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  1. pmd Profiler
  2. Applications

Quality assurance in a variety of applications

ifm's pmd profiler does not only verify the presence of an object, but it checks whether the correct component has been used and properly installed. This qualifies it for various applications in the automotive, food and pharmaceutical or plastics industry, as well as in robotics, assembly and handling applications or electrical engineering. The types of applications are generally classified as sortation and orientation, correct and complete assembly, gap control, and processing control.

Sortation and orientation

Error proofing applications

  • Differentiate between parts which are nearly the same
  • Reliably detect and reject bad parts
  • Monitor the correct position of objects during production operation

 

  • Early detection and elimination of error sources
  • Minimize the reject rate in the long term
  • Avoid consequential damage that would have resulted from installation of bad parts

Correct and compete assembly

Assembly appications

  • Check the complete and correct installation of components, including o-rings or screws

 

  • Detect incomplete components and retrofit prior to incurring addtional production costs in future steps
  • Readjust or reject incorrectly installed components

Gap control

Measure assembly for correct gap

  • Ensure fasteners are latched completely
  • Foxus the contour comparison on the relevant profile area

 

  • Detect and correct assemblies prior to incurring addtional production costs in future steps
  • Ensure functunality of the part once it reaches the customer

Sortation and orientation

In any assembly operation the orientation of parts is critical.  This is true for a variety of industries such as automotive, medical and packaging.  The pmd Profiler is checking if the orientation is correct prior to performing another task.  If this is not done correctly then the machine crashes and production stops.

  • Robust on shiny parts like rotary bearings
  • Detailed profile measurement can determine orientation in the medical industry
  • Optimize the performance of a packaging machine by quickly discarding parts with the wrong orientation
  • Sort products based on width or other dimension to enable flexible changeover between models.

Correct and complete assembly

Ensuring parts are in the correct positon prior to welding typically requires vision systems.

The pmd Profiler provides a precise laser line and shows even the slightest misalignment of parts.

  • No challenges due to external light
  • Highly accurate analysis across the entire part
  • Simple Pass/Fail output with easy setup allows for quick installation
  • Reduce rework by detecting errors when they occur
  • Improve product quality by ensuring machined parts are within tolerance
  • Avoid equipment crashes and damage from incorrect processing

If your production line makes multiple assemblies, the OPD101 has onboard memory for up to ten profiles. Simply choose the desired profile remotely via IO-Link or using the pushbuttons to reduce your changeover and setup times.

Gap control

Maintaining the right gap between two sections on a part ensure the right quality and functionality once it is shipped to the customer. The projected laser line makes it easy to position the measurement at the right location. If the gap changes then the matching score on the pmd Profiler will go down. 

  • ROI tool illuminates on to the part during setup mode making it easy to monitor the correct location
  • If the gap increases or decreases, the matching value is not the same as the taught positions so the matching value goes down

If your automated operation did not fully drive a fastener into your part, the OPD101 tells you the difference between where the part should be versus where it actually is. The information is transmitted via IO-Link and provides more information about the quality of your part.