In today’s manufacturing companies, there is a necessity for such a means of verification of the dimensions of parts that could be used to inspect complex geometries and guarantee uniform quality of products. With the help of the use of optical imaging and measuring techniques, video measuring machine can provide the opportunity for quality control specialists to inspect parts non-contactively.
From the perspective of businesses that strive to improve their production processes, the presented technology can become a good solution for error-free measuring processes. Moreover, advanced instant and automatic measuring possibilities allow easily inspecting various features.
Why Is a Video Measuring Machine Important in Modern Manufacturing?
Accuracy of dimensions is crucial in manufacturing processes as it plays a key role in determining the quality of the final product.
Although traditional measuring equipment may be used in many situations, some of them might take more time and work from the operator to be performed.
The use of a video measuring machine can help to resolve these issues by using camera inspection, optical magnification, and computer-based measuring tools.
Some of the main uses of such machines include:
- Dimensioning of precision parts.
- Measurement of holes, slots, edges, and profiles.
- Quality checking of production.
- Inspection of small and complicated parts.
- Checking of component dimensions according to engineering drawings.
Being familiar with its advantages, manufacturers will be able to decide whether to use optical measuring equipment or not.
What Are the 7 Benefits of Using a Video Measuring Machine?
Video measuring machines are beneficial to manufacturers seeking to enhance dimensional inspection and improve quality of their products. Below are seven benefits of video measuring machines.
1. Enhanced Dimensional Inspection Precision
It is vital that a dimensionally inspected product is accurate in its manufacture when making components with tight tolerances.
A video measuring machine uses an optical imaging and measuring software to make assessments of components’ dimensions accurately.
Such applications include:
- Internal and external diameters measurements.
- Distance between two points.
- Angles and radii measurements.
- Holes, slots, and edge inspections.
- Two dimensional profile measurements.
This helps ensure that the manufactured component meets the specified dimensional requirements.
2. Faster Inspection and Higher Productivity
Manual inspection may be tedious for manufacturers where they have to measure large numbers of components or measurement points.
Advanced video measuring machines enable the manufacturers to simplify their inspection processes using digital images and measurements facilitated through computer programs.
These productivity benefits include:
- Quick identification of component edges and other points.
- Reduction in manual measurement process.
- Ease of measuring several dimensions.
- Efficient repetition of measurement process.
- Minimized time for measuring each point individually.
Instant video measuring machine can facilitate efficient inspection since it takes the image and measures the different visible points in the field of vision depending on the capabilities of the machine.
This is quite beneficial for manufacturers that require high volume production capacity.
3. Non-Contact Measurement of Delicate Components
Some elements can be too small, thin, or fragile to be tested using traditional contact measuring techniques. Physical contact could put undue pressure on the specimen.
Optical measuring techniques provide an alternative for non-contact dimensional testing.
This technique is ideal when measuring:
- Electronic components and PCB features.
- Precision plastic parts.
- Thin metal sheets.
- Fragile mechanical elements.
- Delicate molding parts.
- Sensitive surface finish parts.
As measuring involves using imaging without physical contact, manufacturers are able to measure delicate elements without deforming them through contact.
4. Consistent and Repeatable Inspection Results
Consistency is required for the inspection of a part during manufacturing using different batches.
In manual inspections, variations can arise due to differences in how the inspection is done by the operator, positioning of equipment, and the measurement procedure.
The automated video inspection system may be used to standardize the process using programmed measurements and analysis.
Some of its features include:
- Automatic edge finding.
- Programmed measurements.
- Repeatable positioning and inspection sequences.
- Digitized measurements.
- Checking with specified tolerances.
Consistency will still depend on proper calibration, stable fixtures, environment, and measurement processes.
Standardization of inspections allows manufacturers to have consistency in quality control.
5. Easy Measurement of Complex Geometries
The manufactured parts may have several features which require inspection through sophisticated measuring instruments.
Optical measurement devices can take precise pictures and assist engineers in the evaluation of various features at one time.
The common applications for measurement purposes are as follows:
- Circles and diameters.
- Angles and intersecting lines.
- Arcs and radii.
- Distance and centers.
- Slots and rectangles.
- Two-dimensional profiles.
Video measurement devices are ideal for precise engineering, tools making, electronic and automobile parts inspection.
