Getting quality control information at production speed is crucial. Using a Gocator, a couple of measurements, and a simple script, it's easy to get accurate, repeatable information without having to slow your produce line down.

Read Application

In his article Auto Lightweighting Gains Traction with Quality Control, Rick Sloop, Director of International Technical Services, InfinityQS International, Inc. discusses automotive lightweighting–– the emerging practice of using lighter components and advanced materials in the automotive manufacturing process, in order to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) fuel efficiency requirements set to take effect in 2025.

Sloop’s article sheds light on the unique set of challenges lightweighting poses to automotive quality control. Most importantly, the introduction of new, lighter part materials with different tolerances and behavioural properties means automotive manufacturers need greater visibility into the supply chain to ensure parts meet strict assembly tolerances.

The Solution: Quality Control Hubs

Many automotive manufacturers have turned to enterprise quality control hubs as a way of overcoming the challenges of automotive lightweighting. These hubs run on Statistical Process Control (SPC) engines that allow for the introduction of more statistically valid methodologies of part inspection on the manufacturing floor.

Furthemore, as cloud-based platforms, quality control hubs provide centralized access to real-time manufacturing intelligence culled from different locations of the supply chain. This gives technicians increased insight into and control over the entire quality control process. Real-time data and analysis acquired from different locations means tighter verification that new lightweight parts, sourced from a wide network of suppliers, are fully compliant before arriving at the plant for assembly.

3D Smart Sensors: Supplying Critical Datastreams To Quality Control Hubs

Quality control hubs require a steady diet of measurement data to feed their statistical process control, trending and analysis. 3D smart sensors supply these critical datastreams; delivering high-density measurement data on all variety of car part shapes and sizes, at high speed and with micron accuracy. This means 3D smart sensors are the key technology for ensuring automotive supply chains consistently meet strict manufacturing requirements. 

3D Smart Sensors:  Ideal For Seamless Browser-Based Integration

The importance of 3D smart sensors to automotive quality control goes beyond simple 3D data acquisition. They also provide browser-based sensor configuration and the ability to deliver data via ethernet using various industrial communication protocols (e.g. TCP, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, ASCII, digital output), which allows them to interface directly with PCs, robots and PLCs on the factory floor. 

This connectivity makes 3D smart sensors uniquely suited for easy integration into cloud-based quality control hubs –– forming a more "interconnected" 3D inspection system that is able to handle the scanning and verification of many indvidual parts sourced from an array of suppliers.

The Benefits for Automotive Quality Control

Armed with in-depth, easy-access 3D datastreaming consolidated from every location of the supply chain, automotive manufacturers are able to verify that new lighter weight materials are compliant while minimizing downtime, maximizing the fuel efficiency and overall product quality of their vehicles, reducing environmental impact and building customer satisfaction in the long run.

Does your organization use 3D Smart Sensors in combination with quality control hubs? How have you found these technologies interact? Share your comments and stories with us!

LMI Technologies is pleased to announce that effective February 18, 2015 ongoing repair and upgrade support for the DynaVision B16-series (B16VP/B1600) sensors will now be handled directly by Scan Solutions, our sensor service partner. Scan Solutions has been repairing these sensors since November 15, 2013 and is authorized and endorsed by LMI Technologies to service these products.

As of February 18, 2015: 

• All RMA requests, Purchase Orders and other related documentation for B16 series service and repairs are to be sent directly to Scan Solutions (see contact information below).
• Invoicing for repairs and service will come directly from Scan Solutions.
• All B16-series sensors are to ship directly to Scan Solutions for repair and service.

Important Addresses, Contacts, Phone numbers

Dear chroma+scan 2015B, 2025B and 2045B Customers,

We've officially released FlexScan3D version 3.3.4.x. The release includes several improvements that continue to optimize the HDI 3D scanning workflow.

Key Improvements Included In FlexScan3D 3.3.4.x:

Line Tolerance and Size Threshold For Markers

The line tolerance and size of markers can now be adjusted via advanced settings. This provides the user with more flexible and more robust marker detection.

