Company insight Automated vision
odern vision systems combine high-resolution cameras with advanced software algorithms to inspect components and determine whether they meet predefined quality criteria. By automatically identifying defects, dimensional variations, or assembly errors, these systems ensure that only compliant goods proceed in production. Unlike manual inspection, automated vision systems deliver consistent, repeatable results. They eliminate the risk of human fatigue and subjectivity, making them valuable in highly regulated medical device environments where reliability is paramount.
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Beyond inspection: vision- guided process control
While quality control remains the primary application, vision technology is increasingly used to optimise manufacturing processes. For example, vision-guided robots can precisely identify the position and orientation of components for automated handling and assembly. High-precision imaging can also calculate optimal welding positions for extremely fine wires and delicate components. In these applications, vision systems actively contribute to process control, helping manufacturers improve accuracy, efficiency, and overall equipment performance.
Advanced imaging for greater accuracy
The effectiveness of any vision system depends on image quality. Consistent lighting and clear contrast are critical for accurate decision-making. To overcome common inspection challenges, manufacturers increasingly use on-the-fly imaging techniques, where individual parts are inspected during transfer rather than in groups, to ensure consistent lighting conditions for every component and delivers more reliable results.
www.medicaldevice-developments.com Cap inspection with multi-colour light.
Another important technology is computational imaging. By combining multiple images and advanced data processing techniques, manufacturers can extract more information from a product. This improves defect detection and enables more accurate quality decisions.
Detecting and classifying critical defects
Medical devices often require more sophisticated inspection criteria than a simple pass-or-fail assessment. Advanced vision systems can differentiate between defect types, assess their severity, and apply customised acceptance criteria. Advanced medical products such as diagnostic cartridges or microfluidic devices present additional challenges. These devices contain intricate channels and sealed compartments that must remain isolated from one another. Even minor defects in a weld or seal can compromise performance and product integrity. AI is further expanding these capabilities. AI-powered vision solutions
can classify defect categories, distinguish acceptable variations from critical faults, and support increasingly complex inspection requirements.
Collaborative development for optimal results
Mikron has been developing vision systems for more than 20 years, combining expertise in automation, imaging, and software engineering. The most successful solutions are developed in close collaboration with customers, ensuring that inspection criteria, process requirements, and regulatory expectations are fully understood from the outset. As medical device production continues to evolve, automated vision systems will play an increasingly important role in helping manufacturers achieve higher quality standards, stronger process control, and greater confidence in every product delivered to patients. ●
www.mikronautomation.com 41
systems for robust quality and process control
As devices become more complex and quality expectations increase, Mikron Automation looks at how automated vision systems are helping medical device manufacturers achieve enhanced quality assurance and process control.
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