The Challenge

Some of the issues that impact the decision to apply automated inspection are:

• Cost/ Justification
• Quality levels from a global supplier base continue to improve
• Customers gravitate to low-cost, high-quality producers
• Machine vision operator interface is simpler than ever, yet implementation difficulties remain
• “Leaner” staffing implies less time for a technology learning curve
• Manual inspection methods are inconsistent, but not all parts can be easily inspected with machine vision.

Options

Fortunately, despite the challenges listed above, there are several options to consider:

• For the simple applications, a machine vision system with the application engineering “designed in”. These are typically application-specific software solutions that reside on a PC. Your vendor can help you here.
• For more complex applications, a vendor who will provide startup assistance combined with an easy-to-use product solution is critical.
• For applications where part handling is an issue, a solution that incorporates inspection and part handling into a single solution.

Cost-effective Solutions to a Variety of Inspection Challenges

It is possible to improve quality levels at a low cost, provided the appropriate solution is selected.

If the inspection task is non-complex, then a “pre-canned” solution is all that is necessary. Simply define the inspection requirements (presence/ absence of x, distance from a to b, etc.). Constraining the solution to the application has the dual advantages of low cost and simplicity.

For more challenging applications, many machine vision vendors provide application support. A word of caution, the application support received from even the largest supplier is only as good as the local person. It is sometimes advantageous to enlist the services of a qualified systems integrator or consultant to assist with all but the simplest of applications.

Not all parts can easily be inspected with machine vision. Sometimes mechanical part handling is inadequate or non-existent. In these instances it is wise to defer to a vendor who specializes in Test & Measurement solutions that include part handling or to a systems integrator.

Critical, of course, is knowing what is “non-complex”? What is challenging? What parts can be handled and inspected (and which cannot)? Where are the pitfalls? A little research in the beginning can save a lot of time and expense in the end. Find a supplier you are confident in. Ask which of your current vendors handles machine vision. The web has a wealth of information. The machine vision industry trade association, Automated Imaging Association (www.machinevisiononline.org), can also be a valuable resource. Implementing machine vision from simple to complex can be easier than you may think. Just pick a problem, find a partner and reap the benefit!