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What Is AI Visual Inspection?

AI visual inspection is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to inspect the appearance of products or other objects automatically.

As an alternative to human visual inspection, devices such as cameras and sensors capture images of a product’s exterior. AI algorithms then analyze these images to detect defects and anomalies. This process is typically performed at the end of the manufacturing process to enhance quality control.

AI visual inspection relies on advanced pattern recognition and image processing techniques. It can detect defects with very high accuracy and is often automated, enabling inspections that are faster and more consistent than those done manually. This improves manufacturing efficiency and the quality of the final products.

Uses of AI Visual Inspection

AI visual inspection is used across a wide range of industries. Some common examples include:

1. Automotive Industry

In automotive manufacturing, where part quality is critical, AI visual inspection detects defects such as scratches, dents, and color inconsistencies quickly and accurately. This enables early detection of faulty products and ensures the delivery of high-quality items to customers.

2. Food Industry

Since product quality and contamination directly impact consumer trust, AI visual inspection detects defects, discoloration, and foreign substances in food products. It can also verify package seals and labeling to ensure product integrity.

3. Electronics Industry

In electronics, where reliability is crucial, AI visual inspection detects issues such as soldering defects and missing components, enabling manufacturers to maintain high standards.

4. Connector and Plastic Molding Industry

Connectors and plastic molded products are often produced in small lots with many variations. Visual inspection is a challenge in this field due to the diversity and volume of products.
AI inspection is an effective alternative, especially where manual labor deployment is difficult.

Types of AI Visual Inspection

AI visual inspection uses different machine learning models:

• Supervised Learning Models: These learn from labeled abnormal images and detect similar defects.
• Unsupervised Learning Models: These models learn only from normal images and flag anything different as an anomaly. The accuracy of these models has improved significantly in recent years.

One challenge with supervised learning is the need for many abnormal image samples. To address this, researchers are exploring the use of generative AI to create synthetic defect images and improve model performance.

AI visual inspection is increasingly replacing conventional visual checks and rule-based systems, where human-defined rules were used for inspections.

How to Select an AI Visual Inspection System

Several factors should be considered when choosing an AI visual inspection system:

1. Characteristics of the Inspection Target and Types of Defects

Each AI method has strengths and limitations. Consider the shape, size, and surface of the inspection target, as well as potential types of defects. Select a system suited to these conditions.

2. Imaging Environment and Process Integration

Since detection depends on image quality, factors like lighting, camera placement, and equipment setup must be optimized. It is also important to integrate the inspection system into the workflow, enabling automated rejection of defective products.

3. Scalability for Changing Requirements

The inspection system should adapt to changes in volume or product type, such as seasonal or custom products. Evaluate whether the system supports such scalability and whether the vendor offers adequate technical support.

4. Data Requirements

High accuracy depends on training data. The more diverse and extensive the dataset, the better the AI model’s performance. Collecting and preparing quality data is therefore essential.

What Is a Hydraulic Gantry?

A hydraulic gantry is a lifting machine that consists of jacks (legs) equipped with a telescoping mechanism, such as hydraulic cylinders, and beams arranged in a gantry shape. It moves heavy objects below or above the beam by extending and retracting the jacks.

Hydraulic gantries are called “gantries” because their structure resembles a gate. They are also known as “bridge lifters” due to their shape. The term “gantry” refers to a structure with horizontal beams supported by multiple vertical legs.

The traveling frame is equipped with wheels, allowing the gantry to move while lifting a load. Some models can also shift horizontally. There are a wide variety of gantries, from small ones with a lifting capacity of about 1 ton to large ones capable of lifting over 1,000 tons. They also differ in beam length, lift height, and stroke. These machines are ideal for safely moving heavy loads in environments where cranes cannot be used due to building constraints or limited space.

Uses of Hydraulic Gantry

A hydraulic gantry is often used to move heavy objects in confined spaces where cranes are impractical, such as in buildings with low ceilings, tunnels, or areas with overhead obstructions like electric cables. They are also useful in buildings where overhead cranes cannot be installed, such as in leased buildings or structures that are not strong enough to support cranes.

Hydraulic gantries lift objects by extending and retracting jacks. Because the load can be directly suspended from a special hanger, the lifting loss is minimal. The beam height can also be adjusted to navigate obstacles overhead.

When moving long or heavy loads, using cranes or forklifts can be unstable and dangerous. In such cases, two hydraulic gantries can be used for safer and more efficient handling. Different types and sizes of gantries are used depending on the working environment.

