Wide-format surface inspection.

The Chromasens 3DPIXA pro dual 615µm is a stereo line-scan camera engineered to transform the inspection of very large surfaces without sacrificing production-line throughput. Combining a tri-linear CCD RGB sensor with 10 µm × 10 µm active pixels and factory-calibrated stereo lenses, the camera delivers simultaneous high-resolution 2D color images and 3D datasets over a 4400 mm field of view (4.4 meters), achieving broad-area coverage and cost efficiency previously unattainable with traditional solutions.

Wide FOV: Reducing Camera Count, Maximizing ROI.
The 4400 mm single-pass coverage fundamentally changes the economics of wide-format inspection. By eliminating the need for multi-camera arrays or complex stitching algorithms, the 3DPIXA pro dual 615µm reduces hardware costs, calibration overhead, and system complexity. Line-scan architecture scales linearly with width, avoiding the exponential cost curves associated with equivalent-area 2D sensors—a decisive advantage in capital-intensive industries.

Target Applications Across Sectors.
The 3DPIXA pro dual 615µm's specifications directly address inspection challenges in surface defect detection, quality control, dimensional measurement, and process monitoring in industries handling broad, flat, or rolled products:

• Road, railway, or infrastructure inspection — Scanning wide road surfaces, rails, or tunnels for cracks/damage
• Very wide battery electrode foils — In gigafactory-scale production of lithium-ion battery components
• Large metal coils and sheets — Inspecting steel, aluminum, or other metal coils/rolls for surface defects during rolling, slitting, or coating lines
• Broad textiles and non-wovens — Full-width inspection of fabrics, carpets, technical textiles, or non-woven materials
• Paper, pulp, board, and tissue — Monitoring very wide paper webs such as newsprint, and packaging board for tears, spots, or formation issues at high speeds
• Plastic films, foils, and sheets — Detecting contaminants, holes, wrinkles, or thickness variations in wide extruded or cast films

A prime example for the 3DPIXA pro dual 615µm is automated road surface inspection — it can detect potholes, cracks, depth variations, and repair quality by generating precise 3D models alongside 2D color images. Mounted on a vehicle, it scans continuous wide surfaces line-by-line at high speed, reducing the need for manual surveys and enabling faster, more cost-effective maintenance.

The 3DPIXA pro dual operates at 615 µm/pixel optical resolution across approximately 7,154 pixels per line, optimized for detecting features exceeding 1–2 mm with reliable multi-pixel confirmation. This resolution balance enables detection of macro-level defects—tears, scratches, dimensional variances, contamination—while maintaining the sensor speed and data throughput critical to modern production lines. Its CameraLink interface ensures deterministic, low-latency data transfer, keeping pace with web speeds in printing, metal processing, and converting applications at line frequencies of 29.7 kHz with a maximum speed of 18.265 meters per second.

Factory calibration of the dual-lens stereo configuration eliminates field setup complexity, delivering out-of-box accuracy for height mapping, warp detection, and surface profiling alongside traditional intensity-based defect classification. The tri-linear RGB sensor provides true-color differentiation essential for identifying subtle color shifts, print quality issues, or material inconsistencies invisible to monochrome systems.

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@chromasens  @OConnellPR #Manufacturing #PAuto

Virtual process line visualisation.

A tool for experts- and those who want to become one.

EMG is renowned for its expertise in flat materials production and processing, especially steel and aluminum. Whether in the hot or cold section, on coating, annealing, galvanizing or tinning lines - their systems have become an integral part of ensuring quality, stability, and process control in demanding production environments. The portfolio includes sensor systems, strip guiding elements, hydraulic solutions, actuators, and comprehensive quality assurance systems.

But as the breadth and complexity of EMG’s product landscape has grown, so has the challenge: How can potential customers or partners quickly grasp where and how these solutions fit into their specific process lines? With well over 100 possible installation locations across various line types and process sections, it’s easy to lose the overview.

To address this challenge, EMG has launched a digital process line visualisation tool on its website - a highly intuitive and interactive resource for anyone seeking clarity, insight, and product information.

Navigating process lines digitally.
The new online visualisation starts with a macro-level view: the user selects a specific line type, such as a continuous galvanizing line, continuous coating line, or cold rolling mill. With a single click, the viewer zooms into a detailed digital representation of the line layout, clearly showing where individual EMG systems are typically installed.

Each possible installation location is marked and clickable. Whether it’s a sensor measuring strip width after the uncoiler, or a strip guiding system at the strip accumulator - every element is anchored within its real context.

This structure reflects the real-world complexity of these lines while offering a streamlined path to the relevant information. By focusing on each line section, users not only understand where a product is installed, but also why it's needed and how it contributes to the process.

Deeper insights at every level.
What truly sets EMG’s visualisation apart is its layered depth. After selecting an installation point, users are taken to the products used at that position. Each product is presented with a high-resolution, rotatable 3D model, offering a realistic impression of the system’s form and look.

