Help In Factory Automation

One of the hottest areas of vision extends beyond inspection into vision enabled robotics. Aside from utilizing robots for the movement of cameras in providing inspection, cameras are also utilized to better control robots. In a dynamic environment where robots need to transport pallets, parts, or packages vision is essential by providing the perfect remedy.

Want more information on how you can take advantage of industrial vision systems to enhance your production, efficiency, and quality?