Inspection, measurement and quality control processes are inseparable parts of the fastener production process. Quality reassures the market and gives manufacturers the advantage in competitive sectors.
Some companies still utilise the conventional method of testing and inspecting the parts one by one without an automated process. This method is considered obsolete and outdated. Errors are inevitable when humans perform inspection related tasks repeatedly. Mood, fatigue, lack of experience, and many more factors can influence the results of the test and inspection. In addition, some impurities and defects are too small and not easily visible. Also, since fasteners and fixing components are parts of devices, home appliances, and automobiles that we use every day, how can the end users of these products be sure that their safety and well-being are not compromised by human inspection? VISION Srl offers a solution for the testing and inspection of fastener and fixing components – its SATURNO automatic visual inspection machine with rotating table and integrated vision system.
Forward-looking businesses of any scale, which are quality oriented, opt for automated visual inspection technology. It is an answer for manufacturers who want to keep up with the increasing demands and expectations of customers, as well as wanting to reduce waste, to save the resources and to enhance the profitability.
The precision, efficiency, and the speed of the artificial visual inspection systems, also allow manufacturers to rest assured about the quality of fastener and fixing components, so they only have to focus on growing their businesses.
The main principle and mechanism of an automatic artificial vision system is not so far off from conventional manual inspection. Inspecting parameters are set – dimensions, colours, defect catalogues, external and internal threads, impurities, etc. The camera systems and the software, similarly to human eyes and brain, then take the high-resolution images of the pieces and perform the inspection tasks to make sure that parts conform with the parameters.
However, unlike the conventional method, all inspection tasks will be done at high speed, high precision and high productivity. Vision reports that with this innovative inspection system a ‘zero-defect’ production batch is achievable.
SATURNO, an automatic visual inspection machine with rotating table and integrated vision system, is equipped with up to 8 high resolution cameras, which can be added at any time, in-house developed innovative software and the speed of up to 1,200 pcs/min. Customisation to accommodate any piece shape, sizing, colours, etc, is also possible.
SATURNO can also provide statistics of the inspection, conduct ‘real time’ analysis on each piece inspected, and connect with the data management software, allowing the manufacturers to utilise the information for improvement, optimisation and preventive maintenance.
Looking ahead, VISION will also be launching a new telepresence robot for production – GoBe Robots. It is a telepresence robot with a monitor, HD camera and audio system that moves freely with the control from the Cloud, and connected to a service team 24/7. No matter where the production is in the world, manufacturers can save travelling expenses and lower the CO2 emission, while also have the access to swift and quality service of VISION’s technicians.
Artificial visual inspection systems
“With the uncertain future of the industrial supply chain in the upcoming years and the global macro trend of digital transformation in the industrial sector, automatic visual inspection can also help solve production challenges that manufacturers will face beyond 2020, such as, the lack of labour pool due to population shift or economic crisis, rising costs of materials and transportation, and more,” comments VISION.
The company continues: “Ultimately, the manufacturer who is willing to invest in digital transformation, such as automatic visual inspection, will be less vulnerable to external changes and will rebound even stronger when the economy recovers. Let VISION assist your step forward into the future. Our solutions can be tailor-made just for you and your production, whether your product is a simple fastener in household furniture, or a complex high precision fastener in the aerospace sector. We are the leading integrator of automatic artificial vision systems, based in Italy, with over 30 years of experiences in various sectors. We design, construct, install, integrate, and provide the service for automating quality control processes.”
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
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