In-Process Measurement in Manufacturing Processes

Conventional quality control procedures are performed after workpieces are manufactured. If the workpiece dimensions are outside of the desired tolerance range quality control, the workpiece gets rejected. This not only influences the cost, lead time and energy used to manufacture it but has long-lasting environmental effects as well. This paper proposes a design of real-time metrology inspection technique which is performed during the manufacturing process. In-process measurement provides a real-time quality control check of the product during the manufacturing process. With the integration of machine vision technology, implementation of in-process measurement in the manufacturing sector can be accomplished. Using camera calibration and image processing technology, real-time metrology operation can be performed during the manufacturing process. By performing real-time inspection operation, quality control can be merged with the manufacturing process phase which provides high-quality cost-effective product, increases the productivity and saves time.