PreML has introduced a modular plug-and-play inspection system that integrates AI software, edge computing, and IDS uEye XC cameras. This innovative solution is aimed at enhancing visual quality inspection processes across various industries, allowing for rapid and intuitive inspections without necessity for image processing expertise.
The growing demand for efficient, precise, and cost-effective quality control is evident in sectors such as automotive, mechanical engineering, and electronics manufacturing. These industries frequently deal with a variety of components, challenging conditions, and limited time for complex system integrations.
PreML’s inspection solution simplifies these requirements by providing a user-friendly, quickly integrable system, even for those lacking image processing knowledge. The modular design caters to applications in electronic assemblies, plastic parts, and more. The solution comes as a complete kit, including a camera, lighting, edge computing, and pre-installed software, offering an authentic plug-and-play experience.
Central to this system is the IDS uEye XC industrial camera. With a 13-megapixel sensor and autofocus capabilities, it ensures sharp, detailed images in various scenarios such as fluctuating component heights and diverse surfaces.
In operation, the preML Vision Lab software enables the uEye XC camera to automatically inspect objects like plastic dowels for discrepancies. Users can create, manage, and assess test models in real-time on the device. A practical implementation is seen in electronics manufacturing, where TOP Thomas Preuhs GmbH applies the system to evaluate printed circuit boards assembled manually.
This approach pairs robust camera technology with AI-based models, streamlining automation with minimal user intervention. The uEye XC mirrors the usability of a webcam while offering industrial-level reliability. Installation requires just one cable, which is a significant advantage in dynamic manufacturing environments. The AR1335 sensor from onsemi within the camera captures high-resolution images, complements automatic focusing, and adapts to changing lighting conditions.
Jürgen Hejna, Product Manager 2D Machine Vision at IDS, remarks, “The uEye XC is designed for users who require reliable image quality without significant integration effort. The autofocus camera automatically focuses and enables perfect distance adjustment.” A quick-change macro lens allows for close-range precision inspections of intricate structures, while features such as digital zoom and auto white balance bolster detail examinations.
The system is equipped with a compact edge computing unit that functions autonomously and does not require an internet connection, making it suitable for isolated production settings. The pre-installed preML Vision Lab software, operating as a no-code web application, facilitates test model training and execution without programming expertise. It allows for rapid adaptation to new products, demonstrated by TOP GmbH & Co. KG’s use for inspecting printed circuit boards in varied environments.
Manufacturing firms increasingly demand systems that negate the need for external specialists due to the rising flexibility and independence in the market. PreML’s modular system meets these needs by offering adaptability, reducing costs and implementation time. This system paves the way for future innovations, such as integrating into robotics and automation solutions to further enhance testing processes and fully automate them.
