Vision system for surgical tool inspection
October 2023
Sensors & Transducers
Fisher Smit used its vision expertise to take on the challenge of developing a system that met the stringent standards of the medical sector. Vision’s proficiency in comprehensive LED lighting solutions proved to be the perfect partnership for tackling the strict demands of the project.
The inspected tools had to undergo rigorous sterilisation validation and quality control according to the guidelines for the manufacturing and testing of surgical instruments. Their complex geometry and high-speed movement on a conveyor belt presented a unique challenge. To achieve a detailed visual inspection, the system required high-brightness lighting that offered maximum intensity and contrast, while maintaining uniformity across the field of view.
Fisher Smith rose to the challenge with a powerful solution featuring 25 cameras capturing the tools from multiple angles. Twelve of TPL Vision’s Modular M-EBAR bar lights were strategically arranged for the most intense shadow-free illumination, ensuring even the tiniest defects could be captured. The robust lighting setup minimised environmental disturbances, and helped to expand the depth of field to meet the high inspection standards. The M-EBAR’s easily adjustable beam angle and 2,4 times brighter strobe mode also positioned the system for future improvements.
The system uses AI technology, allowing it to detect deviations from expected standards that would be impossible for human inspectors to spot. Using advanced deep learning, it can identify anomalies at extremely high accuracy, enhancing productivity and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Further reading:
Adjustable proximity sensor with five metre range
Sensors & Transducers
The Telco line of photo-electric eyes have the accuracy and reliability you need.
Read more...
Food safety – a matter of weight
Sensors & Transducers
Weighing systems play a key role in ensuring product quality in food production, complying with legal requirements and avoiding product recalls. The Minebea Intec MiNexx portfolio has been specially developed to meet these requirements.
Read more...
Telco sensors in the paper and pulp industry
Sensors & Transducers
The paper and pulp industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. Telco Sensors has overcome this with its powerful and high-performance photoelectric sensors, ensuring penetration of thick and harsh pollution while guaranteeing reliable detection.
Read more...
Leaders in sensor technology
Sensors & Transducers
A new addition to the Telco Sensors range is the adjustable Proximity sensor, with a range up to 5 metres.
Read more...
Cutting-edge sensor technology
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The advantage of Endress+Hauser’s Memosens technology is that digitised measured values and sensor information are transmitted via a non-contact connection from the sensor to the cable, and as a digital signal to the transmitter.
Read more...
Miniature inductive sensors
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The inductive IY/IZ type sensors from ifm are used in various industrial areas where space is limited.
Read more...
The expanding role of 3D cameras in industrial quality control
TANDM Technologies
Sensors & Transducers
Across factory floors, warehouses, mines and research centres worldwide, computer vision paired with 3D camera technology is revolutionising quality control.
Read more...
PDS implementation on mines
Sensors & Transducers
Level 9 vehicle intervention for collision avoidance has been mandatory on South African mines since 2022, yet the effective roll-out of proximity detection systems remains slower than expected. This is not due to the technical limitations of integration but to operational readiness on site.
Read more...
Monitoring analogue process values
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Everywhere in industry, electronic sensors are used to detect process values such as temperature, pressure or flow. Process value monitoring often takes place directly in the sensor.
Read more...
Protecting buildings’ embodied carbon with retrofitted systems
Schneider Electric South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The World Economic Forum has said that around 80% of the buildings in existence will still be around in 2050; it is therefore essential that in order to combat climate change we retrofit them for energy efficiency.
Read more...
printer friendly version