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Technical Articles |
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The New Image of Automatic
Defect Recognition
Automatic Defect Recognition (ADR) can give manufacturers
increased quality through repeatable, objective inspection and improved processes.
It also can provide increased productivity through decreased labor. ADR integrates the
X-ray inspection process with machine vision. X-rays penetrate the product, the imaging
system generates images for evaluation, and machine vision automates analysis of the image
and the decision making process.
A variety of system components are available today. Each
application is evaluated to ensure the best combination of X-ray source (conventional,
mini or micro), detector (analog or digital), and ADR platform (neural network, golden
image comparison, or rule base using specific algorithms designed for a specified region
of interest ROI) are used. The proper combination of these components is
essential. |
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Automatic
X-ray Inspection for the Tire Industry
For over 25 years, tires have been inspected using X-ray
technology to confirm their internal structural integrity. Most tire X-ray inspection
systems use an image isocon to acquire the tire image and an operator to analyze that
image and make the pass/fail decision. Restricted dynamic range, limited and inconsistent
inspections, and high labor costs are inherent shortcomings to this process.
PC-based linear diode array imaging systems offer superior
dynamic range, high resolution, reduced geometric distortion, and digital output. Complete
bead-to-bead digital information of a tire can be gathered in a single rotation of the
tire. This digital information is sent to a computer where body cord, sidewall, belt and
turnup, and bead area are evaluated by the high speed image processing system. Tires are
accepted or rejected according to preset test specifications without operator
intervention.
Tire X-ray inspection has continued to evolve through the years.
Automatic X-ray inspection is a logical next step. It offers manufacturers a significant
competitive edge through reduced inspection labor, improved inspection consistency,
reduced liability, higher product quality, and improved process controls. |
The Use of X-ray Inspection Techniques To Improve Quality
and Reduce Costs
The use of X-ray techniques to inspect the
integrity of industrial products dates back to the turn of the century. Therefore, there
is nothing new about the use of X-rays to carry out inspection of castings. What is new,
is the technology improvements associated with the creation of the X-ray image and the
modern computer hardware and software improvements that allow the X-ray inspection process
to be carried out at high speed and in a true fully automatic mode. This article discusses
the fundamentals of X-ray imaging, recent changes in the X-ray techniques and automating
the X-ray inspection process so the end user benefits from improved quality and reduced
operating costs. |
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Automatic X-ray Inspection of Structural Castings
For years the castings industry has used X-ray inspection to
verify the structural integrity of its castings. The first manually operated off-line
film-based inspection systems have been replaced with fully automatic real-time X-ray
systems able to make pass/fail decisions without operator intervention. Todays
systems can be integrated directly into the manufacturing process and even help monitor
it.
Automatic X-ray inspection offers many advantages to todays
casting manufacturers. Among them are consistent inspection to insure customer
requirements are met, increased inspection throughput and reduced inspection labor for
reduced inspection expense, and statistical reporting to assist in process monitoring.
X-ray inspection has long been an integral part of the casting manufacturing process.
Automatic X-ray inspection is the next logical step. |
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The Fundamentals of Automatic
X-ray Inspection for Titanium Applications
The semi
precious metals market recognizes the need to guarantee 100% pure product to enhance
productivity. This can be accomplished with real-time X-ray inspection equipment. Today,
this technology is capable of identifying and automatically removing high-density
inclusions within the metal of .010" or larger.
This
advanced detection capability is accomplished through a combination of X-ray and machine
vision technologies. X-rays penetrate the wheel, a linear diode array (LDA) imaging system
generates images, proprietary image processing software evaluates the images, and machine
vision automates and communicates the pass/fail decision. An operator is not necessary in
this process.
Due to the
increased demand for 100% pure product in the semi precious metals market, the need for
radioscopic inspection equipment has increased. This technology is a highly reliably,
cost-effective tool which will enable you to guarantee pure product is reaching your
customers. |
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The
Next Generation of X-ray Technology For over 25
years, the internal structural integrity of tires has been confirmed using X-ray
technology. Broken and crossed body ply cords, bad splices and chafer dimensions, belt
step-offs, and material voids are common anomalies identified by tire X-ray inspection
systems. A typical tire X-ray inspection system consists of the X-ray generator, the tire
manipulator or handling system, the imaging system, and the X-ray enclosure. Each
component is essential to the function of the system.
Technology in the tire X-ray inspection industry is rapidly
advancing. The isocon camera imaging system is being replaced by the LDA imaging system.
Today's LDA 2005 is the next generation of X-ray imaging technology with flexible PC-based
controls which give rise to the potential of automated inspection. |
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