Vision measuring systems are noncontact inspection and measurement devices that work well for parts that are too small for a CMM or that would be difficult to touch with a probe. They use automatic edge detection and computer-calculated measurements.
Lean manufacturing capable custom manufacturer of standard & custom metrology equipment. Products include optical comparators & 2D manual & motorized microscopes. Serves medical, aerospace & automotive industries.
Optical Comparators
Optical comparators are useful for inspecting components with back-lit features like holes or castings. They also work well with turned or round parts. AND they can measure splines that contain multiple radii and compare them to prescribed plan points on the image projected on a screen.
They use a combination of fixtures to hold the part in place and a Mylar overlay that can be easily replaced with a new one to check different dimensions. They can be used in a horizontal or vertical model and are commonly paired with a Digital Read Out (DRO) for fast, accurate measurement.
Optical comparator users can upgrade and retrofit their machines with advanced geometric processors and software to increase inspection capabilities. Some of these systems include a touch probe that makes the machine function like a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for higher accuracy, especially on non-backlit surfaces. Other add-ons, such as a laser and chromatic position sensors, can help speed up or improve 3D scanning.
Microscopes
Microscopes are optical instruments that make small objects look larger by using a combination of lenses and illumination. They are used for a variety of purposes, from examining forensic evidence to studying the atomic structure of living cells.
In vision measuring systems, a microscope can be connected to linear scales and a reticle for locating a workpiece position. The system can then use a camera and software to measure 2D (with an optional Renishaw touch probe) or 3D (with a full microscope) part features.
Typical microscopes consist of a base that supports the objective and ocular. The back section of the base acts as a handle to carry the instrument. The ocular is what we see and contains an eyepiece tube clasped over the objective lens. The objective lenses include a number of different lenses that can vary in magnification power. They are all surrounded by a nose piece that holds the lenses.
Cameras
A vision measuring system is essentially an automated optical inspection machine. It consists of a frame with at least three axes, an objective lens and a computer that uses image sensors to detect and automatically measure objects.
In most vision measurement systems, a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera is used as the image sensor. The sensor converts light gathered by the objective lens into an electrical signal that the computer can use to calculate dimensions based on measured edges.
In addition to the camera, a vision measuring system also requires lighting and intelligent detection software. The software is installed on a laptop that performs the coordinate transformation between the camera’s image coordinate system and the world coordinate system. The laptop uses a double CMOS camera to record two different images of the same calibration sample. The system then uses the images to find the six calibration points on each sample.
Software
A vision measurement system uses software to process the images produced by the camera. Software can read barcodes, detect defects, and identify a range of other visual features. Vision systems can be used to improve manufacturing processes, increase production yields, and ensure compliance with quality standards.
Vision systems can measure both 2D and 3D (with an optional touch probe) part features using a high-resolution video camera operating through a zoom or telecentric lens. The software processes the image to find a complete feature such as a line, an arc, or a circle and calculates the location of this feature on the part.
NI’s machine vision products are used to automate quality assurance and inspection tasks. These products help to improve product quality, reduce costs, and eliminate production errors. They are also used to streamline and speed up the manufacturing process. These devices are used in a wide variety of applications including industrial automation, EV battery production, and aerospace engineering.