News

New 3D Inspection System With Full-Scale Inspection Capabilities

March 26, 2020 by Robin Mitchell

Keyence, a company that specializes in vision systems, has developed a new imaging system that demonstrates just advanced automation technology.

Importance of Inspection

Inspection can be time-consuming, especially when done by hand. Removing the human element can greatly decrease downtime.

In recent years, automatic optical inspection (AOI) systems come in which can look at complete products such as populated circuit boards, and check to see if components are the right way around, correctly soldered, and of the right value.

While AOIs can be very fast they often have some downsides which include the inability to measure height, volume, and accuracy all of which can both slow down an AOI process as well as make it less reliable. 

 

Keyence 3D Inspection AOI System

Keyence has recently released its latest AOI system that not only performs accurate 2D inspection but also 3D inspection.

At the heart of the new AOI system is a 9.44-megapixel CMOS image sensor. This sensor produces high-resolution images, while a large-diameter telecentric lens provides high-accuracy full-scale inspection.

 

keyence 3d vision system

The new 3D inspection system. Image used courtesy of Keyence. 

 

3D images are generated with the use of a 4-transmitter RBG projector that scans the workpiece under inspection with no blind spots. The use of in-head parallel processing allows for simultaneous image processing to increase the speed at which the AOI system can operate.

The field of view for the Keyence AOI system is 60mm / 2.36”, repeatability of 1um, and an inspection time of only 0.6s.

During this inspection time, multiple checks can be performed which include solder levels, solder fillet widths, assemble positions, and assemble height enabling for checks in all 3 dimensions.

Other checks that can be done by the new systems include coiled wired inspection, solder appearance, crimp dimensions, and resin molding appearance. 

 

Keyence Responds to COVID-19 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Keyence is dedicated to the safety of their employees and customers.

Currently, Keyence remains fully operational and is constantly checking on public health authorities to ensure that all recommendations are followed while still providing business. Phone support for products is unaffected and on-site demonstrations at facilities of Keyence products are still available to customers.

The Keyence supply chain, technical support, and repair services are unaffected by COVID-19 and all employees, wherever possible, are working remotely to help reduce the spread of the virus. 

 


Do you use 3D inspection systems?