During the installation of car seats in the automotive sector, machine vision systems are used to inspect mounting holes in the car seat frames to ensure they have the required threads. These vision systems consist of several components, with lighting being the most crucial element to guarantee optimal visibility in these tight spaces.
TPL Vision’s M-TRING was selected for this task, as it could be positioned directly around the camera to provide perfect illumination inside the holes, ensuring easy inspection without impacting the field of view.
Challenges
- Inconsistent Illumination
Lighting must be uniform across the entire inspection area to prevent shadows or reflections, which could interfere with the camera’s ability to detect defects or other important features inside the holes. Incorrect lighting can lead to failed inspections, negatively impacting quality control.
- Space Constraints
All vision system components must be compact, especially the lighting, to provide optimal illumination without interfering with other system elements. This is particularly challenging due to the small size of the mounting holes. If the light is too large or poorly positioned, it could obstruct the camera’s field of view or interfere with the inspection process.
Solution
- Precision Illumination with C22 Angle
The M-TRING allows for precise positioning of the light source, thanks to its converging angle changer. The C22 angle directs the illumination perfectly into the hole, ensuring that the light and camera are aligned on the same optical axis. This alignment eliminates unwanted reflections and enhances defect detection.
- Optimised Brightness Levels
With 12 high-power LEDs, the M-TRING provides exceptional brightness for clear visibility inside even the smallest holes. This ensures that defects and imperfections are detected reliably and in real time, keeping up with the fast-paced conditions of the production line.
- Compact & Modular Design
The M-TRING’s lightweight and compact design allows it to fit into tight spaces without obstruction. Its 37 mm internal diameter enables direct mounting to C-mount lenses, ensuring perfect centring and alignment with the camera’s field of view. This guarantees optimal illumination exactly where it’s needed.
With these advanced features, the M-TRING is the ideal lighting solution for precise and efficient mounting hole inspections, improving reliability and efficiency in automated quality control processes.
