Applicative Framework for End-to-End AOI Implementation
diversity in terms of both performance and application of the final products . This approach creates risks in material handling due to the similarity of certain components , such an approach enables a series of advantages . Namely , it minimizes the number of component validations and necessary stocks per product type . This section examines a case study of an AOI system installed on a vacuum pump production line to distinguish potential mixes between rotor sub-assemblies due to human error .
The rotor is the main component of the pump whose rotary motion is activated by special belts , or by directly keying it to the camshaft or to the rear of the alternator . Being a component that acts as an interface with the external environment , the rotor is generally difficult to standardize since its design is influenced by specific needs and applications of each customer . In particular , the case study aims at intercepting the positioning of an incorrect rotor in the very early stages of the process before its assembly in the pump to eliminate scrap and reduce waste .
Three different types of products are assembled on the line , each requiring a different type of rotor . These rotors differ from each other in geometry or material . However , since these differences are sometimes minimal , it was necessary to distinguish them by means of small circles present on the metal coupling and highlighted in red in Figure 3-1 .
Figure 3-1 : Rotor subgroup of class A , B and C ( from left to right ).
To address the identification of misplaced rotors , an Automatic Optical Inspection ( AOI ) system is implemented in a standalone material procurement facility and integrated with the production line ( see Figure 3-2 ).
10 March 2022