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Machine Vision

What Is Machine Vision?

Machine vision is a technology that uses cameras and sensors to process images and recognize objects and information.

Its operating principle consists of four steps: image acquisition, image processing, feature extraction, and pattern recognition. Machine vision is used in diverse applications, from the manufacturing sectors, such as product inspection, quality control, and robot picking, to logistics sectors, including package sorting, barcode reading, and visual inspection.

Machine vision systems come in various types, including 2D and 3D image processing, and those leveraging deep learning techniques. Their features include high-speed and high-precision recognition, non-contact operation, objectivity, and data digitization. However, when using machine vision attention to lighting conditions, camera performance, and appropriate algorithm selection is necessary.

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Machine Guard

What Is a Machine Guard?

A machine guard is a safety device designed to protect operators from accidents caused by machinery.

It covers the moving parts and hazardous areas of the machine to prevent contact by operators. The operating principles include physical barriers for protection, warning devices to alert of dangers and machine stoppage for safety assurance. Machine guards are used in various machines including machine tools, press machines, shearing machines, conveying machinery, and robots.

There are various types of machine guards such as fixed guards, movable guards, interlocking guards, photoelectric sensors, and laser sensors. They are characterized by improved safety, increased productivity, and cost reduction. In recent years, there have been technological innovations in machine guards, including guards that automatically open and close based on operator movement detection and devices with enhanced interlock functions.

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Lubrication System

What Is a Lubrication System?

A lubrication system is a device designed to smooth machinery operation and reduce friction.

The lubrication system consists of a mechanism that supplies, circulates, and recovers lubricating oil. The operating principle involves supplying lubricating oil to the friction surfaces of the machinery, where it forms a lubricating film to reduce friction. It is then recovered by a circulation system and returned to the supply unit.

Lubrication systems are used in various machines including automobiles, machine tools, industrial machinery, construction equipment, and household appliances. There are different types such as circulating, hydraulic, and grease lubrication systems. The characteristics of lubrication systems include friction reduction, wear prevention, noise reduction, and energy conservation. When using lubrication systems, it is essential to select the appropriate lubricating oil and adjust its viscosity.

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Liquid Filter

What Is a Liquid Filter?

A liquid filter is a device designed to remove impurities from liquids.

Liquid filters are utilized across various industries including food production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical industry, automotive manufacturing, power plants, and more. These devices come in different types such as depth filtration, surface filtration, and membrane filtration, and are chosen based on the size and shape of the impurities. The operating principle involves passing the liquid through the filter to remove impurities. The filtration is carried out as the filter pores become clogged, trapping impurities through methods like depth, surface, or membrane filtration.

The characteristics of liquid filters include impurity removal, prevention of clogging, corrosion prevention, and improvement of energy efficiency. However, when using liquid filters, attention should be paid to filtration precision, processing capacity, and heat and chemical resistance.

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Liquid Chiller

What Is a Liquid Chiller?

A liquid chiller, also known as a water-cooled air conditioner or a cooling circulation unit, is a device that circulates cooling liquid to cool equipment and machinery.

The operating principle of a liquid chiller comprises four main components: the cooling coil, compressor, expansion valve, and evaporator. The compressed cooling liquid from the compressor releases heat through the cooling coil. After reaching a low temperature, the expansion valve causes it evaporates in the evaporator as the pressure drops.

In industrial applications, liquid chillers find use in semiconductor manufacturing, plastic processing, medical equipment, laser processing, food processing, and more. There are two types of liquid chillers available: water-cooled and air-cooled, which can be chosen based on cooling capacity and installation space requirements. The features of liquid chillers include precise temperature control, high cooling capacity, space efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.

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Linear Bearing

What Is a Linear Bearing?

A linear bearing is a mechanical component that guides linear motion.

It facilitates smooth linear motion with low friction using rolling elements such as balls or rollers. The main components consist of rails and blocks, where the rails feature grooves for the rolling elements while the blocks hold the rolling elements in place.

Linear bearings find applications in a wide range of machinery and devices including machine tools, robots, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, medical devices, and packaging machinery. Their characteristics include low friction, high precision, high rigidity, long life, and ease of maintenance. In recent years, advancements in linear bearing technology have led to the development of linear motors capable of simultaneous linear and rotational motion, as well as magnetic linear bearings that reduce friction using magnetic forces.

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Labeling Machinery

What Is Labeling Machinery?

Labeling machinery refers to any equipment that automatically applies labels to products or containers.

Labeling machinery offers improved efficiency compared to manual labor and provides advantages such as reducing human errors and costs. It typically consists of a label supply unit to provide labels, a label detection unit to detect position and orientation, and a label application unit to affix labels to products or containers.

They are widely used in various industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and retail, and come in various types such as pressure-sensitive, pneumatic, static, and robotic. These machines offer high speed and precision, enabling cost savings in labor and ensuring consistent quality. Moreover, advanced labeling machinery utilizing AI and image recognition technology has been developed in recent years, incorporating automatic adjustment and inspection features.

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Investment Casting

What Is Investment Casting?

Investment casting is a manufacturing technique for producing parts with precise shapes and dimensions by pouring materials such as metals or alloys into precise molds.

The molten metal or alloy is injected into the mold under high pressure and then cooled to solidify. During this process, vacuum or pressure may be used to remove air and impurities from the mold. Parts removed from the mold may undergo additional processing or finishing.

The advantages of investment casting include high complexity of shapes, dimensional accuracy, material savings, and short lead times. As a result, it is widely used in manufacturing industrial products and machine parts that require high precision and complex shapes. Additionally, it is suitable for mass production, although the initial cost of mold production is high, mass production can reduce unit costs.

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Injection Molded Plastic

What Is an Injection Molded Plastic?

Injection molded plastic refers to a plastic that has been injected into a mold under high pressure and then cooled to form a specific shape.

The heated plastic material is melted in a specialized injection molding machine and then injected into a mold under high pressure. Subsequently, the material cools and solidifies inside the mold, resulting in the formation of the product. Injection molding allows for the production of various shapes and designs because the product’s shape can be freely modified based on the mold design.

Injection molding enables the production of products with high precision in terms of shape and dimensions due to the high-pressure injection of the material. Moreover, the automated process allows for the manufacture of numerous products in short manufacturing cycle times. Additionally, the use of recyclable materials is possible, making it an environmentally friendly manufacturing method.

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Infrared Heater

What Is an Infrared Heater?

An infrared heater is a device that utilizes electrical energy to emit infrared radiation, thereby warming objects or spaces.

Infrared radiation, an invisible form of electromagnetic wave, directly transfers heat to objects. Infrared heaters typically comprise panel-shaped devices equipped with heating elements made of materials such as quartz glass or carbon fiber. When electricity is supplied to these heating elements, they emit infrared radiation, which is absorbed by objects or spaces, generating heat.

This heating method is considered efficient as it directly warms objects or people without raising the room’s air temperature. Moreover, infrared heaters are generally regarded as having a low fire risk since the heating elements are not exposed.