Machine vision systems: overview and tips for good mechanics
Vision systems for quality control are a strategic investment for companies that want to achieve high standards in their production processes. They, in fact, play a fundamental role in the monitoring and detection of any defects and anomalies, identifying with precision and speed any potential problem in its initial phase, minimizing waste, reducing costs and maximizing efficiency.
Working closely with heterogeneous production companies, we at elmec understand the importance of vision systems and a competent approach to each stage of their design. Starting from that of the mechanical manufacturers called to host the most advanced electronics, which must meet specific requirements of reliability, resistance and performance to be allies of the best production flows.
The components for vision systems
The long experience in designing and building professional solutions allows us to
design mechanical devices capable of supporting the most advanced computer vision systems, used in different contexts, such as safety, traffic monitoring or quality control in industrial production processes.
In the field of quality checks, vision systems are indispensable tools in order to achieve production that meets the most stringent standards. There are many defects that the elements made by a plant can present and range from aesthetic to structural, dimensional or functional. Vision systems are designed to quickly and automatically recognize any non-compliance with the parameters entered in the system: for example, the presence of defective parts, assembly errors, altered filling levels, anomalies of different types.
The objectivity and accuracy of these technologies is unattainable to the human eye, but it is from the experience of those who produce components for vision systems that the final results of the process depend. In order for these tools to concretely accompany towards an increase in productivity and a reduction in costs and waste, it is important to put the focus also on the design of mechanical houses that host electronic technology, in such a way that they ensure compliance with specific technical and performance requirements.
The essential characteristics of vision systems for quality control
In the first analysis, the vision systems we design and implement in the elmec plant are required to adapt flexibly to the needs of each customer. Visual check equipment must be designed in a streamlined and versatile way and ensure, above all, a good ease of installation and smart access for possible maintenance. An excellent requirement to integrate in the design of vision systems also their scalability, granted by intelligent choices in terms of workmanship, design and materials.
Today vision systems are required, therefore also to the houses that contain them, a perfect compatibility with the devices and logic of Industry 4.0. This means thinking devices able to interact efficiently with other devices, favoring and not hindering the creation of networks capable of working in perfect synergy.
What other aspects should be considered to create mechanical devices for electronics in this context?
The selection of materials
The choice of construction materials must always consider the applications of use of the vision device and any external stress that it will encounter. A well thought-out mix of raw materials, workmanship and design will allow the mechanical devices to guarantee the electronics an optimal protection against manipulation, damage and ingress of foreign bodies.
The class of protection IP
In this perspective it is essential to obtain, in the production phase, a good degree of IP protection, reaching or exceeding the one assumed at the time of the design evaluation. This ensures that the system can rely on an excellent level of resistance against both solid and liquid ingress.
The dissipation of heat
Another essential plus for many vision systems is the excellent heat dissipation, which can be guaranteed by the materials selected for the construction of the mechanical case, by the geometry of the structure or by the possible addition of additional heatsinks or fans.
EMC shielding and EMI interference management
For a vision system it is essential to enjoy good EMC shielding, namely protection against electromagnetic fields generated by sources more or less close to the device. The competent management of the so-called EMI Interferences (ie Electromagnetic Interference) plays a crucial role in protecting the circuits from possible
operating issues, from interference in signal transport, as well as in achieving full compliance with national and international safety regulations.
Vibration resistance
If the vision system is to be installed, for example, on board the train or in contexts of use subject to strong vibrational stress, it is necessary that the carpentry passes a special vibration test and obtains the relative certification.
The degrees of resistance IK
Vision systems for quality control must also be equipped with an appropriate IK resistance degree, optimised for the application context. We refer to the protection against mechanical shocks, which can guarantee strength and reliability to the mechanical device to protect the electronics, even in the most extreme environmental conditions.
elmec experience in vision systems for quality control
The global quality of vision systems is essential for those who integrate them in their plants and the elmec team makes its qualified knowledge available to the most demanding manufacturers in the sector. We are committed to using the most advanced technologies to ensure that our carpentry meets your standards of precision and reliability, but also all current safety regulations.
Our devices are designed and manufactured with a specific focus on end users, but also on the needs of manufacturers engaged in building valid quality control processes. In addition, they are designed by our technicians in a flexible and customized way, optimally combining your requests with the latest technologies available on the market.
Do you want to submit your project and understand, together, how we can realize it and maximize its performance? Contact us now and we create efficiency for your quality control vision systems!