• SE Systems Inc

Automated Inspection System

This automated inspectior. system is designed for the realtime, non-destructive detection of defects in intrically machined metal parts as they exit from a high speed production line. The automated inspection system utilizes SE System's smart-EDDY 3.0 eddy-current (EC) test and measurement system, together with dual eddy-current probes and test fixturing. smartEDDY 3.0 combines easy-to-use software programs with internally-mounted, eddy-current instrument modules to convert a PCbased 386/486/Pentium computer into a multiple frequency, low-noise EC test, measurement, and imaging system. During operation, the system communicates with the computer controlling the parts handling process to coordinate the testing functions with the flow of products. In a typical application, a continuous strewn of parts exiting a production line is fed to a rotating multi-station test fixture, which consists of a daisy wheel-type indexer dial and associated hardware. While in the fixture, each part is subjected to five simultaneous precise eddy-current inspections. A rotating EC test probe assembly is used to check two inside diameters and an inside chamfer for proper dimensions, and one shoulder for surface damage, test probe assembly inspects for outside surface damage at one location. Accuracy of the dimensional check is ±0.012 mm. As each test is completed, acceptable parts continue down the line and defective parts are deflected to a reject chute. The five-part inspection sequence can be performed in less than two seconds, for a line of more than 30 parts per minute. With eddy-current technology, no direct probe-to-part couplant or contact is required, providing reliable flaw detection while maintaining high production-line throughput. Detection is virtually instantaneous. The inspection rate is limited only by the mechanical method used to pass the parts by the probes.