The market leader amongst quality control systems for large-series CFRP production!
WebControl S CarbonFiber combines technological know-how with innovation. Complex image processing and pattern recognition algorithms enable the system to inspect the surface structure of carbon-fiber webs for warp knitting defects, inhomogeneous powder application, incorrect gap width and faulty sintering, etc., ensuring that every single roll of material complies 100% with the customer’s specifications.
The system guarantees complete and reliable surface inspection of web material of about 3.5 m width at speeds of up to 600 m/min.
In the event that the system detects a relevant defect or flaw, the production process is automatically stopped. Traffic lights indicate the defect type. In addition to this, the operator can take a close look at any one of the defects on the screen. PIXARGUS combines the data measured by the various sensors installed at different positions along the production chain into a digital “map”. This enables the operator to see the results within a context, not isolated from one another.
Every roll of web material is shipped with an accompanying report that documents the quality and includes measurement statistics. The system also transmits the digital map online to stacking lines used to remove defective areas of the products. In this way, the customer can make the best possible use of those rolls that are partly out of spec. Thus, material otherwise graded as waste can still be used within a closed material cycle.
PIXARGUS Multi-Camera Sensor Technology
High-performance multi-camera sensors with microscopic resolution are able to highlight any desired characteristic of the highly textured scrim and measure it to within a few microns. Complex image processing and pattern recognition algorithms use even the reflections of the shiny material to make even the smallest irregularities visible and detectable.
User-friendly
Intelligent operator guidance via a 21.5” multitouch screen and a clearly structured cockpit displaying all camera images and parameter settings make for easy and swift operation. Comfortable assistance systems, such as the automatic and simplified lighting control and focusing feature, reduce the set-up effort and eliminate operating errors.
“Big Data” becomes “Quality@ Industry 4.0”
WebControl is Industry 4.0 ready, as it can be intelligently networked via LAN or other interfaces with additional sensors, measuring systems, PDA and ERP systems, and a PLC environment. It interlinks the quality data measured by the sensors and combines them into an integrated data map. Thus, the user can analyze the results within a coherent context and condense “big data” to what is really needed.
Maximum scalability and interaction within a network structure
WebControl is a universal system supplied on a turnkey basis and designed to be switched between various lines as required. It can be scaled up to include additional networked components. This provides a maximum of flexibility and security of investment. Simply install the computer safely in the server room and place all the camera and sensor equipment in the line – scalability can be that easy!
Compact. Robust. Made in Germany.
The housing and wiring of the system have been designed specifically for service under most severe conditions. Thus they easily cope even with high mechanical stress. Tried and tested materials, ergonomic design and precision engineering guarantee longevity and provide security of investment.
DDM Module (DefectDensityManagement)
Checks the out-of-spec rate according to rules defined based on defect density and defect size.
Optical inline inspection systems have reached a high standard in detecting and classifying surface defects on profiles. However, the contextual evaluation of defects, which includes establishing logical relationships between defect criteria, has so far remained in the grey area.
In numerous specifications, especially those set up by automotive producers, the “ship or block” decision depends on OR-operations. A customer may reject a profile, for example, if over a specified length of the product there is one severe defect or one medium defect plus several small defects.
The Defect Density Management solution, however, weights every single surface defect and sums up the obtained values over a specified length of the product. The inspection system sends out a signal as soon as the value exceeds a defined threshold. The signal can be used to mark out-of-spec sections of profiles or control downstream cutting and sorting equipment.
Shiny Surface
Inspects high-gloss surfaces, as of chrome trims. Ideal also for curved surfaces.
What enhances the interior of vehicles or the appearance of stylish household appliances may become a real challenge in quality inspection. High-gloss chrome trims may give objects a dazzling appearance in the true sense of the word. The extremely intensive light reflection makes it very difficult to discern defects on the shiny surface.
To solve this problem, Pixargus’ Shiny Surface module casts structured light onto the high-gloss material surfaces. The pattern of light showing on the surface of the profile suppresses reflection while creating transitions of brightness that allow even extremely small scratches, bubbles or dents to be detected most reliably.
The system follows the exact contour of the product and inspects it over its entire width. The field of vision can be modulated so as to also enable the inspection of curved metal trims.
Saw Control
Cuts your product to the correct length and cuts out defects with minimal waste.
With its Saw Control module, Pixargus makes cutting-to-length an integrated part of quality control in profile production.
The Saw Control software performs two basic functions. On the one hand, it sets the cutting intervals for the shear. If set at, let’s say, one meter, profiles graded as
defect-free by the quality control system will be continuously cut to this length and discharged from the conveyor belt as ready-to-pack products.
However, in the event that ProfilControl 7 has detected a flaw in the product, Saw Control instantly causes the shear to make an extra cut in real time to remove just the out-of-spec part from the profile.
This minimizes waste and saves time. Thanks to the Saw Control module, out-of spec portions of profiles can be sorted out much faster because the operators immediately recognize them as a short length comes along.
| Measured object | CFRP webs |
|---|---|
| Measuring field | from 20 to 3.500 mm or more |
| Resolution | ≥ 10 μm |
| Measuring accuracy | < 10 μm (0,01 % of the field of view) |
| Line speed | ≤ 20 m/min |
| Camera module | GigE CMOS cameras |
| Lighting | High-capacity LED line lighting segment |
| Unit size (mm) | depending on application |
| Other specifications | See data sheet (pdf) |
