Investigation of online offline applications of machine vision in friction STIR welding process

Abstract

Machine vision technology integrates optical components and imaging newlineelectronics with computerized control systems to identify, measure, sort newlineand inspect components as they are processed. It has the advantage of newlinebeing non-contact and allows processing and analysis of images of good newlinecontrast with high spatial resolution, which are captured in various newlineapplications such as fabric, agricultural, biomedical, geographical, newlinemanufacturing processes, etc. The use of machine vision technology is newlinegrowing rapidly, spurred by the need of manufacturers to increasingly fine newlinecontrol over the quality of manufactured parts. Many manufacturing newlineprocesses impart a characteristic finish to the surface of components newlineprocessed, which offer useful information in relation to process and newlineprocess variables. The inspection of such surface facilitates on -line newlinemeasurement and real time assessment of a product leading to complete newlineautomation of a manufacturing system resulting in increased productivity newlineand accuracy of products. Machine vision systems are more adaptable newlinethan traditional optical or mechanical sensors. They offer 100% inspection newlinewithout fixing the component under test in precise position. They are newlinemore versatile and flexible; when alterations to the manufacturing newlineprocess are required. These systems can be easily reconfigured with only newlineminor changes in vision software. newlineIn the published literature, it has been reported that machine vision newlinetechnology is applied in various manufacturing processes on-line as well newlineas off- lin e to measure the dimensions of processed parts, surface newlineevaluation of parts produced by various manufacturing operations, newlinemeasurement of tool wear during different manufacturing process es, newlinetemperature measurement, etc.