Since automotive manufacturing is so highly automated, it makes sense that this industry was an early adopter of machine vision technology. Automotive manufacturers and their suppliers haven’t put their vision solutions on cruise control, however, as they continually seek easier, faster, and less expensive ways to obtain 100-percent inspection.

Cummins China, a supplier to the Chinese automotive market and part of the global powerhouse that designs, manufactures, distributes, and services engines and related technologies, had been using a well-known brand of machine vision system for many years to ensure that engine subassemblies were put together properly. Although the system performed as required, engineers at Cummins China were unhappy with the machine vision supplier’s service and with the expense of the solution. As a result, the company replaced its old system with an iNspect vision solution from DALSA.

Inspection challenges

 …