Still relying on old-school manual inspection? While those trusty tools still have their place, the world of inspection has moved on leaps and bounds with a real shift towards impressive digital and automated technologies.
Traditional methods, such as digital callipers, height gauges, and micrometers rely heavily on manual effort and interpretation, which can result in human error and inconsistencies and prove costly. visual inspection systems, on the other hand, bring a whole new level of accuracy, speed, and data-driven insights to the table and all offer non-contact measurement.
This includes things like 3-D scanners and imaging — imagine creating a detailed digital replica of an object for thorough analysis and measurement. This is a game-changer for complex geometries and reverse engineering; profile projectors — offer simultaneous X- and Y-axis measurement. Unlike many handheld tools that measure in only one direction at a time, profile projectors allow for simultaneous measurement of dimensions in the X and Y axes.
This significantly speeds up inspection processes; vision systems — cameras and software that can automatically inspect parts for defects, measure dimensions, and even guide robotic processes; AI-powered analysis — software that can learn to identify defects, predict maintenance needs, and optimise processes based on inspection data; and 3-D optical metrology systems — provide in depth surface 3-D measurement of both form and roughness.
Furthermore, the benefits of vision inspection are huge — faster inspections, improved accuracy and consistency, real-time data access, better documentation, and cost savings in the long run. Plus, digital records are easier to organise, share, and analyse than paper-based ones. Pictured above is the Starrett MVR200 manual vision metrology system which is ideal when quick measurements for quality control are required.
So, while verniers and micrometers are not totally obsolete, the inspection landscape is definitely being reshaped by these exciting new technologies. It is all about getting more accurate, efficient, and insightful data to make better decisions.
Market Harborough-based
Optimax Imaging & Inspection Ltd supply a full range of optical inspection and measurement solutions in the UK and EU from Starrett, Vision Engineering, Evixscan, Inspekto, Kitov.AI, Bruker Alicona, Hawkeye and Gradient Lens.