Principle of Hydraulic Gantry

A hydraulic gantry uses a hydraulic or electric jack powered by electricity, with a beam mounted at the top. The beam may have special hangers (rings) to hold the load or a deck on which the load is placed.

For hanger types, the load is positioned under the beam. The jack is retracted to lower the beam, the load is suspended from the hangers, and then raised.

For deck types, the deck is lowered by retracting the jacks. The load is placed on the deck, and then it is raised.

Larger gantries move using motor-powered wheels at the base of the jacks. Smaller models may be moved manually. The gantry is operated via a switch panel connected to a control unit.

Types of Hydraulic Gantry

Hydraulic gantries are available in various types, including beam-lifting and deck-lifting models. They differ in terms of lifting capacity, stroke, and span, depending on the weight and size of the cargo.

1. Lift: The distance from the ground (or the top of the rail, if present) to the bottom of the hanger hole.
2. Stroke: The total travel distance from full extension to full retraction of the jack.
3. Span: The horizontal distance between the centers of the left and right jacks.

Hydraulic gantries can be disassembled and reassembled, allowing them to be transported to various locations and used as needed. This improves the equipment’s investment efficiency and flexibility.

How to Select a Hydraulic Gantry

Hydraulic gantries are used to lift heavy loads that cannot be handled manually. Therefore, safety is the top priority in selecting and operating a gantry lifter. Companies may not be able to manage accidents or breakdowns on their own.

When choosing a gantry, consider not only the machine’s specifications but also the proposed installation method for the specific site conditions and the availability of maintenance and support services.

What Is an ADAS Camera?

An advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) camera is an essential component used in advanced driver assistance systems.

An ADAS camera captures images of a vehicle’s surroundings to help the driver operate the vehicle safely.

Specifically, it detects the distance to pedestrians and other vehicles, lane positions, and provides warnings or control inputs as needed. Combined with advanced image processing technology, it can identify road signs and traffic signals, and estimate pedestrian behavior. Compared to other sensors such as radar and LiDAR, ADAS cameras have the advantage of capturing detailed information about the color and shape of objects.

Uses of ADAS Camera

ADAS cameras are mounted on vehicles for the following purposes:

1. Collision Avoidance

The camera is used for safety checks to prevent collisions. It detects lane deviations and the distance to the vehicle in front. In the event of potential danger, it warns the driver and may activate emergency braking. In addition to compensating for driver oversight, the system can quickly recognize hazardous situations and reduce accident risks.

2. Parking Assistance

The system supports parking and driving in tight spaces. It uses images from the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle to accurately determine distances to obstacles and assist with optimal steering. A major advantage is its ability to help park more safely and smoothly, even in narrow spaces. With wide-angle cameras, it also checks areas that are typically blind spots to prevent unexpected collisions.

3. Advanced Driving Assistance

This system also supports more complex driving maneuvers. It is used for functions such as smooth highway merging and optimal lane positioning. It can also detect road signs and traffic signals, enabling more precise assistive driving through integration with other support functions.

What Is a Soda Filling Machine?

A soda filling machine is used to fill containers, such as plastic bottles, glass bottles, and cans, with carbonated water or carbonated beverages.

Liquids containing carbon dioxide have higher internal pressure than regular drinks, increasing the risk of gas leakage. Soda filling machines allow liquids to be filled into containers while precisely controlling the pressure balance between the liquid and the container. This pressure control ensures consistent quality and helps retain the carbonation’s refreshing sensation.

Since carbon dioxide escapes more easily at higher temperatures, some soda filling machines are equipped with temperature control functions to maintain optimal conditions during filling. To support hygiene, many machines feature structures and components designed for easy cleaning. These machines are often used in high-speed, high-volume production lines.

Uses of Soda Filling Machine

Soda filling machines are used in the following applications:

1. Soft Drinks

Soda filling machines are widely used in soft drink production lines. They accurately fill carbonated liquids into containers of various shapes and sizes, including bottles and cans. By controlling the pressure during filling, these machines reduce the risk of container deformation and excessive foaming, while preserving carbonation. They are essential in high-volume production, where efficiency and quality are critical.

2. Restaurants

Soda filling machines are also used in restaurants that develop original carbonated beverages. For restaurants bottling their own drinks in small batches, these machines help stabilize gas content and taste. This enables restaurants to create unique beverages that differentiate them from competitors.

3. Other Applications

Beyond beverages, soda filling machines may be used for other products that contain carbonation, such as certain condiments or energy drinks. The main advantage of these machines is their ability to fill products while maintaining gas volume and temperature, which is difficult to achieve with standard filling equipment.

