Round Bottom Tube Vision Inspection System

A tube vision inspection system was required to inspect clear round bottom tubes for multiple defect categories.

AAE North America designed and constructed an automated machine that delivers components to the vision system. The vision system actively inspects tubes for black specks, waviness, scuffs, bubbles, flash, cracks, gate strings/stubs, and contamination immediately after they eject from the mold press.

The initial challenge involved mechanically orienting and singulating the tubes to facilitate their presentation to the vision inspection cameras. Subsequently, addressing the various defect categories necessitated selecting different lighting and backgrounds for multiple cameras. To detect the defects on the round outer surface of the tube, the tubes were rolled in front of the cameras, requiring multiple triggers per camera for each part. Reject parts were sorted out and good parts were fed into boxes on a conveyor.

Features of Round Bottom Tube System

• 250 parts/min

• Centrifugal parts feeder

• 7 PPT M-series cameras running on 3 vision processors

• Detects 8 defects on tubes

• Custom vision user interface displays inspection results and gives user control of system parameters

• Double timing belt conveyor with custom cleats for guiding parts

• Tubes sorted by servo-driven actuator based on results

• Automated box filling

• Allen Bradley HMI/PLC controls