Machine vision is the new must have technology for improving automated handling and processing but there are many misconceptions about what it can do, and how it is most effectively used.
Now SICK UK, has published an essential guide Introduction to Machine Vision to provide engineers with insight into best practice applications and is offering free hands on workshop sessions in its new Machine Vision test studio at its St Albans headquarters. The next workshop is scheduled for Wednesday 1 July.
Machine vision is undoubtedly the future across all sectors of industry from automated packaging and food processing to warehouse and storage, says David Hannaby, SICK's Machine Vision specialist. Yet some plant engineers are worried about committing to it, and others have unsubstantiated ideas about its capabilities and how far it can be integrated with a plant-wide Distributed Control System.
"There are many different types and capabilities of machine vision, from 3D laser imaging to simple photo-electric sensing. It's important to be able to work out what you actually need before committing to spend. Additionally, there are lots of concepts with complicated initials (What are initials?) being tossed about, and finding out what these really mean in terms of plant and processing requirements could save you a lot of misunderstandings."
SICK's hands-on one-day training package for small classes are for design and production engineers to get up to speed with the latest in machine vision technology and its implications. They will provide knowledge and confidence boosting insight into machine vision applications, and are tested and certificated to demonstrate the worth of the sessions.
Supporting these is the SICK An Introduction to Machine Vision manual, which provides a ready reference to the world of machine vision and a benchmark against which to evaluate needs and systems in the real world.
For a free copy of An Introduction to Machine Vision and more information on the SICK machine vision systems and seminars, contact: Ann Attridge or Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email ann.attridge@sick.co.uk or Andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk.