ImageXpert's cylinder inspection systems are used by leading manufacturers of EP printers and components for the detection of surface defects that can negatively impact image quality.
Cylinder inspection is often done by eye via print testing post-assembly. By automating the inspection process, defects can be quantified in an objective and traceable manner prior to assembly. Defect classification can provide insight into defect cause and can be used to positively impact the production line. Surface inspection of standard cylinders can be completed in a matter of seconds.
The ImageXpert cylinder surface inspection system relies on line scan camera technology for image capture. The 1-D CCD detector array at the heart of the camera requires motion in order to build the 2-D images necessary for defect analysis. Single, high-magnification images of large areas can be captured rapidly without the need for multiple-image stitching. The line scan camera allows for image capture without distortion during cylinder rotation.
The cylinder inspection system combines sophisticated machine-vision, motion-control, and line scan camera technology with ImageXpert's powerful image processing and analysis, all accessed through a user-friendly GUI.
The off-line system configuration relies on a single camera and light source held stationary during image capture of one circumferential section of the cylinder. The camera and light source are then moved along the cylinder to the next location, enabling imaging of sequential sections of the surface. As the first image is analyzed, the next image is captured, maximizing system efficiency. This process is repeated until the entire length of the part has been inspected.
A production configuration is available that uses multiple cameras to capture images of entire surface simultaneously, allowing for complete surface inspection in one revolution. The number of cameras is determined by the size of the part and the required resolution.
