An Automatic, Contactless, High-Precision, High-Speed Measurement System to Provide In-Line, As-Molded Three-Dimensional Measurements of a Curved-Shape Injection-Molded Part

In the manufacturing of injection-molded plastic parts, it is essential to perform a non-destructive (and, in some applications, contactless) three-dimensional measurement and surface inspection part monitor quality. The method depends strongly on shape optical properties part. this study, high-precision (±5 µm) high-speed system (total 24 s for complete dimensional measurement) was developed measure dimensions piano-black This should be done real time close part’s production evaluate quality produced parts future online, closed-loop, predictive control. Therefore, novel contactless, using multicolor confocal sensor designed manufactured, taking into account nominal curved glossy black includes one linear cylindrical moving axis, as well radial R-direction measurements. A 6 DOF (degrees freedom) robot handles between injection molding machine system. An IPC coordinates communications movements over OPC UA communication network protocol. For validation, several repeatability tests were performed at various speeds directions. results compared signal similarity methods, such MSE, SSID, RMS difference. all directions found range ±5 µm desired speed (less than 60 mm/s–60 degrees/s). However, error increases up ±10 due fixture suction force effect.