These tools will make it easier for quality departments to inspect various parts without changing measuring devices every time.
6. Digital Reporting and Better Quality Management
Inspection logs play an important role in modern manufacturing when it comes to quality management, analysis, and customer demands.
One can use a video measurement machine with proper measurement software to make this task easier.
Depending on the specific model, some of the functions that may be available in such software are:
- automatic logging of measurement results,
- comparison report based on dimensions,
- tolerance check and pass/fail results,
- storage of data for future use,
- reporting of inspection results,
- statistical analysis of the measurement results.
Documentation can help quality teams analyze the results of the inspections, determine dimensional changes, and keep the measurement data organized.
It can also serve as a tool for communication between various departments.
7. Reduced Manual Effort and Long-Term Operational Efficiency
Continuous manual inspection needs operator intervention and can be laborious for quality control departments.
Automated video measuring machine is useful in cutting down continuous measurement processes through computer-based inspection and automated measurement procedures.
Possible benefits from operation include:
- Decreased need for continuous measurement processes.
- Decreased inspection processing time.
- Simplified measurement process.
- Efficient utilization of quality control process resources.
- Increased availability of inspection data.
It all depends on the production quantity, inspection requirements, the price of the equipment, and training.
For companies who frequently carry out dimensional inspections, the above benefits are useful for having optical measurement systems in their quality control departments.
Which Industries Benefit from Video Measuring Machines?
Dimensional inspection using video measuring technology is used in a number of manufacturing industries.
Important applications of this technology include:
1. Automotive Manufacturing
- Inspection of precision-machined parts.
- Measurement of mechanical parts.
- Evaluation of the dimensional tolerance of manufactured parts.
2. Electronics Manufacturing
- Measurement of PCB features.
- Inspection of electronic connectors.
- Measurement of miniature parts.
3. Plastic & Molding Manufacturing
- Dimensional inspection of molded parts.
- Measurement of holes, profiles, and edges.
- Inspection of precision plastic parts.
4. Tool & Die Manufacturing
- Measurement of tool profiles.
- Inspection of machined parts.
- Verification of dimensional specifications as per engineering drawings.
5. Medical Device Manufacturing
- Inspection of precision device parts.
- Measurement of small parts.
- Conducting documented dimensional inspections.
Selection of the right equipment depends upon the size of parts to be measured.
How Do You Choose the Right Video Measuring Machine?
Choice of appropriate equipment necessitates knowledge of your inspection needs.
Take into account these key considerations prior to purchase:
- Accuracy of measurements: Verify the measurement accuracy and repeatability.
- Resolution of the camera: Estimate the image quality and feature recognition.
- Range of measurements: Choose an appropriate measuring platform.
- Software: Find out the presence of the measurement program and data analysis.
- Automation: Define whether manual, motorized or automated measurements are needed.
- Illumination system: Verify the presence of proper illumination system for surfaces and edges.
- Technical support: Take into account the installation, calibration, maintenance and operator training.
Manufacturers should compare equipment parameters with the actual requirements of their component inspection rather than to choose a system for mere automation.
Conclusion
Some of the strengths that a video measuring machine possesses include accurate dimensional measurement, fast measurement, contactless measurement, repeatability, and report generation. These benefits make it easier for organizations to manage quality assurance in their manufacturing process.
For manufacturers who are looking for an optical measurement system, TASO Metrology has video measuring machine systems for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a video measuring machine for?
The application of a video measuring machine is in inspecting the dimensions of the components using optical imaging technology. It measures aspects like diameters, distances, angles, holes, and profiles without having to make any physical contact with the part.
2. How does an instant video measuring machine work?
The video measuring machine captures an image of the component and then processes that image using the software to recognize and measure a number of different features of the component.
3. What is the difference between a manual and automatic video measuring machine?
While the manual video measuring machine involves operator involvement in positioning and measurement process, the automatic video measuring machine is capable of programmed movements and measurement process with reduced involvement.
4. Which industries are using automatic video measuring machines?
Industries including automotive, electronics, aerospace, medical devices, plastics molding, and precision engineering industries use the automatic video measurement system.
5. How do I select the best video measuring machine for my business?
Consider some aspects like measurement accuracy, camera resolution, measuring range, software, automation, part dimensions, and technical support while choosing a video measuring machine.