Ultra-fast inline inspection

Published: 4-Jun-2018

VisiConsult X-ray Systems & Solutions introduces the XRHRobotStar for ultra-fast inline inspection


The XRHRobotStar is a digital X-ray robot-system that allows an ultra-fast inline inspection. The automated defect recognition (ADR) and optimised process make it the fasted inline system worldwide. The throughput can be increased by using a cluster of several systems.

A loading robot on the outside handles the incoming parts and distributes the inspected parts, while the robot on the inside has a C-Arm with mounted X-ray components.

The acquired images are automatically processed by the in-house developed ADR and checked for critical defects or other user defined criteria. The patented system is Industry 4.0 ready and used mainly by automotive suppliers with a high production volume.

VisiConsult was granted a patent for its novel operation principle. The highly parallelised setup allows short cycle times. For example a medium sized casting part of roughly 500 mm has a total cycle time of 16 seconds with a total amount of 10 test positions.

VisiConsult as a solution provider for customised X-ray systems adapts the system directly on the existing manufacturing line for every customer. Below are the main innovation areas:

Flexibility: VisiConsult just registered a patent for the revolutionary concept of combining a 3D stereo-camera with an automated X-ray system. The camera notes the offset towards the reference position for every part and allows the robot to automatically track the part. Combined with a novel image registration and robust ADR algorithms this innovation eliminates the need for expensive and inflexible part holders.

Industry 4.0: The system is fully interconnected and embedded to the ERP/MES systems of the customer. With single part traceability the system is therefore fulfilling demanding automotive or aerospace standards. Operators can pull up specific images at any time. Inspection data can also be used for process optimisation. The knowledge of specific defect distribution is a valuable insight, which can be used by process engineers.

Automation: Of course, physically the system is completely automated and designed to run 24/7 without human interaction. The in-house developed ADR is able to fully evaluate the acquired images. Typical casting defects like porosities, inclusions and geometry deviations are detected and measured. A broad variety of criteria, which can be defined by the user, can be used as a threshold.

VisiConsult is a family owned company located in Northern Germany and the leading specialist for customized X-ray inspection systems.

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