Machine vision and intelligence incorporating motion control

Manufacturers faced with small production runs often require multiple machine changeovers per shift. Vision control of machinery offers a cost-effective solution to this problem. Manufacturers are able to introduce diverse products, randomly, to a process line during the same production run, using reasonably priced industrial electronic equipment incorporating vision technology. A vision controlled polyurethane dispensing machine has been designed, manufactured and commissioned to substantiate this theory. An image of a moat, recessed into a mould, is captured by means of a CCD camera, resulting in a dispensing path being transferred to a microprocessor. The analogue signal is converted to a digital signal that pre-sets a path for the two-axis motion controller, capable of performing interpolation, to follow. A polyurethane mixing machine receives the same digital signal which sets the dispensing rate and shot size. Polyurethane is dispensed into the moat to form a seal between the filter media and the air-filter housing. A summary of the design, implementation and results of the project is outlined and described.