When it comes to automation in the context of industrial production processes, it is absolutely impossible to ignore a digression regarding the so-called machine vision systems.
In fact, over time, they have become essential, representing the only solution being able to optimize productivity and significantly reduce all kinds of production costs. All this while guaranteeing the highest quality.
With regard to machine vision, it should be noted that it is also applied to the quality control of each product. Scanners, digital cameras, sensors, image processors, thermal cameras: these are just some of the instruments that use machine vision. For example, let's think about the use of CNC machines and the contribution of machine vision to improve them to meet the needs of Industry 4.0.
The demand for so-called conformity certifications is increasing and therefore, it has proved necessary to look for alternatives capable of meeting this need without having any kind of negative impact from an economic point of view.
Automation of industrial processes and vision systems
The first and most important aspect to take into account when referring to the automation of industrial processes and so-called vision systems concerns the fact that this type of technology operates in synergy with many other disciplines such as optics but also electronics and lighting.
Each vision system used to automate industrial processes must lay its foundations on software that has the task of processing all kinds of images and transforming what is stored into data. Obviously, all this does not see the end user as the protagonist in any way, who has to start the process and receive the result.
Among other things, it is useful to point out that there are some systems that have the ability to self-configure according to specific production processes. This appears, without any doubt, as a considerable added value.
The different application solutions: dedicated systems and commercial systems
Regarding the application solutions, it is good to keep in mind that there are two main alternatives. The first alternative is very complex from a purely technical point of view and is the so-called dedicated one.
In the second case, however, we are dealing with a much simpler and more commercial solution that has the task of carrying out a solely and exclusively two-dimensional analysis of a particular object.
As it is easy to guess, this second alternative is less demanding both from a technical point of view and from a purely economic aspect.
Solutions adopted: sensors and digital cameras
In this context, it is useful to make a quick reference to the fact that the industrial vision in recent years has been exploited a lot in various industrial sectors including, for example, manufacturing.
Through a correct visual inspection, you have the opportunity to quickly identify any kind of product defect and to intervene to resolve any critical issues.
The solutions adopted are many and among these there are digital cameras, traditional cameras, image processors, optical cameras and infrared thermal cameras.
All these solutions are part of other much more complex systems and have the task of providing all the information through which perform a particular task. Among other things, it is also useful to point out that there is also the possibility of opting for so-called machine systems to be used in synergy with the latest generation of computers.
Experience and objectives: the lighting system and the optics
As previously clarified, thanks to machine vision, it is possible to follow a very punctual inspection method. Basically, a vision system, when and if configured in the correct way, is able to minimize or even eliminate any type of defect.
In this regard, more information is available on our page on the system for the judgment of product defects and for the characterization of defects entirely made and supported by Vision Device.
With regard to this problem, it is necessary to make a brief but interesting reflection in reference to the overall costs. Those who decide to invest in these systems have the opportunity to return in a short time. Everything is mainly related to the chosen lighting systems and those necessary for image acquisition and processing.
Some cameras, for example, to be able to quickly reach the objectives set, resort to so-called structured-lighting systems.
Application areas
Vision systems are of crucial importance in any kind of industrial production. Just think, for example, of the manufacturing sector and much more generally, of all those areas in which it is essential to minimize the risk of errors of various kinds. Thanks to the vision systems in question, not only do you have the opportunity to save but also to make production faster and above all, offering your customers high quality standards with an almost non-existent margin of error. In terms of vision systems used in industrial processes, there are many innovations and it is safe to bet that there will be further innovations in the next period. By guaranteeing the highest quality with minimum effort, it is clear that visual systems are a sector in which it is essential to continue investing, especially if we take into account the fact that certifications represent a significant strength in every kind of market.
Therefore, every industry will no longer be able to operate without vision systems since, thanks to them, they will have the possibility to put on the market products without defects.
A final consideration must be made regarding the cost of such instruments. While it is true that opting for solutions of this type entails the need to incur expenses, it is equally true that, already in the short term, it is possible to return this economic commitment, by minimizing if not eliminating the risk of error.
Through the visual systems, therefore, it is possible to create an added value of which the end user has the opportunity to benefit and, indirectly, also the manufacturing industry which will benefit not a little in both exclusively economic terms and in regard to the quality of products put on the market.