I am a new QM in a sheet metal fabrication industry. When I first started I remember working with a vision system that was like a big copy machine, it checked the parts like a scanner. We are looking at buying a vision system to check flat parts, but the one that is currently being recommended is basically a non-contact CMM. Does anyone have any recommendations on what might be easier or cheaper? I am looking for a bed size around 36" by 36". Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Hi JD,

It really boilds down on what you are trying to "detect" with the vision system. For example, we are using ours to insure componentry is there as well as checking on orientation of certain tubes. We compared a National Instruments model as well as a Banner system. We chose the NI model for adaptability and ease of programming.

Do a web search for National Instruments and Banner Engineering for some helpful hints. I'd post the url, but I'm not quite high enough on my post count yet;)

I am a new QM in a sheet metal fabrication industry. When I first started I remember working with a vision system that was like a big copy machine, it checked the parts like a scanner. We are looking at buying a vision system to check flat parts, but the one that is currently being recommended is basically a non-contact CMM. Does anyone have any recommendations on what might be easier or cheaper? I am looking for a bed size around 36" by 36". Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Hi jdtrixler and congrats on your first post!

I also work in the sheet metal industry. We use FabriVision for flat part inspections on first piece approvals off the punch press. I believe that their new unit is laser based, but without improvement in accurancy. We have had our unit for about 8 years, without too many major issues. The unit is designed to be used on the shop floor, and it works fine in that enviroment. I don't know what the accuracy of other vision systems. Fabrivision has only +-.002. If you are running FabriWin for punch press programming, all that is required is a download of the part file - no programming by shop or inspection personel required.

Hope this helps a bit!

welcome to the cove!

I've worked with scanner type device called a Romidot.
http://www.romidot.com/romidot/home.asp
I used the Romishape DT and used it in vinyl extrusion to check the profile dimensions.
The Romishape is smaller than 36x36, but I think they make bigger models.

Nice tool.

JD,

I have been around sheet metal fabrication and stamping for over 25 years. FabriVision and Virtek (http://www.virtek.ca/products_inspection_LaserQC.asp) are the two I am familiar with. The FabriVision we had was like a scanner, but it was pretty slow. The Virtek is a laser setup and much faster, but had some problems with the thicker plate.

If I recall, the Virtek was the least expensive. Hope this helps!

FabriVISION is the one that I had used in the past, thanks. I am getting quotes and info from all of the suggestions that have been posted. Thank you all for your help. Most of our tolerances (most features ±.060) will be fine with an accuracy of ±.002, so that should not matter. We are mainly looking to be able to check more parts to ensure that our laser is not having any issues, and that the programs were copied properly.

I have been using a Micro-Vu video measurement system for about 8 years checking tool and die sections and components. Some tolerances are as tight as +or- .0001 in. It has a work envelope of 24x18x12 in. and is programmable.
Cost was about 45K eight years ago. I am very satisfied with performance, realibility, support, and ease of operation.