Automatic defect detection system for plastic parts

Micro-Epsilon has developed a system called Reflect Control, which automatically detects surface defects on mirrored objects or reflecting surfaces. In order to detect dents, bulges or other defects on a reflecting object, typically a person would manually  observe the reflected  image of the  surroundings on the surface. The difference between the surroundings and the reflected  image  is then considered a measure of the quality of the surface
In Micro-Epsilon’s automated solution, in order to ensure reproducible, well-structured surroundings – the reflected image of which is to be recorded and evaluated -a striped pattern is shown on a display. Cameras record the reflected image of the display and pass the data to an industrial PC for evaluation. If the system is installed on a robot arm, it is possible to move the system around the object to be inspected, for example, a car body.
The Reflect Control system is used, for example, for the quality control of injection moulded parts such as bumpers, mudguards or doors. The objects to be checked are placed on a parts carrier and inspected in the respective measuring position.
In doing so, the robot approaches several measuring points so that the complete part is checked for defects. Reflect Control looks for faults on the surface, which could be caused, for example, by removing the part from an injection moulding machine tool. The system very quickly makes an objective, reproducible decision about the quality of the surface In this way, only perfect parts continue downstream through the  production process. If necessary, defective parts can be reworked in a separate stage. The system eliminates quality assurance staff from having to make decisions about the often subjective and  unclear boundaries between whether a part is considered defective or acceptable.