Seven reasons to switch to vision sensors

Didier Lacroix

As the global manufacturing market continues to get more competitive, it is important to ensure that each factory is running at a peak level of efficiency. Any downtime due to process related malfunctions is considered non value-added downtime, which directly affects the company’s profitability.

Robust yet easy-to-use, self-contained vision sensors perform automated inspections that previously required costly and complex vision systems. The vision sensors solve simple inspection applications, are easy to use, fast and provide a simple pass/fail or go/no-go result.

Machine vision is an area that if set up correctly can reduce process inefficiencies. If your facility uses machine vision as robot guidance or inspection, there is always an area of improvement that can be investigated.

The seven reasons

1. Identifies features photoelectric sensors cannot: Checker vision sensors can simplify inspections that would be troublesome for photoelectric sensors—such as the presence of tapped threads or weld nuts in an automotive assembly.
2. No mechanical fixturing: An object can be inspected in any position on the belt because the vision sensor is always looking for the part.
3. External triggers are not required: Vision sensors overcome imprecise part positioning using patented multi-image analysis to determine if a part is present.
4. Inspects multiple part features: There is no limit to the number of part features that a single checker vision sensor can inspect. For example, a vision sensor can inspect for the presence of a straw and an insertion on a package of juice.
5. Set-up, edit and monitor inspections on a smart display or a PC: Operators can set up new parameters or adjust existing inspections on a PC. Vision sensor activity can be displayed on a touch screen monitor making it easy for operator interaction on the factory floor.
6. Accessories optimise image contrast and minimise obscuring features: Vision sensors can be deployed with special lighting and filters to create better images and achieve more consistent and reliable results.
7. Requires fewer adjustments than photoelectric sensors: Unlike photoelectric sensors that require frequent adjustment, vision sensors can detect objects regardless of their speed and position on the line.