High reliability and repeatability in harsh machine environments have always been two of our key design parameters. ABB continuously invests in new developments that hold high potential for increased system usability and return on investment for our customers.
Compact architecture
The Surface Imaging system design is unique. Use of smart digital cameras eliminates the need of separate off-machine signal processing cabinets and multiple runs of cabling from each camera. Defect information and images are transferred to the operator station via fiber optic link for fast, noise free transmission of data. The use of fiber optic cable also provides higher flexibility in placing the system components since there are no distance limitations as compared to conventional wiring. The compact system design provides:
- Lower installation and maintenance costs
- Minimized space requirements
- Higher system reliability.
Smart digital sensors
The smart sensor design integrates all signal processing to the camera level. The unique design enables pixel-to-pixel compensations to maintain a rock steady baseline video for reliable and repeatable measurement. These automatic and transparent compensations are continuously made to compensate against e.g. ambient temperature changes.
The smart sensor design houses also the highest processing power available for surface inspection. The high capacity enables processing of all information with high 12-bit resolution to find even the smallest and subtlest defects from your process.
Automatic light intensity control
The Surface Imaging light source is automatically controlled to ensure reliable and repeatable measurement regardless of ageing of lamps, dust build up or changes in surface reflectance.
Constant light level provides accurate detection and classification of defects over time. It means that the operators can use more time to make high quality strip and less time retuning and resetting parameters after changes occur.
Empowered operators
All operation, engineering and configuration concerning the Surface Imaging system can be performed through the single PC interface. User-friendly displays allow operators quickly access all relevant defect data. All displays are carefully designed in co-operation with the metal industry to provide the information in most useful form to the operators and engineering people.
The Surface Imaging is based on Microsoft operating environment. The system is designed to integrate easily to your mills existing systems to bridge the gap between the different process stages.