What Is a Beer Canning Machine?

A beer canning machine is a device used to fill beer into cans.

Beer tends to lose flavor when exposed to air, so it is important to use a system that minimizes contact with outside air during the filling process. Beer canning machines retain carbon dioxide and reduce oxygen exposure. Additionally, a vacuum is created inside the can to eliminate excess air. These features help preserve the flavor and aroma of the beer for a long time.

The beer canning machine is also equipped with a cleaning solution circulation system to maintain hygiene. Due to the high risk of microbial contamination, thorough cleaning and sterilization are often required. These machines are widely used in both small breweries and large-scale production lines.

Uses of Beer Canning Machine

Beer canning machines are used in the following applications:

1. Large-Scale Brewing

Beer canning machines are used in the mass production of beer. Large-scale production lines require continuous filling of a high volume of cans. Automation is essential to achieve high-speed sealing and to maintain consistent quality by preventing oxygen contamination.

2. Small-Scale Breweries

Beer canning machines are also valuable for small breweries producing craft beer. They are ideal for filling small batches or testing new recipes. Facilities that combine brewing with food and beverage services also benefit from faster service times.

3. Other Carbonated Beverages

The technology is also applicable to other carbonated beverages. Gas management systems used in beer canning machines can be adapted for soft drinks and similar products. This versatility allows businesses to use the same equipment for different types of beverages while switching production lines efficiently.

What Is a Battery Case?

A battery case is a container holding the electrolyte in storage.

It plays a key role in storing electrical energy with electrode plates, separators, and other components. In rechargeable batteries such as lead-acid batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries, chemical reactions caused by the electrolyte enable charge and discharge. The battery case prevents the electrolyte from leaking and protects it from shocks and temperature changes during use.

Materials that are resistant to deterioration from acidic or alkaline electrolytes are typically used. For example, polypropylene is often used in lead-acid batteries due to its excellent acid resistance. Battery cases are also designed with minimal joints to reduce the risk of damage. The interior includes partitions and reinforcement to regulate electrolyte flow and reduce vibration, ensuring stable battery performance.

Uses of Battery Case

Battery cases are used in the following applications:

1. Mobility

Battery cases are used in lead-acid batteries for automobiles, industrial vehicles, and ships. These batteries must provide a stable and continuous power supply for starting engines and powering lights. Since vehicles are subject to vibration and heat, battery cases must be strong and airtight to support long-term use.

2. Emergency Power Supply

Battery cases are also used in emergency power supplies in buildings and communication facilities. To provide stable power during outages, the case must be made from chemically stable materials and have an easy-to-maintain structure. A durable battery case protects the internal environment and improves equipment reliability.

3. Renewable Energy

Battery cases are used to store electricity generated from solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. Because energy must be stored and supplied as needed, durability and safety are critical. Properly designed battery cases suppress deterioration from repeated charging and discharging, enabling efficient energy use. The choice of material and shape depends on the scale and environment, from residential systems to large-scale facilities.

What Is Non-Woven Tape?

Non-woven tape is a type of tape in which a nonwoven fabric is used as a base material and has adhesive coated on one or both sides.

It is widely used due to its flexibility, breathability, and adhesive properties. Key features of non-woven tape include its lightweight, ease of handling, and ability to conform to irregular or curved surfaces. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high adaptability. Additionally, nonwoven fabrics offer excellent air permeability and moisture absorption, making them suitable for medical use and applications where they come in direct contact with the skin. For instance, in the medical field, non-woven tape is used to secure bandages and dressings, ensuring firm adhesion while minimizing skin irritation.

In manufacturing and packaging, non-woven tape provides efficient bonding and fixing. Compared to paper or cloth-based tapes, its lightweight and flexible properties enhance work efficiency and help reduce material costs.

Uses of Non-Woven Tape

Non-woven tape is utilized in various fields, leveraging its flexibility, breathability, and adhesive qualities. Below are its primary applications categorized by industry.

1. Medical and Hygiene

Non-woven tape is commonly used in direct skin applications. In the medical field, it secures bandages, dressings, and instruments during surgical procedures. Its softness and breathability minimize skin irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin and prolonged wear.

2. Construction and Industry

Non-woven tape is employed in construction and industrial manufacturing. It is used to secure waterproof sheets, and insulation materials, and as protective wrapping for piping. Its strong adhesion and durability make it suitable for various environments. It is also used for cable bundling and sheath repairs in electrical work. Its ability to adhere to rough surfaces enhances work efficiency at construction sites.