From there, technical specifications, typical application scenarios, customer benefits, product brochures, and direct links to EMG’s product website are only one click away. As an example, users examining the strip width measurement after the uncoiler can compare solutions such as the EMG BREIMO or EMG iCAM®, and view both hardware and feature highlights instantly.

The system also offers a seamless connection to EMG’s service infrastructure. On every process line overview, users can access relevant links to service offerings including repairs, spare parts, retrofits, and maintenance. This makes the tool not only useful for engineering and quality management but also highly relevant for service teams and plant operators.

A tool for experts- and those who want to become one.
With this new digital platform, EMG combines its decades of experience with modern visualisation technology to provide a unique user experience. The tool is especially valuable for production engineers, maintenance personnel, and quality management professionals looking for fast, reliable insights into how EMG solutions can fit into their specific process environments.

Whether you’re exploring new equipment for a plant upgrade, planning a retrofit, or simply comparing technologies - this tool enables you to dive as deep as you like. From high-level line overviews down to interactive 3D product visualisations, the structure offers both orientation and detail, tailored to your needs.

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@PresseBox #EMG #PAuto 

Verifying indoor-penetrable RIS technology.

Accurate and flexible measurement environments are becoming essential in the research of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology, which is gaining attention as a next-generation high-frequency communication solution. RIS technology enables high-frequency signals to penetrate indoor environments, offering great potential in overcoming signal attenuation issues, especially in millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications through building windows.

In a recent demonstration by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) of Korea, Anritsu’s vector network analyser (VNA) MS46122B was utilized as a key measurement instrument, proving high-precision performance even in compact setups.

ETRI's newly developed technology features a transparent PET film-based micro-antenna array that can be attached to windows to maximize signal penetration without the need for active repeaters.

In the experimental setup shown in the photos, Anritsu's 2-port VNA MS46122B was used to compare S-parameters and transmission loss between glass with RIS film and ordinary glass. The MS46122B is a compact USB-type vector network analyzer supporting up to 43.5 GHz, offering stable and repeatable measurements in both lab and field environments—without the complexity of traditional test setups.

Anritsu VNAs are already widely used in research institutions and industries for evaluating high-frequency materials, antennas, and transmission characteristics. The MS46122B is becoming a core instrument for quantifying the performance of RIS and metasurface technologies.

With scalability for mmWave, FR2, and FR3 bands, the solution is ideal for research teams preparing RIS technology for commercial deployment in the 5G-Advanced and upcoming 6G era.

An Anritsu representative stated, “RIS is a core technology for solving indoor coverage issues in high-frequency communications,” and added, “Anritsu’s MS46122B is a compact, high-performance VNA that ensures reliable measurements even in space-limited environments, contributing to the validation and commercialization of RIS technologies.”

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@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA  @NapierPR #ETRI #TandM #Surface 

Weathering testing precision.

The  S³T system from Atlas MTS is the latest advancement from the leader in accelerated artificial and natural weathering testing. Designed for the flagship Weather-Ometer® Ci4400 and Ci5000 instruments, the Atlas S³T system makes it possible for the first time to continuously measure the specific surface temperature of individual samples during live testing.

Surface temperature is a critical factor for the rate of photochemical reactions in weathering. But until now, the measurement of surface temperatures has not been feasible for multiple samples in laboratory weathering instruments. The result has been that surface temperature is often neglected during testing or only roughly estimated based on black and white standard or panel reference temperatures.

At the core of the S³T system is an integrated, contactless IR pyrometer, which accurately and precisely measures and assigns the surface temperature of each specimen and can operate continuously during the complete exposure.

The system allows for:

• Better reproduction of natural conditions, such as heat uptake and color distribution
• Better control of test parameters to avoid overheating of specimens
• Continuous tracing of the specific sample temperature, allowing for the immediate detection of property changes, such as darkening, without disruption of the test

Investigation of specific sample characteristics, such as activation energies of photochemical degradation reactions, for cool pigments, IR-reflective coatings and heat and light stabilizers. 

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@Atlas_MTT @PresseBox #Automation #Laboratory #TandM

Laboratory measuring instruments for 25 years.

The laboratory measuring device manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments turns 25. Nils Langer, managing director, says: “This birthday is an important milestone for DataPhysics Instruments, especially after the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Over the past 25 years, we have expanded our product portfolio steadily. In our anniversary year 2022, we have customers in over 80 countries and 45 employees. We are very well established in the worldwide market for measuring devices that characterise interfaces and surfaces. Now, it is our task to continue the company's successful path.”

Since August 1997, DataPhysics Instruments has been developing, manufacturing, and distributing laboratory measuring devices for the characterisation of interfaces and surfaces. From the beginning, the focus has been on the development of innovative and modular measuring instruments as well as user-friendly software. This product philosophy will remain at the core of the company.

