The world continues to advance in terms of new and innovative technologies and robotics, and machine-based systems are making intricate jobs both quicker and easier. One such technology, although not new, is vision systems. But what are vision systems and how do they benefit industries such as manufacturing?
What are Vision Systems?
Vision systems are also referred to as machine vision. This technology provides automated inspection using a variety of cameras, video, and lighting systems. It can be used for inspection in a host of industries as well as quality control, intricate robot guidance, and sorting.
A machine vision system will typically be composed of computer hardware, electronic components, and software processes that will analyze images captured by the camera or multiple cameras and then carry out a specific operation based on the data acquired.
What are the Benefits for the Manufacturing Industry?
There are many benefits of using machine vision systems in the manufacturing industry. The following are just some of them:
Increases Production
Inspection and testing can be very labor intensive, but when vision systems are used it saves time and inevitably improves productivity levels. On a production line, machine vision systems can inspect a much higher number of products than humans can, increasing speed. Machines can also inspect tiny parts that would be too small for the human eye to detect.
Eliminates Human Error
The precision of machine-based systems helps to decrease the number of defective products that might be overlooked by human error. When compared to human vision, machine vision systems have the advantage. These systems can operate at high speeds and do not suffer from fatigue. They are not affected by their environment and can inspect operations with extremely high precision.
Variety of Applications
A tailored vision system can be created to the needs of the specific industry and can incorporate a wide variety of applications including inspection, measurement, defective detection, and sorting (including code reading and color recognition).
Improves Safety
When vision systems are used in clean rooms, the risk of contamination from human workers is dramatically reduced. Furthermore, removing humans from areas where hazardous materials and components are used can reduce the risk of exposure and improve safety in the workplace.
Should You Consider Machine Vision Systems?
If you are running a manufacturing business, you may be thinking whether a machine vision system would benefit your company. According to the experts at Sciotex, vision systems can dramatically increase production and, on average, will pay for themselves in under a year.
One of the biggest costs to the manufacturing industry is labor, with companies paying ever-increasing salaries to staff. Vision systems can help to reduce this cost by eliminating labor-intensive processes and increasing productivity.
Whether you invest in a vision system for your company will depend on the benefits that it could bring your way. It makes sense to have a machine-based system that can inspect a variety of parts at once, especially if those parts are very small. However, if your inspection process is a simple one which can be easily done with human vision, then a complex system might not be necessary.
Machine vision systems are designed to increase production time and reduce the costs associated with human error. It is important to think about your needs carefully before making such an investment. That being said, such a system could have a massive impact on your profits by creating tighter process control and reducing operating costs.
Speaking with the experts will help to give you a greater understanding of whether your company could benefit from installing such a system.
