MachVis lens configurator now as a web app
Excelitas Technologies now offers MachVis OnLine, its software for configuring machine vision lenses and systems, as a free web app.
Reduce overshoots when machine tools run in a circular path
Quadrant transitions (“overshoots”) are a known problem when machine tools perform circular machining operations. An innovation from NSK now makes it possible to reduce the effects of overshoots.
New ASi-5 / ASi-3 addressing device
In order to easily integrate ASi participants of all generations in the field into ASi networks, Bihl + Wiedemann has developed a modern ASi-5 / ASi-3 manual addressing device. As with its ASi-5 / ASi-3 gateways, the company relies on full compatibility, which means that the addressing device can be used for all ASi-5 modules as well as for all modules of earlier ASi generations - and that with the same standard Workflow.
Smart power supplies for smart buildings
Buildings become intelligent. Sensors, controls and actuators for very different applications are now standard equipment for everything that has four walls and a roof. Of course, these systems also need power supplies for this - in the same variety as the applications themselves.
Scalable embedded PC
Compmall has presented its new embedded PC GP-3000. The GP-3000 can be used on the one hand as a scalable embedded PC and on the other hand, with attachable GPU expansion boxes, as a GPU computer for demanding AI applications. The GP-3000 can be equipped with up to two full-length graphics accelerator cards.
Configure IO-Link devices quickly and easily
With the new Balluff engineering tool, software is available for cross-manufacturer commissioning and configuration of IO-Link devices according to the IO-Link standard for sensors and actuators. The software provides an overview of the status of all IO-Link devices in the network and automatically sends notifications in the event of errors. The user can easily document the current status of the network and - without a programmable controller (PLC) - test inputs and outputs.
CANopen Safety for safe controls
B&R has added the CANopen safety protocol to its safe X90 controllers. With CANopen Safety, data is transmitted in a safety-related manner in accordance with SIL2. The secure protocol thus makes a significant contribution to the compliance with guidelines with regard to machine safety.
Drive solutions for driverless transport systems
The transmission manufacturer Nidec Graessner supplies drive solutions for driverless transport systems (AGV). AGVs do the monotonous, arduous and injury-prone warehouse work faster and more precisely - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Image processing software with integrated Deep Learning
Cognex introduces two new versions of Visionpro machine vision software, Visionpro 10.0 and Visionpro Deep Learning 2.0.
Camera with global shutter and 127 megapixels
SVS-Vistek presents the SHR661 with 127 megapixels and global shutter. It is based on the Sony Pregius IMX661 sensor with a pixel size of 3.45 µm edge length.
Vision 2021: PC-based software for real-time acquisition of image data
Kithara will show "RealTime Vision", a PC-based software solution for real-time acquisition and processing of image data, at Vision 2021.
Heating plate for trouble-free camera operation at low temperatures
With double the power and half the size, the new autoVimation heating plate ensures trouble-free camera operation even in arctic temperatures and strong winds. Thanks to its compact design, it is now suitable for all Salamander, Gecko and Orca series housings from size S.
Web-based design tool for better job safety
The safety of people interacting with robots has top priority, especially when humans and robots are working side by side instead of being separated from each other by safety fencing. The Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF’s web-based design tool helps companies design their cobots. The Cobot Designer helps minimize the risk of accidents and increases employee safety. The tool is available as a free web application.
Metrology & Industry 4.0
Peter J. de Groot and Michael Schmidt have provided a pivotal article, looking at the extremely important subject of the role of metrology in Industry 4.0.
PanDao – optical fabrication design tool
By analyzing lens data during optics design, the optimal optical fabrication chain can be determined.
Setting up complex laser systems efficiently
Distributed computing for the automated manufacturing of the future.
Why pack when you can laser?
Instead of printing the barcode on the packaging, it can also be lasered directly onto the skin of fruit or vegetables. This saves on packaging costs and protects the environment. But to ensure that the peel is not damaged in the process, the focus of the laser must be precise, despite the fact that the individual fruits are always different sizes. A 3D sensor from a company in northern Germany helps with this.
The Future of Manufacturing with Cobots
Collaborative robots (cobots) have a key role in current and future trends in industrial automation and production. Recent studies assume that the value of cobots in industrial automation will have reached US$ 7 billion by 2025. With the average retail price of a cobot being between US$ 15,000 and US$ 45,000, their use in this type of automation is also becoming increasingly feasible for industrial manufacturing applications in smaller production facilities and warehouses.
Smart monitoring of battery welding processes
One of the key laser application areas in the e-automotive industry is the welding of the battery. Sensor systems from Lessmüller Lasertechnik ensure reliable high-precision joining, which is vital in the assembly of any battery. Installed to various remote and fixed welding optics, the OCT, WELDCHECK, and WELDEYE sensor systems demonstrate real-time monitoring capability with great accuracy and over a wide dynamic range, enabling faster, cost-effective e-automotive laser processes and streamlined production.