Modular design as founding principle.
DataPhysics Instruments was founded in August 1997 by Dr Ulrich Busch, Thorsten Holz, and Horst Rau. From the beginning, the company's laboratory measuring devices were modular in design. This enabled customers to configure their measuring devices according to their specific use cases. They were also able to analyse their data immediately after the measurement using the device’s software. At the time, such a modular configuration was unheard of. To this day, the company has remained true to their commitment for a modular design.

With their measuring systems for the investigation of interfaces and surfaces, the three company founders had the finger on the pulse: in the 1990s, materials research made big strides. Examples include composites based on carbon fibres, but also other multicomponent materials for use in the construction and automotive industry, medical technology, as well as in electrical engineering. With the focus on new materials, the properties of their surfaces became crucial. The buzzword at the time was functionalised surfaces, i.e., surfaces optimised for their intended use with the help of surface structuring or various pre-treatments.

The product portfolio grows.
The company's first product was the OCA 20 optical contact angle meter together with the SCA analysis software, which were both developed in-house. Together, they could conduct contour measurements of pendant and sessile drops. In addition, the software could automatically evaluate the obtained data to calculate contact angle, surface tension, and surface energy. Founder and Managing Director Horst Rau recounts: “The first year and a half we concentrated on product development in order to be able to present our first, market-ready contact angle meter.” At the Analytica trade fair in 1998, DataPhysics Instruments successfully presented its contact angle meter for the first time. Over the years, the company continued to expand its OCA series, so that suitable solutions for many applications are now available, from an entry-level to an expert model.

Just in time for the turn of the millennium, DataPhysics Instruments expanded its product portfolio with the force-based tensiometers of the DCAT series and a newly developed software for the series. Through the years, the DCAT series has grown to contain different models, as well.

In 2002, a third device joined the product portfolio: the SVT 20 spinning drop tensiometer, which can measure ultra-low interfacial tensions. Ten years later, DataPhysics Instruments launched the humidity generators of the HGC series. They can be used to set and control the relative humidity within small and medium-sized measurement chambers. Since 2015, the MultiScan MS 20 stability analysis system has also been part of the product portfolio. It is used for the optical stability and ageing analysis of disperse multiphase mixtures.

Developing tomorrow's products today.

Directors l to R: Horst Rau, Nils Langer,
Dr Sebastian Schaubach and Jens Ole Wund

Today, DataPhysics Instruments is run by four shareholders: founder Horst Rau, Nils Langer, Jens Ole Wund and Dr Sebastian Schaubach. The interest in functionalised surfaces has only grown in importance over the past decades, as Managing Director and Sales Manager Nils Langer explains: “Today, research institutions and companies are developing more and more methods to functionalise surfaces. Plasma treatments and nanostructured surfaces are just two examples. It is therefore all the more important to provide researchers and product developers with measurement technology they can use to analyse the changed functional properties of such surfaces.”

For this reason, DataPhysics Instruments is focusing on the further upgrade of the existing devices as well as new developments. For the optical contact angle meters of the OCA series, the company introduced the new dpiMAX software at the beginning of 2022. The dpiMAX has a clearly structured, intuitive user interface and intelligent functions, which make the devices even easier to operate.

“We achieved another major success with the market launch of the ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer with its patented measurement method,” adds Managing Director and Head of Development Jens Ole Wund. The ZPA 20 can determine the surface charge, or more precisely, the zeta potential of samples in aqueous solution by measuring the streaming current or streaming potential. To do this, it uses a patented measuring method, for which the solution is flowing over the sample alternately from opposite directions.

Shaping the future together.
Dr Sebastian Schaubach, Managing Director and responsible for innovation management, has a clear vision for the future: “We see ourselves as a partner who wants to refine the scientific analysis of interfaces and surfaces continually. In the future, our developments will therefore be conducted in even closer cooperation with our customers, because it is important to us that our devices can reliably solve our customers’ challenges.”

But it is not only the product portfolio that has grown steadily over the years. In its anniversary year, 45 employees work at DataPhysics Instruments. Further employees are being sought for the development, manufacturing, and sales department. In addition, the premises at the headquarters in Filderstadt near Stuttgart (D) have steadily expanded. Recently, the in-house Application Centre, with laboratory and training spaces, grew and was newly equipped. Dr Schaubach explains: “There, we offer test measurements for prospective buyers and contract measurements with all our devices. In addition, we conduct training courses for device operators.”

The company has always remained true to its native place – and yet is at home all over the world. An international network of sales partners ensures that customers all over the world can receive advice locally and in their preferred language. To be better represented in some target markets, DataPhysics Instruments founded its own companies in several countries: DataPhysics Instruments India was founded in 2020. In addition, the US subsidiary DataPhysics Instruments USA has existed since 2018.

Over the past 25 years, DataPhysics Instruments has developed an ever-expanding range of instruments for the analysis of interfaces and surfaces. At the same time, the company has grown in terms of personnel and space. For years, it has maintained a close relationship not only with sales partners around the world, but also with its customers in research and product development. These relationships have helped to develop market-driven products and to optimise the existing portfolio according to customer requirements. DataPhysics Instruments looks forward to expanding and deepening these relationships in the future.

