Fully automatic paint defect inspection of car bodies and attachments
Particularly with shiny surfaces, a faultless production chain is expected in order to lend a sophisticated visual appearance to the final product. For fully automatic defect detection on car bodies and attachments, the reflectCONTROL inspection system is used. The system projects a striped pattern onto the surface. Deviations caused by defect are recorded with two cameras and evaluated via software. |
Detecting surface defects
As well as the visual requirements, instrumentation panels also have to fulfill functional and security requirements. Often the passenger airbag has a predetermined breaking line which is generated using a laser. This »weak point« ensures the safe opening of the airbag at the predetermined breaking line. Sink marks may appear, which can be recognized under certain light conditions. In order to recognize these defects, surfaceCONTROL inspection systems are used which enable fast and objective evaluations to be made of the characteristics of any shape deviations, both on grained and smooth surfaces. |
Behavior of the combustion engine in the test bench
Eddy current sensors from Micro-Epsilon are considered as proven measuring instruments in the test bench of combustion engines. In towing mode as well as in the firing mode, the sensors detect different quantities which contribute to the improvement of the engine characteristics. In particular, the high measuring accuracy provided under harsh conditions in the engine distinguishes the eddyNCDT eddy current sensors. |
Monitoring the sheet metal infeed during pressing
During forming in the pressing plant, the presence detection and the detection of the exact sheet metal position are required. Therefore, laser triangulation sensors measure on the sheet between the dies. The challenge here is to achieve high measurement accuracy in tight spaces despite oil mist, vibrations and shocks. Since the measuring gap is very small, the diameter of the laser must be correspondingly low. |
Gap measurement in aluminum die casting processes
In aluminum die casting, liquid aluminum is poured into molds under high pressure and at high speeds. The high pressure acts on the closed mold and pushes it apart, which is why splinters and burrs might occur during casting. In order to measure the pressure-induced movement of the molds, eddy current sensors detect the change in distance. These robust sensors provide reliable measurement results despite high temperatures, ambient pressure and a dirty measuring gap. |
Measuring the brake disc deformation (Disc Thickness Variation)
With the capaNCDT DTV, Micro-Epsilon has developed a product range that is specifically used for non-contact detection of the Disc Thickness Variation. Thickness measurements of brake discs can be carried out in test benches, in road tests or in car repair shops using non-contact, capacitive displacement sensors, which detect the thickness of the brake disc from both sides. |
Road tests - Detection of the brake temperature under load
The temperature behavior of brakes plays a major role in vehicle development. In particular, the duration of heating and cooling of the brake discs provides information about the efficiency of the brake system. In test bench and road tests, non-contact temperature sensors from Micro-Epsilon measure the temperature development during braking. The compact design and the short response time of the pyrometers enable universal use in test bench and road test applications. |
Gap measurement in robot-based assembly
In modern production lines, scanCONTROL laser scanners are used to reliably inspect the gap sizes of the car body quickly and consistently. Thanks to surface compensation, measurements are possible on a wide variety of body paintworks. |
LED color inspection of vehicle lights
Color and intensity of vehicle lights must be reliably inspected prior to assembly and delivery. Homogenous distribution of light should also be ensured with fluctuating LED batches. The colorCONTROL MFA is a special LED test system designed to test inaccessible and widely spaced test specimens. Optical fibers enable simultaneous measurement of up to 20 measuring points. |
Color inspection and sorting of supplier parts
Before installing front aprons, Micro-Epsilon color sensors check if the color of the attachment matches the body color. Different color groups can be defined to cover all coatings. |
