Metrology System Combines Robotics, Vision System, Software

DWFritz’s Advanced Metrology Platform combines an advanced machine vision system, custom software and robotics for inline and near-line manufacturing applications. Five 21-megapixel monochrome and color cameras can be combined with lasers to capture difficult measurements. The lasers can be configured to gather 3D data, and stitch together a dense point cloud of the surface area of the part for inspection. Application-specific lighting is said to promote high throughput.

The software is designed to capture multiple relative or absolute micron-level measurements with high repeatability, including dimensional measurements in X, Y, and Z axes; 2D or 3D profile and depth; angularity and orientation; outer and inner dimensions, length, height, curvature, and profiles; and NIST-traceable measurements.

To move parts into and out of a system, trays, conveyors and process modules can be configured for the needs of various materials. Laser marking can print part numbers, traceable information for quality control, logos, bar codes, and other information on products. Parts can be sorted into bins based on performance or defect specifications.

Pre- and post-metrology assembly and processing options, such as adhesive or coating dispensing, can be provided to keep production moving. When operating at high volume, the platform can process as many as four parts per second per system.