@PresseBox #DataPhysicsInstruments #Laboratory #Surface #TandM

Surface inspection.

Automated online surface inspection solutions are becoming increasingly vital to improving efficiency and product quality, streamlining operations, and reducing costs and waste in industrial processes. Using these types of automated systems adds significant value in many ways. AMETEK Surface Vision provides the industry-leading SmartView® and SmartAdvisor® product lines, used by many customers worldwide.

SmartView detects, identifies and visualizes surface defects in a range of processes. It combines state-of-the-art software and hardware into an advanced surface inspection platform, providing high-speed defect detection, monitoring, and reporting.

To complement SmartView, SmartAdvisor provides high-speed, multi-dimensional video monitoring and process analysis. Easy to use, the system uses synchronized cameras strategically placed in the process, helping to identify the root cause of defects.

Together these systems help industrial process manufacturers increase their efficiency, productivity and quality:

By identifying defects fast – and early in the process – cost savings are achieved through less waste, and machine efficiency and yield rates are maximized Productivity and reliability are increased through process improvements Operators are removed from the direct process, improving health and safety Quality claims can be reduced through 100% surface inspection

Marco Saitta, Sales Account Manager at AMETEK Surface Vision said: “Our surface inspection solutions can be installed quickly so that the benefits are realised almost immediately. This leads to significant quality and reliability improvements, cost-savings, reduced waste and improved customer confidence, which is priceless.”

@surfacevision @codacomms #Automation 

Partnership to benefit coilwinding and flat-profile products.

A strategic partnership to provide customers with significant cost savings as well as improved quality and production has been announced by AMETEK Surface Vision and Sensory Analytics.

The partnership provides significant benefits to global coil coating, converting, and packaging leaders who are processing flat-profile products. The benefits include a combination of best-in-class solutions for in-process thickness measurement as well as surface detection and classification.

Both companies are fast-growing market leaders with a commitment to delivering actionable in-process measurements, enabling operators to make real-time data-driven improvements that further enhance productivity and product quality.

AMETEK Surface Vision delivers robust, flexible solutions for continuous production processes across multiple industries through its advanced SmartView® and SmartAdvisor® systems for monitoring and inspecting webs and surfaces.

Sensory Analytics is a global leader through its transformative ROI and EXR technologies for real-time coating thickness and film layer measurement, used to power its SpecMetrix in-line systems, off-line QA solutions, and flexible OEM units.

AMETEK Surface Vision and Sensory Analytics will jointly develop new offerings that will provide customers with higher levels of data aggregation for the products they produce to maintain compliance with end market requirements. This will allow them to better understand processing performance and identify optimization opportunities.

Mike Hevey, Division Vice President and Business Manager at AMETEK Surface Vision said: “Both companies operate in similar industries, with technologies placed up and down the same process lines. This partnership brings with it excellent synergies for our customers, as we can offer them unique integrated solutions.

“With our Global Service Team, combined with Sensory Analytics’ leading technology position in coat weight and thickness measurement gauging, customers will have access to greater levels of service as well as pioneering technologies,” Hevey added.

Greg Frisby, Global Industry Manager for SpecMetrix Systems at Sensory Analytics, added: “We both share a commitment to customer support, technical innovation, process control, and quality improvements that are unmatched by other industry offerings. Our exclusive technologies are non-contact, highly precise, and complementary, creating significant potential for new, combined product and process data offerings that support industrial digitalization.

@surfacevision @SpecMetrix @codacomms #PAuto #Vision

Reducing Waste by reducing defects.

AMETEK Surface Vision has helped a major Japanese paper product manufacturer improve the quality of its papermaking, as part of an upgrade to its production facility.

Based in Osaka, Japan, Rengo Co. Ltd provides paper solutions to support the flow of goods in a range of industries, including general packaging. Its Kanazu plant is a corrugated board base paper production facility, which underwent the upgrade in 2017.

Initially, AMETEK Surface Vision’s SmartView system was added to inspect the paper for defects. This was supported by a single-camera Advanced Winder Advisor (AWA) tool, which enables automatic stops at the detected defect location. Designed specifically for paper inspection systems, it allows immediate resynchronization after a web break or sheet splicing.

Due to the enhanced stopping accuracy of the AWA, defects are dealt with much faster, leading to increased production speed and product yield. This led to a further investment in the SmartAdvisor's web inspection system to reduce the number of paper breaks by identifying the cause of the defects.

They installed a SmartAdvisor system with 12 cameras alongside the existing SmartView system. In addition, the SmartSync tool was also applied, which integrates the multi-camera video monitoring power of SmartAdvisor with the flexibility and proven quality of SmartView surface inspection.

This enhanced level of surface inspection provided an immediate identification of the cause after the defect occurred, leading to rapid results and a reduction in the amount of waste paper created by defects. Additionally, paper breaks reduced by 17% year-on-year.

