3D Machine Vision Systems

The In-Sight L38 is a next-generation 3D vision system that allows manufacturers to detect subtle features and measure them with high accuracy. The first-ever 3D vision system with embedded AI, the In-Sight L38 takes 3D applications beyond measurements to enable new types of inspections.

The L68 Series includes a range of high-resolution 3D displacement sensors that offer fast processing speeds, making them well-suited for applications that require both accuracy and speed. Compact in design, these 3D sensors easily fit into space-constrained lines, packing power into a small form factor. 

Backed by powerful PC-based software, the 3D-L4000 with VisionPro provides ultimate programming control for solving the most complex manufacturing applications. This solution is ideal for highly customized tasks and those that require the fastest processing.

The 3D-A1000 is an area scan system designed for dimensioning and detection applications in the logistics industry. Embedded with powerful vision tools, the system automates tasks like container fill measurement, damage detection, feature finding, and more.

The 3D-A5000 is a general-purpose area scan system used across a range of industries. This 3D camera is well-suited for jobs where the target object is stationary and moving parts are not desired or practical.

There are two main types of 3D cameras: area scan and line scan. The difference between the two methods is how the image is acquired.

Area scan cameras capture an image in a single frame. These cameras are suited for machine vision applications, where the objects are stationary, fixed in size, and relatively uniform in shape. By contrast, line scan cameras build images line-by-line and require motion to build the image. This makes them ideal for inspecting cylindrical parts and continuous materials, like paper, wood, and rubber.

In addition to line scan and area scan cameras, laser profilers are another technology used to solve 3D machine vision applications. They inspect height and other 3D profile data by capturing an object's shape from above. Laser profilers can operate without external lighting and generate reliable profile measurements without being affected by color differences, patterns, and other characteristics of the target object.

With 2D machine vision, a two-dimensional map (X, Y) of reflected intensity is captured and processed. Processing consists of comparing variations in intensity or contrast. For this reason, 2D vision systems need highly controlled environments with standard viewpoints and lighting that creates high contrast and eliminates shadows. These systems are typically used for applications like defect detection, optical character recognition (OCR), and assembly verification.

3D machine vision captures the depth of a target object to generate a three-dimensional map (X, Y, Z), or point cloud, for analysis. The point cloud offers precise coordinates where the position of every pixel in space is known. This makes 3D vision useful for tasks where shape information is critical. 3D machine vision works well with objects that can vary in size and shape, like food, welds, metals, and more.

3D machine vision is widely used in manufacturing for quality control. It inspects the surface of materials for defects such as dents, scratches, or inconsistencies and assesses the severity of those defects. 3D vision systems also ensure proper assembly and verify dimensions of target objects in real time to automate production processes, significantly reducing errors and increasing efficiency.

Gauging applications in 3D vision technology check the tolerances of manufactured parts, ensuring that they fall within acceptable limits. 3D vision systems can also be used to analyze complex components, like those used in electronics or precision engineering. For those applications, they assess and verify complex geometries that are difficult to measure with traditional methods.

3D machine vision cameras help robots “see.” By providing real-time 3D perception of the environment, these cameras enable robots to navigate safely, interact with objects, and execute complex tasks autonomously. This synergy between machine vision and robotics transforms industries by reducing manual intervention and minimizing human errors.

3D object location assists in identifying parts on a production line, ensuring they are correctly oriented and positioned for the next stage of the manufacturing process. In assembly operations, 3D vision systems ensure that parts are properly aligned before they are joined or assembled. This helps in reducing errors and increasing the efficiency of the process.

3D machine vision cameras accurately measure the dimensions of packages and determine their volume. This data allows logistics providers to improve the efficiency of their sorting operations and optimizes the utilization of storage space, leading to streamlined warehousing and improved inventory management.