Unicode File Naming Support

International customers can now enter unicode (non ASCII characters) in filenames and paths, allowing them to benefit from a fully localized Operating System that supports native language file names and paths for their FlexScan3D projects.

Support For Upcoming LMI Rotary Table

FlexScan3D 3.3.4.x provides native driver support for the Moons’ stepper motor used in the new, soon-to-be-released rotary table from LMI –– a quieter and more reliable table than previous models.

Clip to Field-of-View (FOV) Setting

Users can now clip any data outside of the field-of-view to the scanner specifications, instead of to the full calibrated range. This allows for more precise control of the scanner's FOV when incorporating the device into larger systems.

FlexScan3D Available Exclusively with HDI Scanners

FlexScan3D 3.3.4.x is only available with LMI’s HDI product line. To learn more about FlexScan3D’s features and benefits, visit http://lmi3d.com/products/flexscan3d.

3D Sensors Enhance Food Container Quality Control

Containers for food products must meet rigorous dimensional requirements (particularly on sealing areas) to ensure products are not exposed to external contaminants. Inspection requirements are further complicated by container manufacturing rates of thousands per hour.

At these production rates, sampling inspection procedures cannot provide a 100% guarantee that every container produced meets specifications. In these types of demanding inspection conditions optical and laser-based measurement sensors often provide the only solution to 100% product quality control.

3D sensors have been implemented in a number of container inspection applications to streamline measurements, provide higher product quality and lower costs. 3D sensors build on more commonly known 2D sensors, and differ physically only in the form of illumination used. In 2D sensing, area illumination is used, while in 3D sensors structured light is used to provide depth measurements. Some 3D sensors even have built-in ability to provide synchronized 2D information, useful in certain applications requiring unique part location or bar code tracking.

Contrary to common thinking, today’s 3D sensors are much easier to implement than before. For example, smart all-in-one solutions have scanning, measurement and control functions built right into the device. These sensors take simplicity to a whole new level because they don't require complex cabling, external controls, or PCs. What's more, these sensors are truly "smart" because they require no additional software — all measurement tools are configured by a simple browser agnostic web server in the sensor's processor.

Where is 3D Most Useful?

The many applications of 2D sensing in container inspection, such as length, width, height, and position measurement, as well as pattern recognition and code reading are well understood. Successful implementation of these 2D applications requires appropriate access to the measured features, which sometimes is not practical.

Many applications where 2D sensing is difficult or impossible can be addressed by 3D scanners, particularly where measuring a 3D map or point cloud of depth data is required.

Some Sample Applications Solved by 3D

Bottle Cap Integrity

Verifying that bottle caps have been installed tightly can be achieved by measuring the height and tilt of the caps. In some cases, where backlighting can be implemented and containers are in single file, 2D sensing can be applied. Where containers are in multiple rows, or backlighting is not possible, 3D sensing meets inspection requirements.

LMI CEO, Terry Arden, is one of five industry experts featured in the Imaging and Machine Vision Europe Yearbook 2015/2016 edition. In his article, Mr. Arden provides an in-depth assessment of what technique is winning the 3D race for factory automation. The article covers triangulation versus fringe projection technology, and provides valuable insight into an industry-future in machine vision driven by robots and smart sensors.

Latest Addition to 3100 Series Designed for Fixed Frame and Robot-Mounted Industrial Inline 3D Inspection

September 30th, 2015, Vancouver, BC – LMI Technologies (LMI), a leading developer of 3D scanning and inspection solutions, is pleased to announce the official launch of the Gocator 3109 3D Smart Snapshot Sensor.

Gocator 3109 is the latest addition to the Gocator 3100 series of compact, pre-calibrated, blue LED,stereo snapshot sensors manufactured by LMI; delivering high-precision 3D point-cloud acquisition, measurement, and control decision capabilities in a single device.