Takefumi Nakanishi, Rengo’s Deputy General Manager commented: “Before we installed SmartSync, it took me a while to find the information I needed. Now we have succeeded in narrowing down the paper break and defect information.

“Our next step will be to install more cameras and require a more accurate system performance, which we are able to do thanks to the modular nature of the AMETEK Surface Vision solution.”

The SmartView and SmartAdvisor systems can be applied to the full spectrum of paper, packaging, and tissue applications, enabling customers to inspect the surfaces of materials to improve quality, reliability, and speed.

• Read the full Rengo case study here.

@surfacevision @AMETEKInc @AmetekUK @codacomms #PAuto #Paper

New performance services enhance inspection systems.

A range of expert system services to ensure optimum levels of operation for the lifetime of its inspection and monitoring products is now available from AMETEK Surface Vision.

Customers will benefit from AMECare Performance Services throughout their system lifecycles. AMECare — which features a range of global services available 24/7 — offers assistance for a variety of needs, from initial set up to trainings and spare parts.

Starting from purchase, AMECare provides tailored support for the installation, alignment, calibration, and configuration of new systems. On-site engineers will ensure the system is designed for individual requirements, using unique recipes and configured communications to ensure seamless integration with existing plant systems.

AMECare also provides service contracts to ensure customers receive dedicated on-site and remote support in response to any critical system problems, as well as general maintenance and software updates.

Yamina Lansari, Global Manager of Technical Services for Surface Vision, said: “We understand our customers often have mission-critical systems where downtime is not an option. AMECare service and support engineers understand the importance of remote and on-site services to ensure the most appropriate action in the event of any problems.”

Preventative maintenance is included in the AMECare package to identify and solve potential problems early, before they cause significant, costly process downtime. This service can also lead to less general maintenance, fewer part failures, and optimal system performance.

Other services offered as part of AMECare include expert technical support, training to ensure operators get the best out of their systems, and advice on stocking the right spare parts.

Paul Stuyt, Global Manager Projects and Service at Surface Vision added: “With over 2,500 installations worldwide, we understand how important it is to keep your systems working. Our global team of service and project engineers are constantly reviewing and updating our processes, ensuring customers always receive best-in-class service and support to get the most out of their systems.”

Other benefits of using AMECare include reduced material waste, improved product quality, enhanced defect detection, and process optimization.

@surfacevision @codacomms #PAuto

Regional head of surface inspection solutions provider.

AMETEK Surface Vision has appointed Vincent Roy as Regional Sales Manager for Canada. His role will be to develop relationships with customers and to achieve strong revenue growth for both the SmartView^® and SmartAdvisor^® brands.

Vincent Roy

Working closely with existing and new customers, this appointment will add value across all markets including paper, metals, nonwovens, and plastics, utilizing Vincent’s extensive sales and industry experience to develop relationships and increase product support.

Commenting on his role, Vincent Roy said: “The markets in which AMETEK Surface Vision is active are changing and developing fast. AMETEK Surface Vision has the technology and products to meet these challenges, and I’m proud to be joining the team, helping customers by offering effective and well-adapted solutions. My experience and approach to sales, particularly with North American paper mill producers, will help me to meet the needs of our existing and future customers.”

Vincent will report to Francois Levac, Americas Business Director, who added: “Vincent has a broad range of experience in customer-facing roles and will certainly be an asset for AMETEK Surface Vision. His personality and technical focus, approach to problem-solving, as well as his sales and marketing experience, will be of great benefit to our growing team.”

Before joining AMETEK, Vincent held sales and account roles in related industry companies including Constant America, Buckman, and CIBA Chemical. He also holds a Paper Technologies degree from the Trois-Rivières College.

@surfacevision @codacomms #Pauto #Canada

Subtle streaks and defects based on colour.

AMETEK Surface Vision is to take part in TAPPICon’s* TechTalk program next month (Aug 2021) before attending the pulp and paper industry conference in October.

TechTalk is a series of webinars that allows expert presenters the opportunity to explain new technology, products, and services to the pulp and paper market in a seven-minute online show.

The AMETEK Surface Vision presentation will form part of TechTalk’s Improvement Analysis Category, which will begin on August 3 at 1 PM EST.

Volker Koelmer, the company’s Global Manager Plastic, Nonwovens & Paper, will discuss “Detection of Subtle Streaks and Classification of Defects Based on Color.”

Volker Koelmer said: “I’m very much looking forward to presenting this new technology to our peers in the pulp and paper industry and answering their questions. TAPPICon’s TechTalks provide the ideal opportunity to explain how we can accurately classify defects based on color, such as blood, insects, dye clumps v dirt, and more, reducing scrap material.”

This presentation will highlight AMETEK Surface Vision’s new coating applications inspection feature, which detects subtle streaks and classifies defects based on color. This allows faster, more accurate defect detection and classification, allowing immediate action to avoid scrap material being produced. There will be a live question-and-answer session at the end of the presentation, and the final webinar will be available to view on the TAPPICon event website until November.

