Robots have been a force in the increase in flexible automation for many years, but until recently robot vision was limited.

Today’s integrated machine vision systems can range from a very simple single camera to an array of multiple cameras at one operational cell inspecting hundreds of features on a single part.

We have all read the Sunday newspaper where we were challenged with finding the difference between one image and an almost identical image positioned right next to it. Sounds easy but some are more difficult than others.

Ramcel Engineering Company is located in Northbrook, IL, northeast of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. The company was founded in 1950 with the mission of providing precision, custom metal stamping and contract mechanical assembly services, as well as robotic MIG & TIG welding services.

When processes fail unexpectedly, companies face irrecoverable loss of revenue and profit, not to mention the potential for irreparable damage to their brand. Failures are multivariate: they can be found in individual parts, entire machines, or within a process.

There are a number of documents dealing with the calibration of thread gages purporting to be “standards” that are really more like training manuals. There is a need out there for this information but invariably, instead of sticking to the metrology involved, they delve into quality decisions and things start to come off the rails.

Digital radiographic inspection systems have long since become common in many industrial fields.