Sensor permits rapid 'visual' inspection
October 2002
Sensors & Transducers
Image processing with a user-friendly, compact, plug-and-play sensor has become a reality with the ICS 100 from SICK, distributed in southern Africa by Rhomberg. Relay and switch manufacturing companies in Germany have successfully been making use of the device for monitoring the curvature of relay and switch contacts. By achieving 100% quality control, machine standstills and loss of production are prevented.
The ICS (intelligent cameral sensor) 100 is said to represent a new concept for an image processing system for industrial use. The camera, optics, illumination and evaluation units are accommodated in a single compact housing. An external module can be connected if the camera data is to be visualised. The sensor can be programmed with up to 16 separate scanning programs and can operate as a standalone unit that switches like a photoelectric switch.
A typical situation in which the ICS 100 would prevent assembly problems, machine standstills and loss of production would for example, be in the manufacture of electrical contacts where it must be ensured that contacts exhibit a defined curvature before their combination with other components.
The shape of a relay or switch contact is taught-in and saved. Thereafter all parts are compared with the expected shape stored. Evaluation of the grey-value image determines which of the switching outputs (from up to four) is set. In the process the sensor can achieve a switching frequency of up to 200 Hz. Faulty contacts are reliably detected and have no effect on the subsequent production process.
For more information contact Rhomberg, 021 552 4930, [email protected], www.rhomberg.co.za
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