In addition, AMETEK Surface Vision will provide the same presentation during the New Technology Showcase at TAPPICon between Oct. 3 – 6, in Atlanta, (GA USA).

* TAPPICon is the foremost pulp and paper industry conference in the US, and offers a comprehensive technical program, multiple networking opportunities, and exhibitions.

@surfacevision #PAuto #Vision

When even finest details matter.

Rolling shutter sensor IMX183 now also available as IDS board-level cameras

The smallest details must be detected precisely in many applications requiring surface inspection or measurement. Light-sensitive and extremely high-resolution sensors such as the IMX183 from Sony are the best choice here. The resolution of 5536 x 3692 pixels also enables the inspection or monitoring of larger areas, required in quality assurance or ITS applications, for example. Since March, the sensor has been available in the uEye SE camera family from IDS with USB3 vision interface – in both housed and board-level versions.

The Sony Rolling Shutter Sensor features BSI ("back-side-illumination") technology. The back-side-illumination makes optimum use of the captured light, enabling exceptional image quality with very low noise even in low light conditions. IDS now offers the 20 MP sensor not only in the compact uEye CP cameras but also in the versatile uEye SE family. The uEye SE cameras deliver 19.5 fps and are available in different versions - from compact, solid metal housings to practical board-level variants with or without a front flange which can easily and compactly be integrated into vision systems. This makes them a popular choice for a wide range of applications. uEye SE cameras with IMX183 and GigE Vision interface are planned for summer 2020.

Since the new cameras have a USB3 vision interface, they can be programmed with IDS peak, for example. The SDK simplifies the use of GenICam and provides an intuitive programming experience. IDS peak thus supports users with a complete software package to quickly and easily put vision cameras into operation and to directly start developing their own applications.

 #PAuto #Surface @IDS_Imaging

Surface defect identification.

AMETEK Surface Vision offers a precise and accurate method of detecting key surface defects of interest, utilising a new color classification option available in Surface Vision’s industry-leading SmartView® defect inspection system.

“Customers are looking for a dependable, accurate defect detection solution, particularly as market drivers focus increasingly on packaging and materials that need to be safe or sterile,” said Satoshi Suzuki, Director of Sales - Japan, AMETEK Surface Vision. “It’s important to them that contaminants are detected quickly and accurately, and SmartView is able to deliver the detailed real-time results that maintain their quality, reduce wastage and maximize uptime.”

Claimed to be the most advanced surface inspection platform available, SmartView combines powerful software, linescan camera technology, high-intensity lighting and industry-leading engineering for trusted automatic defect detection. Color classification extends SmartView’s abilities by enabling the recognition of common contaminants in the production process, particularly blood, oil spots, water spots and dirt: substances that, even in minute traces, can compromise the quality of food or medical grade materials.

SmartView’s color functionality works by identifying, cross-checking and classifying a specific defect through a color feature set integrated into SmartView’s comprehensive defect libraries. By classifying and distinguishing each defect, users are supported in making production decisions that maintain high product quality and improve productivity. For example, as SmartView is able to distinguish water drops from oil spots, users can improve winder operation efficiency, as the ability to dry water drops later in the process means the paper does not need to be stopped at the winder.

Users get the immediate benefits of SmartView’s SmartLearn functionality, which provides an advanced classification solution that classifies easily distinguishable defects, with real-time results at any production speed. Unlike systems that require the user to set the parameters manually by building a manual classification table, SmartLearn’s patented automatic multi-step classification technology enables much quicker start-ups.

SmartView’s color option is applicable in manufacturing light coated papers; food package grade paper; fine and light coated paper used in magazine printing and office copying; coated board for high grade packaging; and nonwoven materials such as medical cloth.

SmartView’s color functionality is fully compatible with the most recent iterations of the software.

@surfacevision #PAuto

Pioneering surface inspection solution.

Ametek Surface Vision is continuing to evolve its highly successful SmartView® surface inspection solution, greatly enhancing production capabilities for manufacturers globally with significant software improvements.

SmartView’s superior performance in detecting surface flaws and defects has enabled it to maintain its position as a market-leading materials inspection solution for three decades. Key to this dominance is the modular system design, supported by an ongoing program of updates that ensures SmartView remains at the forefront of inspection technology.

The SmartView system combines powerful software, state-of-the-art camera technology, high-intensity lighting and unparalleled application engineering services, to deliver a high-performance, automated solution that detects, classifies and visualizes surface defects, and ensures that the highest quality standards are maintained. Existing hardware can be easily switched out to meet the latest technological developments, and Ametek Surface Vision ensures its Windows-based software suite keeps pace, seamlessly integrating into existing systems.

Shean McMahon, Vice President of Research & Development, Ametek Surface Vision, explained: “We realize that real-time control of the manufacturing process is critical to our customers, so this remains key to our system’s performance. 2019 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Surface Vision as we embark on the road to expanding our core technologies.

