Ametek, Provider of Surface Vision and Inspection Solutions, Implements Next-Generation Visual Collaboration Service

 

In the modern manufacturing environment, it is important for factories to possess and implement efficient and robust inspection systems and technologies. This can be achieved by investing in industrial espionage or 'black hat' technology, including camera systems that can record in-process images, video recording, and other data. These tools provide a comprehensive view of plant operations at all times, allowing even the smallest changes to be noticed and recorded. They also help in reducing costs and improving profitability. Additionally, continual improvements in technology has led to further developments, which display high accuracy and low cost application development time for many manufacturing applications.

One of the most common uses for surface vision and inspection technology is in quality inspection. Companies use them to examine welded components as well as non-woven, seamless products such as screws and bolts. With the advent of composite products and other modern materials, the process of inspecting these products has also changed, resulting in even more complex inspections. The main objective of surface vision and inspection technology is to determine whether a product or component meets minimum requirements during manufacture. In addition to this, they can also detect flaws before they become defects, making them important for quality control in the manufacturing environment.

Quality inspection systems help improve production efficiency by reducing unneeded downtime and faulty parts. For example, in cases of poor workmanship, poor production quality, or in cases where component failure occurs after manufacturing, surface vision and inspection systems help locate the faulty part before the faulty one is produced, thereby greatly reducing service downtime for the company. This can reduce overall costs of operation and improve customer satisfaction. Further, if faulty components are quickly identified and replaced, this helps prevent further contamination, repair costs, or both. Furthermore, in cases where inspection systems to help detect potential defects, they allow manufacturers to respond quickly to potential problems and keep customers content. If problems occur with products, manufacturers can be proactive in addressing them and preventing downtime, damage, and missed sales.

In March 2021, U.S.-based AMETEK Surface Vision implemented a new, next-generation visual collaboration service to provide real-time remote support to customers. AMETEK Surface Vision uses remote visual assistance software to create a virtual interactive presence. Such feature is expected to offer feasibility during Covid-19 pandemic.