High Speed Glass Tube Inspection

Challenge
A glass tube manufacturer needed to inspect both ends of a tube as it moves down a conveyor. The tubes are produced at a rate of 60 per second. Non conforming tubes must be rejected and good tubes are left on the conveyor for packaging.

Solution
High resolution cameras and high speed image capturing are integrated with the customer's existing conveyor. Inspection results are accumulated in a high speed PLC to allow tracking and rejection of individual tubes.

Key Features

• Encoders and part tracking added to existing conveyor
• Tubes are inspected for length and inner diameter
• Each tube-end is inspected for cracks, straightness and glazing quality
• Inspection control is integrated with plant data system