“We expect the combined impact of new capabilities, novel product designs, and optimizations, all borne out of our significant industry experience, will deliver a paradigm shift in the surface inspection industry and serve up unprecedented value, flexibility, and inspection results to our current and future customers.

“SmartView’s latest design enhancements are immediately visible, making highly detailed surface inspection capabilities achievable, ensuring a long system life without requiring a costly system redesign. These significant upgrades, already available to SmartView users, include a refreshed, more intuitive user interface, parts-per-million data calculations, and developments to SmartView’s ability to detect defects and parallel classification capabilities – and this is just the beginning of our 2019 development program.”

Introduced in the latest upgrade is the Synchronized Web Viewer, which allows multiple views to be displayed simultaneously. It provides the user with total control of the interface, which could help reduce scrap product in the event of a process issue. This enables different process views, or the same view with a variety of queries in grading, using intuitive drop-down menus and customizable windows to help narrow down results with precision.

SmartView’s new Parts Per Million (PPM) application expresses the defect area as a ratio of the total product area. This real-time calculation provides easy visualization of defect density in table and graph formats, making it simpler to identify regions that need closer review.

A number of new processing modes have been added and optimized in SmartView for specific inspection requirements, such as detecting quiet areas on coated products, removal of defects that match a target shape, enhanced repeating defect algorithms, and more.
Classification testing without process interruption

A new Parallel Classification function enables SmartView to run up to four alternate classifiers on an inspection file, enabling seasonal or test classifiers to operate alongside established classifiers. This allows potential changes to be evaluated without interrupting current production inspection.

#inspection @surfacevision #PAuto

Metal surface inspection.

An informative guide for metals manufacturers looking to achieve both high quality and yield optimization is now available from Ametek Surface Vision.

The Metals Surface Inspection Guide is a ready reference for Surface Vision’s SmartView® surface inspection system, one of the most trusted and valued automatic surface inspection solutions in the world.

A proven partner for increasing efficiency and improving product quality in the metals industry for over three decades, SmartView continues to be a market leader in the highly precise real-time detection and classification of metal defects.

The new guide outlines the benefits of the system’s real-time video and modular design flexibility for steel, aluminum and alloy manufacturers looking to improve the quality of their production through the highly configurable inspection and reporting SmartView offers.

Highly customizable to individual customer process needs, SmartView’s reliable top and bottom real-time optical inspection provides surface quality visibility in even the most-demanding metal processing environments. Combining powerful software, line-scan camera technology, high intensity lighting, and supported by industry-leading application knowledge and engineering services, SmartView’s automatic detection, classification and visualization of metal defects make it effective in a wide range of metal process applications, including scalpers, hot mills, cold rolling mills, annealing lines, coating lines and slitters.

“No other solution offers the flexibility and ease-of-use that SmartView delivers, and our new guide makes that clear. Our approach is simple: to provide the latest and best inspection solution for each application, delivered with the highest consistency and without compromise” commented Jason Zyglis, Divisional Vice President of Project and Product Management, Ametek Surface Vision.

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Director of vision sales.

Ametek Surface Vision has appointed Francois Levac as the Director of Sales to help strengthen and grow the company’s global sales presence.

Francois Levac

Formerly Manager of Sales for the Paper Industry in the Americas and Canada, Mr. Levac will support Surface Vision’s existing customer base and grow new relationships by enhancing representation across North America and Latin America. Highly-experienced in understanding the quality challenges facing the metal, paper, plastic and non-woven production industries, Mr. Levac and his team will improve access to Surface Vision’s world-leading SmartView® and SmartAdvisor® solutions for surface inspection, monitoring and process surveillance applications.

A graduate in Mechanical Engineering based in Montréal, Canada, Mr. Levac has a successful track record in industrial technology sales spanning 20 years. Prior to joining Ametek Surface Vision, he held a variety of successful roles with Cognex, Honeywell and Honeywell-Measurex.

“The surface inspection and process monitoring market is showing immense growth, mainly due to the growing need for automation as manufacturers demand products driven by higher quality requirements,” said Ben Wileman, Divisional Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for Ametek Surface Vision and Ametek Land. “Francois’s proven experience in large complex projects involving multiple decision makers makes him the perfect choice to lead our sales operations and ensure great relationships with satisfied customers.

 “This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior leader to oversee our sales and distribution strategy in the Americas, as we continue to meet the growing vision automation challenges for our existing and future customers with our market-leading solutions.”

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Appointment at surface inspection solutions leader.

Ametek Surface Vision has enhanced its senior management team with the appointment of Jason Zyglis to the newly created role of Divisional Vice President of Project and Product Management.

Jason Zyglis

Ametek Surface Vision (formerly Cognex Surface Inspection Systems Division) develops and manufactures software-enabled vision systems used to inspect surfaces of continuously processed materials for flaws and defects. Its in-line image processing technology detects, classifies, filters, and accurately maps specific defects over the entire surface area. End markets served include metals, paper, nonwovens, plastics and glass, delivering optimized web and surface inspection, monitoring, and process surveillance.

