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Vision systems ensure automotive traceability

A Cognex UK product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 5, 2007

Cabi uses Cognex Checker and In-Sight vision systems to eliminate the risk of errors in the production process as well as to read and inspect directly marked codes at each point of production.

For the production of its engines, Italian automotive manufacturer Cabi cannot take any chances when it comes to part safety and quality control for its high profile clients.

These criteria have become of the utmost importance in this industry, and so complete traceability of each part is essential.

Cabi chose Technifor to ensure this traceability using direct part marking (DPM) on the surface of each product.

Cabi uses Cognex Checker and In-Sight vision systems to eliminate the risk of errors in the production process as well as to read and inspect directly marked codes at each point of production.

Cabi's production site has different work areas.

Each work area is dedicated to a different client.

Each piece has a specific graphical symbol identifying the client.

This means the production process is error-proofed from the word go.

In addition to client identification, a 2D code ensures traceability of each single part.

This two-tier identification is initially performed by Checker for symbol detection and then by In-Sight for code verification and reading.

Checker, the innovative vision sensor is used to detect the presence of each symbol before the part is marked using laser with a 2D code.

Cabi had never used vision sensors before.

Previous systems proved incapable of verifying the code or even checking for its presence, and so the company sought the advice of Technifor and Cognex.

Technifor was entrusted with the mission of marking and reading the codes during the production of each motor.

It used a laser marking process to mark 2D codes onto the surface of each part.

The reading and verification of these kinds of codes in high-speed industrial applications requires a robust and high-performing solution.

Cognex In-Sight vision systems are deployed at the point where each code needs to be read, verified and recorded.

Each production inspection is recorded so that at each control point, an accurate trace is kept on each part.

These details are automatically entered into a database which is integrated into the client's operations.

The fact that the code has been read, verified and inspected at this point is recorded with the result being fed into the database.

The nature of the manufacturing environment and the challenging circumstances of the application meant that machine vision was the only solution.

Checker is used to check for the presence of the symbol on each part thus ensuring that the correct part is marked with the correct code.

Checker is an innovative and cost efficient sensor from Cognex providing a novel approach to error detection in production.

This application required robust vision systems owing to the technical constraints of marking by laser.

This process is extremely effective and chosen for its durability yet requires a high performing vision solution capable of reading 100% of the codes while coping with low contrast and surface reflection difficulties.

Cognex In-Sight cameras with ID Max software proved the only reliable means for code verification and reading as well as being capable of co-operating with the data collection process.

In-Sight vision systems are high performing even in the most difficult environments.

Advanced software tools are capable of reading 1D, 2D, RSS, CS and DataMatrix codes regardless of print quality or surface characteristics.

ID Max, the code reading feature on in-Sight ID readers can handle low and poorly formed codes as well as read, track and verify.

Cabi is able to respond to the demands of its clients thanks to the capabilities of Cognex vision systems.

Each part leaving Cabi is traceable "from cradle to grave", ensured by Technifor mark and read and Cognex vision systems.

Cabi can now assure its clients that the entire process of production is controlled, inspected and recorded from start to finish.

It can also prove that each piece is completely traceable and has been correctly inspected.

By taking advantage of the best of advanced technology Cabi is ensuring it maintains a competitive edge and passes the benefits on to its clients.

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