Regardless of their location or industry, manufacturers are demanding more from leak test equipment than ever before. Tough economic times and increased competition require companies to use equipment that not only provides accuracy and repeatability, but accommodates a wider variety of parts.

Vision systems can help manufacturers reduce scrap, increase yield and discover better ways to assemble products.

A good partnership between customers and suppliers leads to optimal solutions and long-term prosperity all around.

A growing number of manufacturers are moving from air tools to electric tools and from corded electric tools to cordless tools.

In 1987, Apple Computer Inc. introduced FireWire. It was the first direct-connect digital interface (IEEE1394) and standard (DCAM) on the market.

Component interoperability for PC-based vision systems has come a long way in a short time. The main reason for this quick evolution is interface standards, which the AIA, a machine vision trade group, began introducing in 2000.

I have included the issue in which each column appeared so you can delve into the topic in more detail if desired. As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions, comments or observations.

Advanced vision systems drive quality and process automation for manufacturers. In order to achieve its mandate, each vision system is composed of many components, including the camera, digitizer, optics, lighting, processor, inspection software tools, inspection application software, communications, display, calibration requirements and more.

Customers are demanding zero defects. Product quality has to be at the highest levels ever. Being “good enough” is no longer good enough.

Mennie precision-machines transmission and fuel-system parts and assemblies used in mission-critical applications. Customers include Caterpillar, Bosch Rexroth, Saur-Danfoss, Eaton Hydraulics, Poclain Hydraulics, Allison Transmission, American Axle and Cummins.