Articles and News

Exide had difficulties in reading 2D data matrix codes burned into plastic with a laser burner. The problem was solved by switching to image-based Cognex DataMan 200 readers with 2D decoding software and an EtherNet/IP interface to the PLC.

Traditionally, body panels are inspected by using a robot to present the part to an array of proximity switches. Ford improved on this method by using machine vision. The camera connects to either the robot or the PLC using the Ethernet/IP protocol.

By John Lewis, Cognex The need to use PCs to interface with vision systems and ID readers required the purchase of expensive hardware and development of sometimes complex software. A new generation of vision systems and ID readers with built-in EtherNet/IP connectivity streamlines factory network integration.

HINZ developed a machine vision system that automatically measures the amount and distribution of potash on a mining conveyor as it is loaded by the bridge conveyor. This information is used by the mine control system to automatically move the bridge conveyor to correct any imbalance.

Unico Systems, a manufacturer of home air conditioning and heating systems, uses Cognex wireless handheld scanners to read barcodes on the product, and QR codes on employee badges and assembly stations. Operators now spend less time on data entry tasks and the production rate is up 40%

With this command set, even complex applications for the thermal imaging area can be solved quite easily.

The Keyence systems replaced hard gauging that Leatherman used for many years to evaluate components for its tools, eliminating cabinets full of hard fixtures built for specific parts.

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2014 was the fourth largest IMTS in history and the largest six-day show ever with registration of 114,147 representing 112 countries.

Micro-Epsilon supplied sensors for a high speed (up to 10,500rpm) wheel spin test, part of the BLOODHOUND SSC Project – the 1,000 mph land speed record attempt that is scheduled to take place in 2016.

Patti Engineering is supplying engineering support for the installation of a new Krones bottling line that involves integration of vision, VFDs, I/O and controls.

By Russ Butchart, Puffin Automation Vision system for an unnamed manufacturer inspects defects as small as 0.008" on all four surfaces of an engine ring with a changeover time of less than 1 min.

July U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $354.63 million, down 11.5% from June and down 1.4% when compared with the total of $359.70 million reported for July 2013.

Enhancements in Gocator 4.0 include a built-in capability to remove noise around the perimeter and interior of scanned surfaces or parts.

With 34 cameras installed along the perimeter of the photovoltaic field, Solesa can detect animals, people, objects, acts of vandalism or attempted theft in complete darkness and difficult conditions, such as dust, fog and rain.

By Andrea Sorri, Axis Communications With the arrival of network video, plant operators can integrate security, safety and production control in one single system. With HDTV image quality, network cameras can provide detailed and clear images - allowing remote operators to virtually place themselves at any location of the plant or process and see what is happening at any given time.

$1.04 billion is the best first half performance by the North American machine vision market since AIA began tracking quarterly statistics in 2009.

VCLIB software library contains all standard image processing algorithms as well as ready-to-use algorithms for a number of inspection tasks and provides users with the option of in-house programming.

BsAutomatisierung in Rosenfeld,Germany, uses Ensenso 3D vision cameras in its robotic bin-picking cells to pick individual, randomly aligned parts out of a container and pass them on to downstream production processes.

micro ScoutCam 1.2 is being used as the borescope camera on VIPIR, a robotic, maneuverable, borescope inspection tool that is being tested as part of the Robotic Refueling Mission.

RIA now has 334 company members, AIA is also at 334 members and MCA consists of 111 members.