OCR System for Turbocharger Guide Vanes

Dual Camera System Detects Nest Numbers on Miniature Components

The Challenge

In the production of turbocharger guide vanes, reliable identification and traceability of miniature components are essential for maintaining quality standards. To reliably identify each component, an inspection was required to read and verify nest numbers and fonts on miniature turbocharger guide vanes using OCR technology. The components presented several challenges due to their reflective metallic surfaces and the constrained installation environment within the production line.

Because the marking field could not be captured optimally from a single perspective, a conventional camera setup was insufficient. In addition, the reflective surfaces required specially adapted illumination to ensure stable image acquisition and accurate OCR results.

The customer also required a compact, ready-to-integrate inspection solution capable of operating reliably in automated production.

The Solution

senswork implemented a customized OCR inspection system using two Cognex In-Sight 8000 smart cameras integrated into a senswork VisionUnit. By combining a dual camera setup with mirror deflection and specially designed lighting, the system was able to capture the marking area from optimized viewing angles despite the limited installation space.

ROI Calculator

Discover the potential cost savings of robotic automation over a 20-year system life

This calculator compares your current manual labor costs against the total cost of owning and operating a robotic system over its 20-year lifespan.

EXPLORE TODAY

The VisionUnit is a compact machine vision platform that combines all required inspection components into a single ready-to-install unit. Its modular architecture enabled seamless integration of the cameras, mirror deflection, and lighting technology while maintaining a compact footprint within the production line.

Customer Benefits

The implemented OCR solution provides reliable reading of part numbers on turbocharger guide vanes, even under challenging industrial conditions. The dual camera concept with mirror deflection ensures optimal image acquisition where conventional systems would reach their limits.

The specially adapted illumination enables stable inspection results on reflective metallic surfaces, while the smart camera integration supports fast and efficient inline inspection.

By automating the OCR verification process, the customer benefits from increased process reliability, improved traceability, reduced manual inspection effort, and enhanced overall production quality.

To read more about quality automation in the automotive industry, learn more here.