Production Control

Optical inline measurement technology for 100 percent production control

For production control, Fraunhofer IPM develops optical systems and imaging methods which can be used to analyze surfaces and 3D structures in production and to control processes. The systems measure fast and accurately so that small defects or impurities can be detected, even at high production speeds. This means that 100 percent production control in real-time is possible against the backdrop of the fourth industrial revolution.

A wide range of methods is used, including digital holography, infrared reflection spectroscopy and fluorescence methods, combined with fast, low-level image and data processing. The systems are used in applications such as forming technology in the automotive industry and for quality control in medical products.

Our 2D and 3D inline measuring systems supply high precision measurements in real-time and under hardest production conditions, for example for controlling sensitive production processes. This is achieved by a combination of optical measuring techniques with extremely fast data processing.  Our turnkey systems for surface analysis use fluorescence measurement techniques as well as infrared reflection spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. In systems engineering Fraunhofer IPM relies on its long-standing experience in optical units, image recording and image processing.

We offer the following services relating to all aspects of production inspection

  • Prototyping and development of customized complete solutions
  • Commissioning and maintenance of the inline systems on-site
  • Technology transfer and training
  • Consultancy for and assessment of technology
  • Feasibility studies and suitability tests
  • Contract measurements and measurements at customers' premises
  • Workshops

Expertise

 

Find out more about our know-how in
production control.

Applications

 

In this section we present the fields of application of our sensors and systems.

Systems

 

On this page you will find an overview of our customized systems for customers from industry.

Downloads

 

Here you will find flyers and system specifications from our business unit production control.

Focus topics

 

Data evaluation

Part of high-performance measurement technology is an equally efficient data evaluation. We support you in developing strategies for handling multiple data streams − and generate maximum benefit from your measurement data.

 

 

Systems expertise

We develop optical measurement and inspection systems for reliable use in production. In this, we combine our comprehensive know-how in optical technology with an eye for the specific conditions on site. Our numerous references from very different industries speak for our success.

 

Collaborating robotic systems

To perfect the interaction between state-of-the-art sensor technology and handling, Fraunhofer IPM is developing innovative approaches and products. This includes the establishment of modern, standardized interfaces, such as OPC-UA.

 

Industry 4.0

Connecting the real and the virtual worlds creates new opportunities while leading to completely new demands on modern production. We meet these increased demands with the advantages offered by optical measurement technology. Our new measurement and test procedures enable flexible, inline-capable, 100 percent-reliable production control.

 

App development

There are many options for either performing optical measurement and test procedures on a smartphone, or for combining both.

Fraunhofer IPM develops applications for mobile end devices on request.

News & Information

 

Fraunhofer lighthouse project QMag successfully completed / 23.1.2024

Quantum magnetometers detect smallest material defects at an early stage

As part of the QMag project, two teams at Fraunhofer IPM have successfully developed and employed optically pumpled magnetometers, OPM, for materials testing and for flow metering.  

 

Press Release: Projec DiGeBaSt successfully completed

Proof of origin through marker-free tracing of logs

Researchers at Fraunhofer IPM and their partners have now shown that logs and trunk sections can be identified based on the structure of the cut surfaces.  

 

Press release: project start "i-skaB"

Fuel cell production of the future

As part of the i-skaB project, seven partners from research and industry conduct research on technology for scalable fuel cell production. The goal: stack production at 30-second intervals. One key aspect of the project is the establishment of rapid optical quality assurance based on innovative computer vision approaches and 3D measurement techniques such as digital holography.

 

Press release / 10.10.2022

Recyclable food packaging

Quality control for nanocoatings:

Fraunhofer IPM is developing an optical measurement system enabling the inline quality control of ultrathin barrier layers.

 

Press release / 30.8.2022

Demand-based cleaning of closed food processing systems

A fiber-optical fluorescence sensor developed at Fraunhofer IPM measures deposits in closed containers in a minimally invasive manner, thus enabling cleaning processes to be controlled and adapted to the actual degree of fouling.

 

Press release / 21.7.2022

Component traceability facilitates cross-process quality control

Through the “ProIQ” project, Fraunhofer IPM has joined forces with partners from the fields of industry and research to develop technologies for adaptive production of precision components.

 

Press release / 20.5.2022

Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2022

Dr. Albrecht Brandenburg and Dr. Alexander Blättermann have been awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2022 for their fluorescence measurement systems for quality assurance in production. Congratulations!

Events / Trade Fairs 2024



 

Partners and Networks

  • CAST - Competence Center for
    Applied Security Technology e. V.
 

Teaching: University of Freiburg, Institute of Sustainable Systems Engineering INATECH

For Students

Dr Daniel Carl: Lecture on Optical metrology for quality assurance in sustainable production