Automation Technology

Machine Vision plays a central role in automation technology, enabling advanced visual detection and analysis. It finds diverse applications in the manufacturing industry.

One significant application is in-line quality inspection, where products are examined for defects or flaws during the manufacturing process. This spans from identifying surface imperfections to detecting dimensional variations. Thanks to Machine Vision, a hundred percent inspection can be conducted quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Another area is part inspection and identification, especially in industries like automotive and electronics. Machine Vision is used to inspect components, verify serial numbers, recognize barcodes or QR codes, and ensure correct assembly.

Machine Vision in automation technology is not only used for product identification, sorting, or examination but also enables precise and flexible guidance in robotics and pick-and-place applications through visual feedback. For example, parts no longer need to be presented on fixed trays; instead, robots can reliably recognize and pick randomly placed items from a container (“Bin Picking”).

Furthermore, Machine Vision is employed in the production of products through die-casting processes to inspect surface quality and identify irregularities. Infrared and thermal imaging cameras can also monitor the cooling process or the quality of plastic weld seams.

When selecting cameras and lenses for Machine Vision in automation, several crucial criteria need consideration:

Field of View (FOV)

Fundamental, as either a wide FoV might be necessary to monitor multiple components or process steps simultaneously, or a narrow FoV might be required for specific details in precise inspections.

Focal Length

Another crucial factor influencing the camera's zoom factor and essential for capturing clear and detailed images of components or products. In mechanical engineering, variable focal lengths can be advantageous for flexible responses to different distances between the camera and the object.

Aperture Size

The aperture size must be coordinated with the object's lighting and the camera's exposure time to deliver the best possible image quality for the image processing software.

Image Quality

High-quality lenses with high resolution and color accuracy are crucial for precise inspections in automation technology. Image quality directly affects the system's ability to capture fine details and perform accurate analyses.

By carefully weighing these criteria, you can ensure that the chosen lenses meet the specific requirements of your automation processes. This enables an efficient and reliable integration of Machine Vision into your automation technology, contributing to improved production processes and error minimization. With Machine Vision as the driving force for automation technology, our lenses offer advanced solutions for demanding applications in the manufacturing industry.

    • M117FM-RG Series: A reliable choice for automation equipment, with a wide field of view and exceptional resolution of up to 2.4µm pixel pitch. This series is optimal for quality control during the manufacturing process, where surface defects and dimensional variations need to be precisely identified.

    • MA23FM Series: With its high-resolution optics and compact design, perfect for part inspection and identification in the automotive and electronics industries. The improved resolution of up to 8 megapixels allows precise verification of components, serial numbers, and codes.

As an established manufacturer with an impressive history of experience and continuous innovation, Tamron has proven to be a reliable partner in the optical industry. Our optics experts have extensive machine vision experience and can assist you in selecting the right lens for your application.

M117FM-RG Series
MA23FM Series