Gocator 3109 is designed for industrial assembly line builders who need to perform full in-line inspection, where sensors mounted on fixed frames or robots are used for quality control on a stationary target. The 3109’s all-in-one functionality minimizes the number of components required in these types of multi-feature inspection systems, significantly reducing system and maintenance costs.

The most notable feature of the Gocator 3109 is that it has the smallest footprint of any blue LED projection scanner on the market. The Gocator 3109 measures just 49 x 100 x 155 mm — almost half the size of the Gocator 3110 model — and weighs less than 1.5 kg. This ultra compact design and lightweight package make the 3109 easy to mount onto robotic arms, fit single or multiple sensors into confined spaces (e.g. for measuring engine cylinders), and integrate or embed into machines and other factory devices. With synchronized multiple Gocator 3109s, system integrators can build 3D inspection systems for large parts at a fraction of the cost of sourcing a large format 3D scanner with similar resolution.

“LMI saw a market need for an inspection system that could take measurements of multiple features in just one scan, and with a higher degree of operational simplicity than standard industry solutions. From listening to customer feedback, we developed the Gocator 3109 with the ability to acquire high-resolution, full-field scans quickly in order to inspect multiple features of parts with complete 3D visualization and execute accurate pass/fail control decisions”, said Chi Ho Ng, Director Product Management at LMI Technologies.

Media Contact:

Achim Klor
Marketing Manager
LMI Technologies
Tel.: +1 604 636 1011
E-mail: aklor@lmi3d.com

Designed For Robot-Mounted, Full Inline Inspection

The Gocator 3109 model is the latest addition to the Gocator 3100 Series. Featuring a lightweight, ultra compact body that is half the size of the Gocator 3110 model, LMI's newest 3D snapshot sensor is designed for assembly line builders who need to perform robot-mounted and fixed frame inline 3D scanning and inspection of stationary targets.

Main Features of the Gocator 3109:

High-Precision and Ultra Compact

The Gocator 3109 scans with high-resolution and speed. What makes it truly unique, however, is that it has the smallest footprint of any blue LED projection scanner on the market. The Gocator 3109 measures just 49 x 100 x 155 mm –– almost half the size of the Gocator 3110 –– and weighs less than 1.5 kg. 

This ultra compact design and lightweight package make the 3109 easy to mount onto robotic arms, fit single or multiple sensors into confined spaces (e.g. for measuring engine cylinders), and integrate or embed into machines and other factory devices.

Wide Field-of-View

The 3109's wide FOV (86 x 67mm to 88 x 93mm) and flexible scanning capability provide measurement of multiple features with a single 3D snapshot. This lowers system costs, because users are able to inspect a large number of features in a shorter period of time and with a minimum number of scanners.

Area scanning also removes the need to perfectly align the sensors before part features can be accurately detected.

Communicates Directly To PLCs/Robots

Gocator 3109 communicates directly to PLCs/robots, resulting in fewer hardware components and fewer configuration details for setup and maintenance. By eliminating PCs on the factory floor and minimizing the number of components needed, the Gocator 3109 optimizes system design and reduces integration costs.

Produces Results Out-of-the-Box

LMI's latest 3D snapshot sensor comes factory pre-calibrated so users can set it up quickly and produce results out-of-the-box. No need for on-site calibration or maintenance significantly reduces system setup times.

Easy-To-Setup Measurement Tools

Gocator 3109 features an easy-to-use, web-based graphical interface with responsive feedback in 3D. Its intuitive measurement parameters are CAD model-based, ensuring staff can configure their scanner for specific measurement applications without needing a high level of technical expertise.

Gocator 3109 is available for order now.

3D Scanning Enables Automated Packaging Verification

A wide variety of products are packed into containers, such as boxes, for shipment to customers. Everything from food packages to consumer goods and cans of oil have multiple products that need to be packaged. Whether these products are packed manually or automatically, verification that the goods are properly placed is the only way to ensure that each container is properly filled.

