MACHINE VISION SYSTEMS FEATURE A view from the UKIVA
Direct part marking and identification (DPMI) technology has evolved, says Ian Alderton, chairman, UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA)
T
here are over 3,000 companies involved in the UK automotive sector, ranging from many of the
world’s major vehicle manufacturers including BMW Group, Ford, Vauxhall, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Toyota to the supply chain that feeds into these manufacturers. According to a report published by KPMG in association with the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), entitled: ‘The UK Automotive Industry and the EU’, automotive accounts for 10 percent of the UK’s trade in goods, with suppliers adding £4.8 billion in added value, with the sector as a whole turning over £60.5 billion in 2013.
Further figures released by the SMMT in January 2015 indicated a 1.2 percent growth in UK car manufacturing in 2014 which equates to a car being produced every 20 seconds. Many UKIVA members have reported sales of vision systems into this vibrant sector for a variety of applications.
which can lead to unreliability and low read rates. However, recent enhancements in code reading cameras and lighting, with economies of scale driving down pricing, means that direct part marking and identification (DPMI) is now becoming a more cost- effective and robust technology. Decoding algorithms in camera based barcode
readers for DPM codes are improving all the time, especially for the reading of damaged, poorly marked or difficult to read codes with inconsistent lighting with the result that 99 percent plus read rates are now possible. In addition, trending metrics can be used to monitor a quality grade of the code and therefore flag up if that grade is deteriorating in order to take corrective measures before the code becomes unreadable.
“Using vision
DIRECT PART IDENTIFICATION One area of vision technology that is showing an interesting development is that of direct part identification. For some time, traceability and quality control of parts has been carried out using 2-D Data Matrix direct part marked (DPM) codes. These are normally laser-etched or dot- peened onto the component, providing an almost indestructible code to survive a life that a traditional barcoded label would not survive. Using vision systems to read these codes, key
systems to read codes, key components such as differential gears, clutches, transmission case, houisngs, valve bodies can be traced throughout the production process”
COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKING Another key factor for modern day automation in the automotive sector is communication and networking. DPMI readers now have Ethernet industrial protocols enabling it to be connected directly onto the factory network. Dedicated communication interfaces for leading robot and PLC manufacturers are also available. So with the UK automotive industry seeing the benefits of automation, traceability and quality control, the use of DPMI
within the marketplace is expected to continue to grow throughout the complete supply- chain. Anyone interested in these developments in this technology can
contact the UKIVA for more information.
components such as differential gears, clutches, transmission case, housings, valve bodies etc. can be traced throughout the production process. In addition, engine components, such as pistons, cylinder head, engine block, CAM shaft, and crank shaft can be traced throughout the manufacturing and distribution processes. In spite of the obvious benefits of this ‘cradle to grave’ tracking, some manufacturers have refrained from investing in this technology due to the inherent high cost and factors such as shiny surfaces, curved surfaces, rough finishes and dirt or oil contamination
UKIVA
www.ukiva.org T: 020 8773 8111
/AUTOMATION
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