3D measuring technology for positioning & edge detection in assembly processes

Sensor for web-supported robot guidance opens up a whole new dimension in precision and ruggedness

SHAPEMATCH3D provides shortest 3D measurement of position and orientation
Photo by ISRA VISION

Tasks in production lines are becoming more and more complex. Different product variants are manufactured on a single production line – requiring minimum retooling time from one variant to the next. This demands the highest level of flexibility and extremely fast tool guidance. Thanks to its revolutionary design based on the combination of multi-line projection and 3D form matching, the SHAPEMATCH3D sensor allows a new dimension of precision, reliability and flexibility for highly accurate, sensor-guided assembly.

Complex assembly tasks require a high degree of precision and reliability when the task involves defining the position of relevant attributes. Object attributes of this kind, such as holes, edges, radii or even randomly formed surfaces, are used as measuring information and must be reliably identified irrespective of the type of material – metal, glass or plastic. In addition, the product must not only be able to be inspected in an undefined position, but also while it is in motion. Only a combination of multi-line projection and 3D form matching with LED illumination guarantees that 2D and 3D attributes are reliably identified so as to assure accurate positioning. The large number of measuring lines results in a redundancy, which guarantees rugged and highly accurate results. The coordinates achieved in this manner can be used directly to guide and trace handling and assembly equipment.

3D edge detection with structured illumination
Photo by ISRA VISION

The SHAPEMATCH3D sensors equipped for web-supported robot guidance are used for 3D measuring, guaranteeing the highest level of precision in defining the positions of randomly formed surfaces in spatial coordinates during the production process. An accuracy rate can be achieved for each dimension down to 0.01 mm. The system allows a three-dimensional quality inspection of not only the final assembly position and the assembly itself, but also of the gap and transition measurements. As such, the results are a combination of precise position definition and quality inspection.

As a part of the “Plug & Automate” 3D robot vision product family, installation of the SHAPEMATCH3D system is trouble-free and fast – no expert knowledge in vision technology is required. The sensors are combined with the latest software technology and only require a few simple parameters to be configured. The time needed to configure the system until it can be beneficially made use of is minimal. For set-ups involving interaction with a variety of robots offered by major manufacturers the system provides extensive communication support through various bus interfaces. The graphic user interface makes intuitive operation possible and is already available as of the Windows XP version. The many years of experience gained by ISRA VISION in 3D robot guidance and 3D in line measuring technology is thus easily accessible to everyone interested in this product.

SHAPEMATCH3D for highly precise 3D positioning and orientation determination
Photo by ISRA VISION

The compact multi-line sensors can be utilized in either stationary or mobile applications on moving robots and are easily to be integrated. The LED illumination embedded in the sensor is switchable and adjustable. The measurements do not depend on the color of the material and are not sensitive to ambient light. The standard Gigabit-Ethernet (GigE) interface lets data be exchanged at extremely fast speeds. Several sensors can be combined into a CONact SHAPEMATCH3D multi-sensor combination when dealing with particularly complex tasks.

The pre-wired and temperature compensated multi-line sensors provide 3D measuring capabilities to determine an object’s position and orientation in the shortest amount of time. With it, production operations are able to realize significant cost savings, cut back on production time resulting in conserved resources. At the same time, production flexibility increases dramatically. The easy to install solution only requires very little additional space and its amortization period is extremely short.

For further information visit: www.isravision.com

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