Technical Articles
 

Automatic Defect Recognition Technical ArticleThe 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.

 

AXIS Technical ArticleAutomatic 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.

Basics of X-Ray Technical ArticleThe 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.

 

Structural Casting Technical ArticleAutomatic 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. Today’s systems can be integrated directly into the manufacturing process and even help monitor it.

Automatic X-ray inspection offers many advantages to today’s 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.

 

Loose Material Inspection Technical ArticleThe 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.

 
Next Generation Tire Inspection Technical ArticleThe 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.