Many users find vision systems challenging and it can be difficult to know where to start, but there are some simple steps that can help to match the right vision solution to an application. This article describes four questions to ask to help clarify the application requirements.
Vision sensors and smart cameras are some of the most accessible vision technologies, especially for those just getting started with implementing vision solutions in their manufacturing processes. The following questions can help evaluate the application requirements before making a decision:
1. What is the speed of the application? It is important to verify that the vision solution is suited to the speed of the application. The more conditions that need to be inspected, the longer the inspections will take.
2. What is the distance from object to sensor? How far away from the objects will the sensor be mounted? A vision sensor should typically be mounted less than 300 mm away from the target. For further distances, a higher-end system may be required.
3. What size objects are being inspected? Make sure that the object(s) fit within the viewing window of the vision sensor. Note that vision sensors have a more limited field of view compared to more expensive vision solutions. Therefore, vision sensors work best for small parts, or assemblies with small quantities of parts. If a wider field of view is needed, a smart camera may be a better option, offering more functionality while still being easy to commission and use.
4. What conditions are being inspected? This is the question where many people struggle when getting started with vision. They know they are looking for a ‘good’ condition, but what counts as good? What are the true pass/fail requirements? For this, evaluate the tolerance for less than perfect parts. One way to do this is to find the ‘best’ bad’part and the ‘worst’ good part and set the tolerances for the sensor at both ends of the spectrum. Setting tolerances is essential for any vision application and will help ensure minimum wastage of parts and material through rejecting parts that should be considered passable – or allowing parts through that should have been rejected.
Next steps
After answering these questions, the next step is to try out a solution. Every vision application is unique, and it is best to try out the device under real-world conditions to make sure it works for the application. Finally, partner with a manufacturer that offers both vision sensors and smart cameras, which makes it simpler to upgrade if needed.
Condition monitoring to go Turck Banner Southern Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Anyone who wants to efficiently monitor the climate in control cabinets will find a comprehensive range of control cabinet monitors for the DIN rail in Turck Banner’s cabinet condition monitoring family.
Read more...Monitoring the voltage drop in cables Turck Banner Southern Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
With its new M12Plus connectors, Turck Banner is directly shifting the condition monitoring of cables subject to severe stress to the connection technology. The connectors, which come with voltage and current monitoring and a Bluetooth chip, enable measured voltage and current values to be sent wirelessly to a controller.
Read more...Smart alternative for float switches ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
With the LI level sensor, you can reliably detect leakages and point levels on a permanent basis. The capacitive measuring system has no moving parts. Malfunction or maintenance issues due to deposits on the mechanical parts are therefore eliminated.
Read more...Improved inductive coupler sets Turck Banner Southern Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Online teaser: Turck Banner has updated its inductive coupler sets and now also offers additional functions such as selective pairing in addition to improved performance.
Read more...Telco sensors in the pulp and paper industry Gail Norton Instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
The pulp and paper industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. The high level of contamination in these dusty, dirty and grimy environments makes it impossible for most competing sensors to operate and sense reliably and efficiently.
Read more...Robust Ethernet cordset series of cables Turck Banner Southern Africa
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Turck Banner offers a product range comprising a wealth of different connectors and cables, including over 115 000 connection technology solutions with differing degrees of complexity.
Read more...Multicolour strip lights with superior environmental resistance Turck Banner Southern Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Turck Banner’s industrial LED lighting products are high-quality and energy-efficient lights that provide years of maintenance-free operation, with no bulb or ballast changes required throughout the lifespan of the device.
Read more...Precision acoustic imagers Comtest
Sensors & Transducers
To help users identify and localise ‘mechanical areas of interest’ within short timeframes, Comtest has added a unique new feature to Fluke’s ii910 precision acoustic imagers.
Read more...Machine safety, diagnostics and data security Turck Banner Southern Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Personnel safety systems on machines are often seen as a necessary evil. To function correctly, a safety device is required to be self-checking, which adds more complexity and costs compared to a non-safety device.
printer friendly version