Light Source inspects web surfaces for faults.
Press Release Summary:
Based on high pressure sodium vapor lamp technology, Opsis LightRanger(TM) light source provides high intensity (100,000 lux at 4 ft), with uniform 2 in. illumination line across entire web. System neutralizes effects of web bounce, and lamp life is estimated at 40,000 hours. LightRanger, combined with Web Ranger(TM) surface inspection system, detects broken strands and ticks in non-woven web applications.Original Press Release:
Linear Light Source: A Breakthrough in Surface Inspection
SAN DIEGO, CA--February 1, 2002--One of the most challenging aspects of surface inspection system design is to illuminate a wide material which is being inspected with sufficient light intensity so that flaws can be detected with a high level of confidence. This is especially true for material moving at high speeds, such as in large webs. Paper, plastic and fabric are examples of materials where the production process involves web handling. Many variables must be considered in lighting design such as web width, defect size and type, web speed, color and ambient light. Commercially available light sources such as fluorescent lamps and halogen lamps are adequate for some applications but have a relatively short life and low intensity and cannot be operated at 50/60 Hz, standard power line frequencies. A specialized light source is required.
Wintriss Engineering Corporation in San Diego has recently announced their Opsis LightRanger(TM) light source that provides the breakthrough improvements needed for these difficult detection environments. Based on high pressure sodium vapor lamp technology, the LightRanger(TM) provides high intensity (100,000 lux at 4 feet), with a uniform 2 inch illumination line across an entire web, making hard-to-detect flaws visible to machine vision detection system. Because of the relatively wide light band produced, the LightRanger(TM) light source also offers the additional advantage of neutralizing the effect of web bounce.
In addition to the detection advantages, the LightRanger(TM) provides a lower cost, more reliable lighting solution when compared to fiber optic, fluorescent or incandescent based systems. Optical feedback directly from the high pressure sodium lamp to the 60 kHz lamp power supply ensures absolute stability of incident light throughout the estimated 40,000 hour lamp life.
Wintriss has combined the LightRanger(TM) light source with its Web Ranger(TM) surface inspection system on several recent installations with spectacular results. According to Chief Technology Officer Chris Kiraly, previously undetectable flaws such as broken strands and ticks in a non-woven web application were reliably detected using a multi-camera Web Ranger(TM) configuration with the LightRanger(TM) light source.
