Stemmer Imaging

Quality defect analysis indicated that many of the defects associated with manual assembly could be identified using industrial vision. Each variant requires a dedicated manufacturing fixture which can be used on any of 80 assembly workbenches.Once the tubing is locked into the fixture, operators assemble the product from printed assembly documentation which include written instructions, diagrams and pictures.On completion, the assembly is visually inspected and compressed air is forced through the tube to ensure that there are no blockages.When testing is passed, the completed part is released and production data is sent to the company’s OEE system.While it was clear that adding a vision system could identify defects, the company’s Advanced Manufacturing Team realised that a much more complete solution was to fully integrate the vision system as part of the assembly process in order to:Utilise the manufacturing SQL databaseEnsure that only appropriately trained operators can work on a particular assemblyEnsure that the correct fixture is being used for a batchProvide complete traceability for individual assembliesProvide the flexibility to adapt the system for any new or modified variantsReduce the amount of paperwork involved in the assembly processThis improves the efficiency of the assembly process and reduces costs associated with waste and rejected products.