Posted to News on 28th Mar 2012, 12:49
Measurement system uses high-accuracy imaging technology
Keyence is launching the IM-6500 Series image measurement system, which the company describes as a completely new concept to rival established measuring equipment such as profile projectors, measuring microscopes or automatic CNC measuring machines. The dimensional measurement concept of the IM-6500 series utilises state-of-the-art imaging technology to enable any user to perform reliable measurements quickly and accurately. A part is simply placed on the measurement stage, the measurement process is started with the push of a button, and up to 99 dimensions are measured in a few seconds with accuracies down to 0.7 micron. There is no need for careful positioning, nor risks of measurement variance or deviation between individual operators. The ease of use means the IM-6500 series can save considerable costs over the use of traditional time-consuming measurement processes that require skilled operatives.
A new double telecentric lens, with a large diameter of 100mm, captures the complete image of the target object so that all control points can be measured simultaneously. With this technology it is possible to capture pixels without image distortion of the component that is placed around the lens circumference; measurements are unaffected by distortion or distance. The lens size dictates that parts up to 100mm in diameter can be measured.
Measurement data can be stored digitally as Inspection Reports, Data Lists or Trend Graphs, together with screen shot images. These files can be exported to other sources as the IM series utilises a convenient PC-based data management system.
Shape scanning
With the IM-6500 Series image measurement system, users simply place the part to be measured in the measurement area. The iPASS (Intelligent Pattern Analysis Search System) performs a shape scanning (from the already recorded targets) to determine its position and its shape.
Many features can be measured, including internal diameters, circular threads and angles. Features that are difficult to measure using traditional methods can now be performed automatically with a reduced risk of operator error.
The IM-6500 Series image measurement system utilises the latest technology to eliminate individual differences. The original sub-pixel concept by Keyence makes it possible to automatically detect the position of the component edges more accurately than with traditional vision systems thanks to the sub-pixel processing with a margin of 0.01 pixels. The IM series has overcome the age old issue of measurement variations from one user to the other. The same applies for errors due to differences in operator competence. In addition, with the IM series absence of an XY stage, measuring time is saved without needing stage movements, and errors due to stage vibrations are not a concern. This has all been made possible by integrating the high-speed image processing technology developed for the automation industry with the optical design technology used in microscopes. Increasing the customers' results and the quantity of controls should therefore contribute to improving quality.
A built-in temperature sensor enables the IM-6500 series to be installed almost anywhere in a production facility. Temperature compensation ensures that measurements remain accurate once the system is in use. The IM-6500 series is of a compact, space-saving design with a footprint the size of an A3 sheet of paper. It can be easily mounted near the production lines or in a laboratory.
Follow the link for more information about the IM-6500 Series image measurement system.
