On-line control of a manufacturing cell using visual inspection

Abstract

Abstract The paper describes a manufacturing cell to dispense adhesives automatically. Adhesives have been used in a number of structurally-bonded joints and manufacturing applications. However, the need to have high-integrity structurally-bonded adhesive joints throughout industry is increasing. In order to ensure process integrity, strict process control of the automated dispensing cell is essential. This paper describes an automated cell which consists of a six-axis robot, a dispensing system, and a single axis linear table. The dispensed adhesive is controlled through a closed loop control system by using a vision system as a feedback signal. A laser 'line of light' is used as part of a vision system to monitor on-line, the bead parameters. These measurements are fed back to the controller for necessary adjustment to ensure that the bead stays within the required size