Advanced Mechatronic System For In-Line Automated Optical Inspection Of Metal Parts

摘要

The paper presents a solution of the mechatronie system for in-line optical inspection of the mass produced metal parts in the automotive industry. To replace human visual inspection, a method based on machine vision, computer image analysis and nechatronic modules were applied. To inspect a variety of defects (e.g. cracks, scratches, grinding defects, spots, material losses) a Kqueoce of 5 pictures of the object is analysed by specialised algorithms during an inspection cycle lasting a maximum of 300 ms. In order to achieve micrometric measurement accuracy and high inspection process efficiency, crucial problems concerning the cleaning of the inspected surface, surface illumination and mechatronic hardware were studied and solved. Some aspects of knowledge transfer to the industry are discussed. The developed inspection system has been successfully implemented in the manufacturing line of bearing rollers. Tests results and the basic features of the system are presented.