3. Household and Daily Necessities

Non-woven tape serves as a versatile tool in household applications. It is used to secure protective sheets on furniture, prevent carpets from slipping, and for minor repairs or temporary fixes. Its moderate adhesive strength allows for easy removal without damaging surfaces such as walls or furniture.

4. Packaging and Logistics

Non-woven tape is incorporated into packaging materials, particularly for products requiring breathability. It is useful for securing cardboard and paper products during transportation. Despite its lightweight nature, it offers strong adhesion, ensuring stability against vibrations and friction. Some types can be easily torn by hand, improving work efficiency.

What is Dimensional Metrology Equipment?

Dimensional Metrology Equipment is an instrument or machine used to measure the dimensions of an object.

There are various types of dimensional measuring instruments, ranging from calipers and micrometers that measure by hand to more recent types that can measure dimensions automatically and are non-contact and do not require tools.

Machine-based dimensional measurement has a smaller error margin than human measurement and can measure areas that cannot be measured with calipers and micrometers.

Applications of Dimensional Metrology Equipment

Dimensional Metrology Equipment is used in a variety of fields. Human hand-held measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers are suitable for measuring the size of parts. On the other hand, there are many types of machine-based Dimensional Metrology Equipment, such as image and projection Dimensional Metrology Equipment, which are suitable for measuring the dimensions of products that are difficult to measure by hand because of the time required to do so.

For example, Dimensional Metrology Equipment is used not only for dimensional measurements, but also for total product inspections because of its ability to take measurements in a short period of time. The said measuring instruments can precisely measure the length, width, and phase measurement of grooves machined on shafts.

Specific examples include measuring the journal diameter of crankshafts, the outer diameter of glass tubes, the meandering of sheets, and the outer diameter of wafers. Projected dimensional measuring machines can also measure variations such as elongation and thinning during tensile testing.

Principles of Dimensional Metrology Equipment

There are many machines for measuring dimensions, including calipers, and their principles are diverse. In this section, “Image Dimensional Metrology Equipment” and “Projected Dimensional Metrology Equipment” are explained.

1. Image Dimensional Metrology Equipment

Image Dimensional Metrology Equipment captures an image of the object to be measured at a fixed distance from the image sensor of the measuring instrument. The size of the object to be measured can be determined by integrating the data of the entire image.

Non-contact imaging is possible, and even soft or large objects can be measured. For this reason, it is also used to measure the dimensions of pyramids and other large architectural structures. 2.

2. projection-type Dimensional Metrology Equipment

Projection-type Dimensional Metrology Equipment measures dimensions by shining a distortion-free parallel light on the object to be measured and projecting its silhouette onto a screen in an enlarged image. Since the magnification rate is constant, the original dimensions of the object to be measured can be determined by measuring the dimensions of the magnified image.

The advantages of this non-contact measurement method are that it can measure small and complex shapes. There is also a type that measures from the image of the object to be measured by reflecting illumination from the object to be measured.

Types of Dimensional Metrology Equipment

There are various types of Dimensional Metrology Equipment other than those mentioned above. There are two main types: Mechanical Dimensional Metrology Equipment and Manual Dimensional Metrology Equipment.

1. Mechanical Dimensional Metrology Equipment

There are many types of mechanical Dimensional Metrology Equipment other than “Image Dimensional Metrology Equipment” and “Projected Dimensional Metrology Equipment. This section describes commonly used dimensional detectors other than those mentioned above.

• Laser Displacement Meter
  Laser Displacement Metrology Equipment is a Dimensional Metrology Equipment based on Triangulation. It measures dimensions by irradiating a laser beam onto the object to be measured and detecting the reflected light, and the sensor that detects the reflected light is positioned at an angle to the direction of the laser beam.

  When the reflective surface of the object to be measured is raised or lowered perpendicular to the direction of laser irradiation, the light-receiving surface of the sensor is displaced, allowing measurement of thickness and other parameters based on the difference from the reference surface. In addition to the above-mentioned method based on triangulation, there are also multi-color confocal and confocal methods of laser displacement measurement.

• Laser Transmission Type O.D. Measuring Instrument
  Laser transmission-type O.D. measuring machines are devices that measure dimensions from the projected image of the object to be measured as the laser scans it. The outside diameter is measured by comparing the area where the laser beam is blocked by the object to the area where the laser beam is unobstructed. The most common laser beam irradiation method is a method in which a multi-faceted mirror rotates and reflects the laser beam to form a parallel laser beam.

2.Dimensional Metrology Equipment

Dimensional Metrology Equipment is often used in the field of metalworking.

