By combining image analysis and laser dimensional measurement in a single sensor, Keyence's IX Series helps inspection specialists take a new step forward in improving the efficiency of their processes. Perfectly suited to conformance checks, its height-based detection modes meet the need to identify many types of defects on assembly parts.
According to Keyence, the new IX series of sensors is "a small revolution". It eliminates the need to position and tilt the part to be inspected at the time of measurement, to avoid low contrast between the part support (image background) and the part to be inspected itself, and to eliminate the need for complex adjustments when setting up the sensor. It also offers the possibility of entrusting measurements to anyone, with a minimum of training, and guarantees the stability and repeatability of measurements over time.
The IX series comprises four models, identified by their respective reference distances: 50, 80, 150, 360 mm. The range covers parts with thicknesses from 45 mm to 440 mm, and surfaces from 27.5 x 20.5 mm to 102.0 × 76.5 mm. The items to be inspected are, for example, mechanical parts, electronic components or boards, textile materials, dark, light, colored, smooth, rough surfaces...
Variety of measurements and applications
The IX Series offers a wide range of measurement options. For example: gloss, color and other surface condition factors, surface calculation, but above all: detection and identification of Min/Max, alignments, position of one element in relation to another on the part, etc.
The sensor's integrated functions can be used in all industries. They can be used to check a wide variety of products: nut or screw tightening, presence/absence and positioning of a component (clip, washer, gasket, electronic component, cap, etc.), fit quality of an assembly or bonding, quality and conformity of a label or seal, positioning of one part in relation to another, dimension, thickness, etc.
Easy to use
Whatever the test to be carried out, IX Series sensor functions are easy to set up and use. For example, to "program" a height measurement point on a part, all you have to do is place the part under the sensor, without worrying about its orientation or inclination (although these parameters influence the distance between the sensor and the point to be checked on the part), and then point to the point you want to check on the image (on the computer screen). Then, whatever the orientation of the parts to be inspected as they pass under the sensor, and whatever the angle of inclination of the sensor axis in relation to the median surface of the part, the measurements will be repeated with the same quality and precision.
Precision, repeatability and speed
With IX Series sensors, it is possible to recognize the same point on a part with a positioning repeatability of between 10 and 150 μm (depending on the model in the range). For height differences between points, the measurement step can be as low as 100 μm. Measurement cycle times for a typical part can be as low as 120 ms (in scan mode - the laser scans the surface of the part) and as low as 6 or 11 ms (in linear mode - the laser scans the part along a line).
Integration
One of the strengths of the IX Series is that it integrates a high-performance machine vision sensor and laser detector in a single, compact head (30 x 40 x 69.2 mm). This is connected to a remote, DIN-rail-mounted amplifier box (95 x 43.2 x 66.1 mm).
Its IP67 protection rating (resistant to temporary immersion) means it can be installed in dusty, damp industrial environments (35-85% HR non-condensing). The sensor's housing is made of cast zinc alloy, and its optical window of hardened acrylic glass. In terms of mechanical resistance, vibration tests were carried out at frequencies in the 10-55 Hz range, with double amplitudes of 1.5 mm in 3 directions (x, y, z). For ideal operating conditions, ambient lighting must use incandescent lamps (
Learn more: www.keyence.fr