CHICAGO—Workers at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant have checked the quality of a vehicle’s paint job basically the same way since the plant opened in 1924—by eye. But the factory is now getting a new 3D imaging system that uses 16 computer-controlled cameras to detect the most microscopic grains of dirt in the paint.
Vision system integration has come a long way. With increased processing power, more powerful algorithms, and lighting and optics designed for more demanding requirements, more applications can be solved today than ever before.
Centrifugal feeders singulate and orient cylindrical parts.
May 1, 2013
Farason Corp. has been designing and building automated assembly systems for more than 25 years. Based in Coatesville, PA, the company has designed automation systems for food, cosmetics, medical devices, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, toys and solar cells. The company’s client list includes Blistex Inc., Crayola Crayons, L’Oreal USA, Smith Medical and even the U.S. Mint.
Recently introduced USB3 Vision joins several other established standards, all of which increase component selection, simplify setup and expand the market for vision systems.
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.
Alongside scenic countryside on Route 71, about two hours southwest of Chicago, sits tiny Mark, IL, with a population of 550.
March 1, 2013
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.
LAKE ORION, MI—Leoni Vision Solutions has become the first machine vision integrator to successfully complete the Automated Imaging Association’s Certified Systems Integrator program.
ANN ARBOR, MI—The Automated Imaging Association is presenting a free webinar Dec. 18 that will discuss machine vision applications for automotive assembly. The webinar will air from 11 a.m. to noon EST.