• Calipers
  Calipers are the easiest to use in metalworking. The object to be measured is clamped between two claws, one on the fixed reference side and the other on the movable measuring side, and measured in 0.05 mm increments.
• Micrometer
  Like the caliper, the micrometer clamps the object to be measured with a dial gauge and measures it. However, micrometers can measure in increments of 0.01 mm and are more precise than calipers.
• Dimensional Metrology Equipment with No Moving Parts
  Dimensional Metrology Equipment without moving parts include pin gauges, limit stopper gauges, block gauges, and gap gauges. These are very precisely machined for a given size and have no moving parts.For example, in the case of a pin gauge, the diameter of the pin is so precisely machined that if the pin can be inserted into the relevant hole, the accuracy of the machining is considered to be maintained.

What Is a Universal Mill?

A universal mill is a milling machine used for the size reduction of a wide variety of materials.

It is designed to efficiently crush materials using rotating blades and impact plates to achieve finer particles. Universal mills are highly versatile and are used in various industries, including food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The term “universal” highlights their ability to process materials with different hardness and viscosity levels.

Particle size, a crucial factor in determining product quality, can be controlled in universal mills by adjusting the rotational speed and milling components. These mills produce uniform powders while preserving the material’s properties, ensuring consistent product quality.

Another advantage of universal mills is their ease of maintenance and parts replacement, allowing stable particle size control while keeping operational costs low. Their high grinding efficiency also leads to shorter operation times and reduced energy consumption. Due to these characteristics, universal mills are widely used in both small-scale research facilities and large-scale production lines.

Applications of Universal Mills

Universal mills are utilized in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. They are essential in both manufacturing and research and development.

1. Food

In the food industry, universal mills grind spices, grains, and other ingredients into fine, uniform powders. For example, finely ground spices enhance aroma release and reduce taste inconsistencies. Milling grains improves their cookability and overall production efficiency.

2. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries

Universal mills are employed in chemical and pharmaceutical processes to pulverize raw materials. Uniformly powdered chemical materials improve solubility and mixing properties. In pharmaceuticals, precise milling ensures the uniform dispersion of active ingredients, making universal mills indispensable for fine particle size reduction.

3. Research and Development

Universal mills are widely used in research and development for prototyping and material analysis. In situations requiring small sample pulverization, they allow precise control over particle size, which is a critical factor in determining product performance. The ability to customize milling conditions makes universal mills valuable tools for experimental studies.

What Is a Milling Plant?

A milling plant is a facility used to process grains and other raw materials into flour.

These plants mill wheat, corn, rice, and raw materials for pharmaceuticals into flour. They manage multiple processes, from pre-processing, such as removal of foreign material and sieving, to milling and product packaging.

Advanced automatic control systems are often implemented to achieve specific objectives, stabilize particle size and production volume, and reduce operator workload. Additionally, modern milling plants are designed to minimize emissions, ensure quality control, and consider hygiene and environmental impact.

Efficient and uniform crushing of raw materials is crucial in milling operations. Mills are equipped with conveyors, crushers, sifters, air classifiers, and other machinery to facilitate the smooth transfer of raw materials through each stage of processing, producing powders of the required size. The integration of multiple devices not only enhances production efficiency but also stabilizes the quality and hygienic conditions of the final product.

Applications of Milling Plants

Milling plants are used in the following applications:

1. Food

One primary application is the production of wheat flour and other cereal flour. Flour is used in bread, noodles, and confectionery, and the accuracy of the milling process significantly affects the final product. Therefore, plants equipped with high-performance milling and sieving machines are utilized. Process optimization, including fine particle size and temperature control, is employed to maximize the flavor and nutritional content of grains. Additionally, milling temperature and humidity are adjusted based on the properties of the raw materials.

2. Chemical

In the chemical industry, milling plants grind raw materials such as pigments and resins. Ensuring a uniform particle size helps stabilize the quality of paints and plastic products. In the pharmaceutical field, milling plants enhance drug absorption efficiency and formulation uniformity by processing active ingredients to a specified fineness. In research and development, small-scale milling plants are often employed for testing and experimentation.

3. Animal Feed

Milling plants are also used in animal feed production. Feed for livestock and farmed fish must be processed into easily digestible forms, with precise adjustments to particle size and moisture content. For example, grains and soybeans are ground into fine powder while retaining their nutrients to produce feed that supports animal health. Another advantage of feed processing is improved transportation efficiency and reduced storage space. In some cases, the processed powder is compressed into a more usable form.