Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM
Optical measurement technology is capable of inspecting the dimensional accuracy and any surface defects of components with great reliability and precision. Today, automated optical inspection (AOI) is therefore state of the art in quality control of components. However, manual visual inspections and tactile gauging checks are still often the best methods available today for inspecting the quality of mass-produced parts. The reason for this is that AOI requires specific positioning and orientation of the component. The handling of bulk goods, however, is demanding and therefore disproportionately expensive.
Free fall: 100-percent component inspection with no need for handling
The optical inspection system Inspect 360° analyzes the geometry and surface condition of components in free fall and, for the first time, enables optical inspection of mass-produced parts at reasonable costs.