Industrial vision is an essential technology in the era of automation and Industry 4.0. Used to optimize and automate manufacturing processes, it enables companies to produce items with high precision and quality while reducing costs and inspection times. In this article, we will explore in depth what industrial vision is, its components, applications, and the numerous advantages it offers to modern industries.

Components of industrial vision

An industrial vision system consists of several essential elements that work together to capture, analyze, and interpret images. Here is a detailed description of these components:

1. Cameras

Industrial cameras are the heart of the vision system. They capture images of the products or parts to be inspected. Types of cameras include:

• Monochrome: Mainly used for shape and contrast inspections.

• Color: Used when it is necessary to distinguish variations in hue or color on products.

• High resolution: Provide detailed images needed to detect tiny defects.

  
  

  2. Lighting

• Adequate lighting is crucial for obtaining quality images. Types of lighting include:

• LED: For uniform and durable lighting.

• Incident light: To highlight reliefs or textures on surfaces.

• Grazing light: Used to detect surface imperfections.

3. Lenses

The lenses of the cameras play a crucial role in the quality of the captured images. They are selected based on the working distance, field of view size, and required resolution.

4. Image processing software

These software programs analyze the captured images to extract relevant information. They use advanced algorithms for:

• Defect detection: Identifying anomalies compared to a reference model.

• Dimensional measurement: Ensuring that the dimensions of the parts meet specifications.

• Shape recognition: Identifying specific patterns or marks.

5. Automation and sensors

• Trigger sensors: Synchronize image capture with the passage of parts on the production line.

• Communication controllers: Enable data transmission between the different components of the system and the production control system.
  
  

  6. User interface (HMI)

Screen and software for creating, maintaining, adjusting, and monitoring the performance of control programs.

Applications of industrial vision

Industrial vision is used in a multitude of sectors to improve the quality and efficiency of production processes. Here are some of the most common applications:

1. Quality control

Inspection of products to detect manufacturing defects such as scratches, dents, color defects, or dimensional variations. For example, in the automotive industry, industrial vision is used to inspect components such as engines and bodies to ensure they are free of defects.

2. Automatic sorting

Separation of compliant and non-compliant products on production lines. For example, in the food industry, industrial vision is used to sort fruits and vegetables based on their size, color, and condition.

3. Measurement and alignment

Precision in the dimensions of parts and products to ensure they meet specified tolerances. In the electronics industry, industrial vision is used to measure printed circuit board components to ensure their proper functioning.

4. Identification and traceability

Reading barcodes, QR codes, and other markings to ensure product traceability. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, industrial vision is used to check drug labels and ensure they meet safety standards.

5. Robot guidance

Industrial vision systems can guide robots to perform precision tasks such as component assembly or handling delicate parts.

6. Real-time reporting

Connected to the internet and/or production line controllers, industrial vision systems enable real-time monitoring of task performance indicators.

Advantages of industrial vision

Integrating industrial vision into manufacturing processes offers numerous advantages:

1. Increased precision

Industrial vision systems can detect defects invisible to the human eye. This ensures that finished products meet the highest quality standards, which is crucial in industries such as aerospace and medicine where defects can have serious consequences.

2. Improved efficiency

Automating quality control reduces the time required for inspection, thus increasing production line speed. This allows companies to respond more quickly to market demand and reduce delivery times.

3. Cost reduction

Less waste and rework due to early defect detection. Industrial vision systems also reduce the need for labor for repetitive and tiring inspection tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher value-added tasks.

4. Traceability and compliance

Industrial vision systems can record detailed data on each product, facilitating traceability and compliance with quality standards. This is particularly important in regulated industries such as food and medical, where safety compliance is crucial.

5. Flexibility and adaptability

Industrial vision systems can be easily reconfigured to adapt to new product lines or changes in manufacturing processes. This allows companies to remain agile and competitive in a constantly evolving environment.

Conclusion

Industrial vision is a revolutionary technology that is transforming how companies ensure the quality of their products. By integrating cameras, advanced software, and precise sensors, industrial vision systems enable unmatched levels of quality and efficiency. In the future, the continuous evolution of this technology, particularly through artificial intelligence and deep learning, promises to bring even more significant improvements in the field of production.

In conclusion, for companies looking to optimize their quality control processes, solutions such as Spark from Scortex offer an ideal alternative with easy deployment, real-time data analysis capabilities, and controlled ROI. Spark represents a major advancement in industrial vision, offering the precision and flexibility that meet the demands of modern industries.

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