A graduate of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry at Syracuse University with a degree in Paper Science (Chemical Engineering), Zyglis transitions from Ametek Surface Vision’s Director of Sales - Americas to Divisional Vice President of Project and Product Management to now lead the business unit’s product management process and project engineering team. Rising from within the organisation, he brings two decades of experience focused on strategic product marketing, sales and business development.

“I am driven to solve challenges that end users encounter at critical stages in the industrial processing environment with innovative visual technology. I am delighted to lead the project and product management for the largest and most-respected surface inspection and monitoring company in the industry,” comments Zyglis.

“Although historically gross defects were deemed challenging, we are now entering the next generation of visual inspection, in which target defects are measured in microns, process speeds exceed 80 mph, and detection defects so subtle the human eye may not be able to resolve them.”

“This accelerating rate of change in surface inspection requirements means we are continually utilizing advanced technology. Now, each solution presented by our team may combine new sensors, lighting advancements, increased data rates, processing power enhancements, and complex defect clarification algorithms. Our aim is focused on achieving perfection for the end user. For example, the pride a manufacturer may have in a flawless new car exterior.”

“With hundreds of unique customers and over 2,000 installations worldwide, Ametek Surface Vision continues to lead the industry with innovative world-class technologies and customer support,” comments Scott Harrison, Divisional Vice President and Business Unit Manager for Ametek Surface Vision and Ametek  Land. “We are confident that both our internal departments and external customers will benefit greatly from Jason’s extensive technical, market knowledge and industry insight and that he will contribute greatly to the growth of AMETEK Surface Vision.”

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Examining components with shiny & diffusely-scattering surfaces.

The new Trevista X4 models from Stemmer Imaging,  utilise a patented 2.5D process, called Shape from Shading, and are especially suited to the examination of components with shiny and diffusely-scattering surfaces. Surface defects such as scratches, burrs, dents, discolouration or grinding marks, even if only a few micrometres deep can be detected with significantly greater certainty with this process than with conventional image processing systems.

The X-4 generation offers structured, diffuse dome illumination that is brighter by a factor of 2.5 compared with the previous models, enabling faster image acquisition. For a typical image size of 4 Mpixels, evaluation using the Trevista algorithm takes place around 20 % faster than before, which results in potentially lower cycle times.

Depending on the application, the new models also provide a measuring field that is larger by up to 50 %. In the smallest version, the diameter of the measuring field is increased from 20 to 30 mm and in the medium-sized variant from 50 to 75 mm, without any change to the physical mating dimensions of the lighting domes. The largest Trevista variant continues to have a measuring field diameter of 200 mm.

The system controller has been reduced to approximately 30 % of the installation space of its predecessor. In addition, the controller electronics have been completely reworked and temperature monitoring of the lighting and the controller has been integrated. To simplify installation and operation, a parameter setting tool is provided to set up the system.

The new CVS Trevista X4 models can be supplied as complete systems. In addition to the lighting unit, they also include the appropriate lens for the particular application, the matching camera, a PC and a choice of software packages between Sherlock from Teledyne DALSA or Stemmer’s own Common Vision Blox library.

The industry-standard design of all Trevista models enables easy integration into the production process. The complete systems are assembled in accordance with customer requirements and delivered fully tested, thus enabling users quickly to put them into service in their installation. For effective on-the-job training on Trevista systems, Stemmer Imaging provides special courses at the European Imaging Academy.

CVS Trevista Surface and CVS Trevista Cylinder can be used for the inspection of flat, stationary component surfaces or cylindrical shell surfaces respectively. CVS Trevista Multiline is used for the examination of components in rotational or translational motion.

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Laser distance sensor for glossy & very coarse surfaces.

An innovative and compact sensor for measurement of demanding surfaces is now available from Baumer. The new multi-spot MESAX laser distance sensor is immediately ready-to-use and provides accurate and repeatable measurement results, without elaborate conversion or external software.

The innovative multi-spot measuring principle is based on the light section method. In the sensor, up to 600 measured values of an object are recorded and the distance is then calculated on the basis of intelligent analysis. The sensor takes up to 500 distance measurements per second at a resolution of up to 2 µm (0.008% of the measuring range), providing extremely stable measurement results even under varying ambient light conditions. This makes the MESAX multi-spot a unique solution in the field of optical laser distance measurement and the optimal tool for a variety of applications in testing and measurement. Example application fields are precise measurement of glossy objects in quality inspection or optimal positioning of grinding disks with extremely coarse surfaces.

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Interferometer for free-standing fibres in SMA connectors.

Laser Components has introduced a further development of the well-known DAISI-MT interferometer that now allows the analysis of free-standing fibres in an SMA connector: This makes it possible to evaluate the surface quality after polishing.

To display the complete surface of an SMA connector, the viewing field under examination is approximately 3 mm. Any protrusion and/or eccentricity of the fiber can be identified and optimised.