Intelligent Quality Assurance for Batteries
Because of their high-power density, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are subject to strict quality monitoring. Industrial computed tomography is increasingly being used to detect any defects before delivery or during production.
“First time right” freeform optics
Researchers at Brussels Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, have developed a “first time right” design method that eliminates the “step-and-repeat” and “trial-and-error” approach in optical system design. They demonstrated the systematic, deterministic, scalable, and holistic character of their disruptive technique with various freeform lens- and mirror-based high-end examples and invite optical designers to experience their new method hands-on via an open-access trial web application.
Safety and Security requirements in Industrie 4.0 applications with Profinet
Profinet is the market leading Industrial Ethernet system in Factory and Process Automation. With Industrie 4.0 and IIoT, new requirements arise that needs to be fullfilled by these systems. Opening up the Shopfloor and connect it to IT systems raise new questions regarding Safety and Security of Industrial Ethernet solutions.
Release 4 of the EMVA Standard 1288 for Adequate Characterization of Modern Image Sensors and Cameras
The EMVA Standard 1288 for objective characterization of industrial cameras, which is successfully used worldwide, has a successor. The new Release 4.0 takes into account the rapid development of camera and image sensor technology. The release candidate was published on March 16, 2021 to come into effect three month later on June 16, 2021. A new module ‘Release 4.0 General’ has been added to characterize non-linear cameras or cameras with unknown pre-processing.
Augmented Reality in Industry - Status, Development, Possibilities
A few years ago it was still science fiction, today technology is science fact. What inspires children and adults alike as a gimmick on the mobile phone and the pad, but also has great advantages in production and logistics. In this lecture you will find out what these are, how they can be implemented and what is already being used in practice. The Webinar is in German language.
inspect award 2022: The nominees have been selected
The jury of the inspect award 2022 has nominated ten products in the categories "Vision" and "Automation + Control" and the voting runs from now until September 24, 2021. Vote and choose the best product in machine vision and optical metrology.
Micro glass welding with millimeter-long filaments
The welding of glass with ultrashort-pulsed lasers (USP) is usually conducted with microscope objectives. Their short working distance limits the thickness of the work piece, the usable laser power and the feed rate of the process. To increase the possible dimensions of the welding partners and the process speed to industrial levels, a research team from Jena presents USP welding with a galvoscanner and a common F-theta lens. In a new article, they discuss differences between the well-known breakdown regime and the filamentation regime, and show tensile measurements.
Easy 3D, non-contact surface profile measurements in air
One of the factors that contributes to the recent considerable reduction in the size and high integration of electronics and other devices it is the miniaturization of the electronic components that they contain. In addition, new fine functional materials have been developed and widely used in industrial fields including the automobile, aviation, metal, and chemical industries. As a result, higher accuracy and resolving power are required for minute three-dimensional measurement of these components and materials. Although a variety of devices are available to satisfy these requirements, the confocal microscope is gathering attention as the device of choice for easy three-dimensional, non-contact surface profile measurements in air.
Can blue LEDs improve hygiene in clinics and public buildings?
Disinfection processes are of particular interest due to growing concerns over illnesses caused by microorganisms and the persistent problem of healthcare acquired infections. Additionally, because of the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria, the investigation of novel non-antibiotic approaches for the prevention of infectious diseases has become highly topical. Blue light disinfection is such an approach and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with an emission maximum in the range of 405-nm wavelength represent an attractive light source for this.
Partnering up to represent the photonics community
PhotonicsViews chosen as official publishing medium for Photonics Germany – Spectaris and OptecNet Deutschland – and DGaO
“Photonics Germany”
Alliance for optical technologies and quantum technologies in Germany
The Evolution of Time-of-Flight Sensors
Time-of-flight sensors have evolved significantly, and recent advances have both increased accuracy and reduced cost to the point where they are now suitable for widespread industrial use. Numerous recent innovations are also expanding the functionalities of these 3D sensors.
Multi-dimensional production using magnetic levitation technology
B&R presented the Acopos 6D system. It is based on the principle of magnetic levitation technology: shuttles with integrated permanent magnets move without contact on a surface made up of motor segments.
Vision Components presents the smallest embedded vision system
The system fits completely on a circuit board and is hardly larger than an image sensor module.
New 1GigE and 10GigE interface cards
Basler is launching seven more interface cards with GigE Vision interfaces.
Protective housing for Intel cameras
The successful Chameleon housing series for Intel RealSense cameras is now also available for the new D455 in addition to the D415, D435 and T265.
