RIFTEK, represented exclusively in the UK & Ireland by Ixthus Instrumentation, has developed a new binocular laser triangulation-based inspection system that solves the problem of detecting debris in machined grooves in small diameter internal holes. The RF096-Insp was developed after attempts to use a machine vision system for inspecting debris in a customer's brake cylinder components had returned poor results. Whilst the application was specific to the component, the inspection system and its unique principle has a high problem-solving potential for automated inspection of similar components where debris detection and removal is critical.
The cylindrical housing of the RF096-Insp supports a binocular semiconductor laser sensor mounted on a rotating module. With the beam deflected at right angles and focused on the inner surface of the hole, the device is moved axially to scan and detect irregularities in the machined grooves using the triangulation principle. The integral signal processor analyses the surface profile and detects the presence of debris on the surface by comparing input and output signal profiles. The RF096-Insp is optionally supplied with a PC-based service program that enables testing and parameter setting and display with FLASH-memory storage.
The compact 22mm diameter cylindrical sensor section easily fits into the small bore holes of the brake cylinders and the automated operation, which may be mounted on a robot or positioning system, can scan and report within a matter of seconds. The basic specifications for the RF096-Insp include inspected groove diameters from 35 to 53mm and a minimum debris size of 30 microns thickness with a 0.1mm2 area.
RIFTEK's binocular triangulation laser system could be adapted for larger or small diameter internal hole sizes. A video demonstrating the product is available on the Ixthus website at www.ixthus.co.uk/videos/index.php.
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