Quality inspection of shiny parts poses a significant challenge in the realm of industrial production. These parts, often metallic or coated with varnish, present unique problems due to their reflective surfaces and the variability of their appearances. However, with automated quality inspection solutions based on AI and utilizing multiple vision systems, it is possible to overcome these obstacles. This article explores how such technology, like Spark Multi View, tackles these challenges using multiple cameras and varied viewing angles.

Challenges of quality inspection of shiny parts

1. Visibility of defects on reflective surfaces

• Issue: Shiny and reflective surfaces, such as polished metal parts or varnish-coated components, create intense reflections that can mask defects. This makes detecting scratches, deformations, or small imperfections extremely challenging for traditional inspection systems.

• Solution: Spark Multi View overcomes this issue through a dedicated lighting system and sophisticated AI. The lighting is configured to minimize unwanted reflections and maximize defect visibility. Moreover, the AI is trained to understand and adapt to these constraints, enabling precise detection even on highly reflective surfaces.

2. Detection of very small and varied defects

• Issue: Shiny parts may exhibit a multitude of small defects, such as dust particles, matte areas, fine scratches, or subtle deformations. The diversity and small size of these anomalies make their detection extremely complex.

• Solution: Spark Multi View's AI is specially designed to identify a wide range of defects from compliant parts. Through machine learning algorithms, the system can learn to distinguish even the subtlest anomalies based on real examples. This continuous learning capability ensures increased accuracy and reliability in inspection.

3. Variability in the appearance of compliant parts

• Issue: Shiny parts can vary considerably in terms of material, acceptable defects, and varnish finishes. This variability complicates the task of defining uniform quality standards and adjusting inspection systems to tolerate variations while detecting critical defects.

• Solution: Spark Multi View addresses this variability through its advanced AI, which utilizes real images to calibrate the system. This calibration adjusts the inspection sensitivity and manages specific tolerances for each production run. Thus, the system can differentiate between critical defects and acceptable variations, ensuring consistent production quality.

Spark Multi View: an innovative solution for shiny parts inspection

Spark Multi View distinguishes itself with its unique ability to utilize multiple cameras and therefore multiple viewing angles for comprehensive and precise inspection of shiny parts. Here's how this innovative technology tackles and resolves the specific challenges of quality inspection of reflective surfaces:

• Dedicated lighting system

Lighting is crucial for inspecting shiny parts. Spark Multi View employs controlled lighting that reduces reflections and enhances defect visibility. This lighting is adjustable based on the characteristics of the inspected part, ensuring optimal anomaly detection.

• Advanced AI for continuous learning

The artificial intelligence of Spark Multi View can learn from real data and adapt to production variations. It continuously analyzes images of compliant and non-compliant parts, adjusting its parameters to maintain high accuracy in defect detection. This continuous learning capability is essential for managing the complexity and variability of shiny surfaces.

• Utilization of multiple cameras and viewing angles

By combining multiple cameras and thus multiple viewing angles, Spark Multi View provides comprehensive coverage of inspected parts. This multi-view approach enables the detection of defects that might be invisible from a single angle, ensuring thorough and reliable inspection.

• Calibration based on real images

Calibrating the system with real images allows Spark Multi View to adjust its parameters based on specific variations in each production run. This flexibility ensures that the system can effectively manage tolerances and material differences while maintaining high-quality standards.

Conclusion

Quality inspection of shiny parts poses a major challenge due to their reflective nature, the diversity of defects, and the variability of compliant parts. However, with advanced solutions like Spark Multi View, these challenges can be successfully overcome. By employing dedicated lighting, sophisticated AI, and a multi-camera approach, Spark Multi View ensures precise and reliable inspection, even for the most difficult-to-inspect surfaces. This groundbreaking technology enables manufacturers to guarantee the quality of their products while optimizing their production processes.

Contact us to discover how Spark Multi View can transform your quality inspection process and deliver reliable results from day one without complex configurations. Spark is the ideal solution for achieving high-level quality control, realizing cost savings, reducing customer claims, and obtaining real-time quality data for reliable decision-making: Spark@scortex.io

Here are other articles that might interest you: 

• Quality inspection: what is it for?

• The User Experience of your Vision Solution Influences your Return on Investment

• Spark in Cosmetics industry

• Use case: lipstick manufacturing