Increasing productivity and efficiency in visual inspections

Production planning for visual control with FlexiVision 100

The role of the production planner is to deliver the required output on time and in the specified quality. All production steps must be geared toward this. Any delay in the production process results in unwanted cost increases. In this document, we show you how to improve visual inspection in the manufacturing process to avoid delays.

Tip no.1: Regular training for visual inspectors

The quality of visual inspection depends both on the use of appropriate equipment and the expertise of the visual inspector. The better trained the inspector, the more reliable their inspections and the more components they will inspect per shift. Besides adherence to the inspection instructions and knowledge of NOK and OK parts, inspectors should also be experts in the equipment being used. This ensures that they are able to work as efficiently as possible. All visual inspectors should know the following five basics about the FlexiVision 100.

Tip no. 2: Equipment quick check

Following an inspector shift change, a change of inspection part, or probe replacement, it is common for users to change the settings of the FlexiVision 100 inspection system. This could mean that the contrast or brightness is not appropriate for the current probe and inspection part. Instead of continuing to work with a suboptimal inspection image, the inspector can use the quick check to recalibrate. The quick check, which could be kept in the immediate vicinity of the equipment or included in the inspection instructions, provides the visual inspector with a handy checklist that permits, in only a few steps in most cases, the optimal configuration of the equipment for its current application.

Tip no.3: Optimize the inspection procedure

Optimize the inspection procedure for the visual inspector. This includes, for example, using the advanced functions of the equipment. The color enhancement option, for instance, helps to highlight deviations in components, making them easier to detect. The split screen function allows reference images of NOK parts to be placed directly on screen, which the visual inspector can use to compare with the current visual inspection. The inspector then knows exactly which defects to look out for, leading to an increased output.

You will find these and other tips for improving the test procedure here.