Next-generation 3D vision system powered by AI
PC-based 3D vision system for complex, high-speed tasks
3D laser displacement sensors for high-speed, high-resolution inspection, guidance, and measurement
Reliable 3D vision for assembly, measurement, and robotic guidance tasks
What is a 3D machine vision camera?
What are the benefits of using 3D machine vision systems?
Unparalleled accuracy
Capture depth information for more precise automation.
Increased quality control
Detect variable defects and anomalies for higher product quality.
Enhanced productivity
Speed up production with fast image processing.
Cost reduction
Save money by automating complex inspections.
Optimized logistics and warehousing
Estimate shipping costs and improve storage usage and inventory management by measuring the dimensions and volumes of packages.
How do 3D machine vision cameras work?
There are two main types of 3D cameras: area scan and line scan. The difference lies in how the image is acquired.
Area scan cameras capture an image in a single frame. These cameras are suited for applications where the objects are stationary, fixed in size, and relatively uniform in shape. By contrast, line scan cameras build images line-by-line and require motion to build the image. This makes them ideal for inspecting cylindrical parts and continuous materials, like paper, wood, or rubber.
In addition to line scan and area scan cameras, laser profilers are another technology used to solve 3D machine vision applications. They inspect height and other 3D profile data by capturing an object's shape from above. Laser profilers can operate without external lighting and generate reliable profile measurements without being affected by color differences, patterns, and other characteristics of the target object.
What’s the difference between 2D and 3D vision systems?
2D machine vision creates a flat two-dimensional map that represents the image target. Analysis software can then find patterns or shapes, inspect specific areas of interest, or measure distances. They typically need highly controlled environments with a fixed viewpoint and lighting that creates high contrast and avoids shadows. 2D systems are commonly used for applications like defect detection, optical character recognition (OCR), and assembly verification.
In contrast, 3D machine vision captures depth information of the image target as well, generating a three-dimensional map or point cloud for analysis. This makes 3D vision useful for tasks where shape information is critical, or where the environment is more dynamic. 3D machine vision works well with objects that can vary in size and shape, like food, welds, metals, and more.
3D Machine Vision Applications
Inspection and quality control
3D machine vision is widely used in manufacturing for quality control. It inspects materials for defects such as dents or scratches and assesses the severity of those defects. 3D vision systems also ensure proper assembly and verify dimensions of target objects in real time to automate production processes, significantly reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
Robotic guidance
3D machine vision cameras help robots “see.” By providing real-time 3D mapping of the environment, these cameras help robots navigate safely, interact with objects, and execute complex tasks autonomously. This combination of machine vision and robotics transforms industries by reducing manual intervention and minimizing human errors.
Object recognition and location
3D object location helps find parts on a production line, ensuring they’re correctly oriented and positioned for the next stage of the manufacturing process. In assembly operations, 3D vision systems make sure that parts are properly aligned before they are joined or assembled. This reduces errors and increases the efficiency of the process.
Logistics and warehouse automation
3D machine vision cameras accurately measure the dimensions of packages and determine their volume. This data allows logistics providers to improve the efficiency of their sorting operations and optimize the usage of storage space, leading to streamlined warehousing and improved inventory management.
Take your quality control to the next dimension
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