For this type of application, manual visual inspection methods are labor intensive and also subject to human error. So, in order to achieve complete confidence that every container is properly filled, manufacturers need 100% automated verification as part of the high volume industral packaging line. Unfortunately the 2D scanning technologies that provide excellent capability inspecting some features, such as external dimensions of individual products, have very limited capability when it comes to checking products inside an open container or verifying that a closed container has been properly sealed.

The solution to these challenging applications is provided by 3D scanning technologies. 3D sensors use a form of structured light to provide depth information, generating a high density 3D point cloud of data over the full expanse of the container.

A few years ago, 3D scanning was considered very complex and hard to integrate, particularly for those with limited experience in machine vision sensing –– and indeed it was. That said, today’s 3D sensors have advanced dramatically. The key differentiator with 3D sensors today is that they offer "smart", "all-in-one" functionality with scanning, measurement and control functions built right into the device. The best all-in-one 3D smart sensors on the market today require no additional software or external computing devices –– their comprehensive built-in measurement tools are configured by a simple browser web server in the sensor's processor.

Applications Solved by 3D Scanning

Open Box Content Verification

Since all-in-one 3D smart sensors are able to “look down” into a container to create a full 3D contour point cloud of the contents, they are ideal for verifying contents, including product count and position, shapes and height variations as containers pass on a conveyor.

INTRODUCING:
Gocator 3109

Ultra Compact, All-in-One
Smart Sensor for Inline
3D Scanning and Inspection

LEARN MORE

LOCATION: Delta, BC, Canada

At LMI Technologies, we are passionate about developing innovative 3D scanning, measurement, and data visualization technologies that solve complex problems in a simple way. We take our knowledge and experience from working in the field and connect our customers to 3D solutions that enable them to achieve better business results. Our world leading products are fully designed, developed and manufactured in house. LMI believes in providing a modern, flexible, results-oriented work environment that allows all employees to thrive.

JOB SUMMARY

LMI is looking to grow our internal web applications development team. We are looking for a skilled, Drupal expert who also enjoys working on a multitude of other projects as the need requires. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain the next generation of our Drupal-based website.
• Implement internal applications and system integrations as needed. Sometimes in PHP. Sometimes in python. Whatever the needs require.
• Read and interpret internally provided requirements and establish functional specs.
• Work collaboratively with Management, Marketing and Design, and QA to gather requirements, create solutions, and deploy them successfully.
• Create quick yet functional proof-of-concept prototypes.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 5+ years of experience working directly with Drupal. Must have a deep and solid understanding of concepts such as Features and Views.
• Skilled with all aspects of Drupal setup, optimization, and configuration
• Expert-level understanding of Javascript, CSS, and HTML
• Experience with CSS pre-processors such as SASS/LESS
• Experience implementing responsive and localized designs
• Scripting experience, ideally python
• Experience with agile development methodology
• Source control experience with SVN and GIT

NICE TO HAVE SKILLS:

• Experience in iOS development
• 3rd party integration with RESTful APIs

If you are excited about the endless opportunities and growth of 3D Scanning and Sensor technology, please send your resume and cover letter to careers@lmi3d.com. We thank all those interested, however only short-listed will be contacted for interviews.

LOCATION: Delta, BC, Canada

At LMI Technologies, we are passionate about developing innovative 3D scanning, measurement, and data visualization technologies that solve complex problems in a simple way. We take our knowledge and experience from working in the field and connect our customers to 3D solutions that enable them to achieve better business results. Our world leading products are fully designed, developed and manufactured in house. LMI believes in providing a modern, flexible, results-oriented work environment that allows all employees to thrive.

JOB SUMMARY

CEO Terry Arden is featured in IMVE October/November issue’s cover story titled "Bridging The Gap". Along with 3D machine vision leaders representing SICK and Canon, Mr. Arden weighs in on the emergence and continued growth of 3D vision technology. He also provides insights on how LMI is pushing the industry forward with smart 3D solutions that help manufacturers transition their factories to 100% automation.