Micron-level machine vision enables precision assembly and quality control
Project snapshot
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Challenge
Achieve micron-level alignment with in-process quality control
Assembly of a critical module required components to be aligned to micron-level precision relative to a reference axis. The surfaces were difficult to image, and in-process quality control (IPQC) was complicated because alignment references became obscured as assembly progressed.
Innovation
Integrated pre- and post-assembly machine vision
We collaborated with the product development team to combine precision assembly with measurement and quality verification.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Pre-measurement of parts to establish reference geometry for assembly.
- Vision-guided alignment with off-axis illumination and contrast-enhancing techniques for difficult-to-image surfaces.
- Precision staging and fixturing designed to maintain micron-level tolerances.
- Post-assembly measurements integrated into the workcell for real-time IPQC.
- Data capture and storage for later analysis and process improvement.
Result
High-precision assembly with real-time quality feedback
The system consistently achieved micron-level placement tolerances while providing operators with real-time quality metrics, improving accuracy and enabling reliable, repeatable assembly.
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