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This section provides an overview for surface inspection systems as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 20 surface inspection system manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked surface inspection system companies as of December, 2024: 1.KLA Corporation., 2.MC Machinery Systems, 3.Radiant Vision Systems.
Table of Contents
1987~1991: Engaged in research on wire covering materials at Polymer Materials Laboratory.
1991~1997: Worked as a patent Engineer at Koike International Patent Office.
1997~2005 Worked as an intellectual property member at GE Yokogawa Medical System, currently working as a writer.
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A surface inspection system is a device used to inspect products on factory production lines.
It is mainly used to identify defective products and detect defective parts.
Surface inspection systems are used in various fields for product inspection. For example, they are used in the inspection of continuously produced products such as film, glass, and metal plates.
A surface inspection system helps prevent the shipment of defective products by detecting defects based on image data obtained from capturing images of each product's surface. However, the inspection criteria vary depending on the product.
For products where smoothness is crucial, such as film and glass, the system detects unevenness, while for metal plates, it targets fine scratches for detection.
A surface inspection system detects defects using image data captured by a camera. It consists of an inspection section with a light receiver and a light projector, and a control section for image processing, including a computer. A CCD camera is generally used as the light receiver in the inspection section.
The projector, acting as the light source, may use various types of lamps such as fluorescent, LED, and halogen lamps, depending on the application. The light from the source, the floodlight, is reflected or transmitted on the object's surface, captured by the CCD camera, and converted into an electrical signal.
The signal from the CCD camera is processed in the control unit to detect defects in the image data. This involves comparing the data with that of a defect-free product and identifying a defect when a variation exceeding a threshold is confirmed. For instance, surface inspection systems used in printing traditionally employed analog waveforms instead of image data.
This method sometimes failed to detect thin defects or misjudged the ground tone as a defect. Using image data resolves these issues by enabling detailed analysis based on pixel size.
In surface inspection systems, light from a projector is reflected or transmitted on the surface to be inspected. The five types of reflection and transmission are direct reflection, diffuse reflection, direct transmission, diffuse transmission, and scattering transmission.
Each method has distinct characteristics, making it essential to choose the appropriate method for detecting either "flaws" or "irregularities" during surface inspection.
The accuracy of the camera in the inspection section of a surface inspection system is a critical factor. A camera with insufficient accuracy may miss detecting abnormal areas.
The performance of the projector, which illuminates the object under inspection, significantly influences the camera's imaging performance. To ensure uniform illumination on the object's surface, a bar light with a diffuser is often used. Additionally, using a grating light (slit light) allows the inspection of curved surfaces and the detection of minute defects.
In a surface inspection system, the light captured by the CCD camera's lens is projected as image data onto the image sensor and transmitted to the image processing computer in the control section. Image processing typically involves pre-processing, measurement, determination of abnormality, and output.
The image data captured by the sensor often contains noise, which is reduced through pre-processing techniques like smoothing, edge extraction, and shrinkage. The computer then compares the processed image data against a set of criteria to determine abnormalities and outputs the results.
Cameras used in surface inspection systems are usually highly accurate with a large pixel count. However, a high pixel count necessitates extensive pre-processing, requiring a computer with a high-performance CPU.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Front Edge Technology is a supplier and manufacturer of advanced electronic components and solutions based in United States. Established in 1985, the company specializes in the design, development, and production of custom electronic products for various industries. the company offers a range of products, including embedded systems, wireless communication modules, power management solutions, and sensor devices. They cater to sectors such as automotive, healthcare, industrial automation, and consumer electronics. One sample product is the "FET-6000 Series" wireless communication module. This module provides dependable and efficient wireless connectivity for IoT (Internet of Things) applications, enabling seamless data transfer and communication between devices.
Artemis Vision is headquartered in Denver, Colorado as a manufacturer of repeatable, tested machine vision systems for automated quality inspection and optimization since its inception in 2010. The company manufactures machine vision products, including cameras, lighting, software, and provides integration services. It also offers training and support services, as well as logistics, manufacturing solutions, and custom vision systems. The company's products find application in various industries, including manufacturing, food & beverage, and logistics.
Radiant Vision Systems, headquartered in Redmond, Washington, is a supplier of test and measurement solutions to ensure reduce costs and improve efficiencies, founded in 1989. The company serves global companies in consumer electronics, display technologies and lighting. They offer a range of products including imaging colorimeters and photometers, advanced vision systems, and software for display testing, and surface inspection. Their technology combines automated inspection with the precision of human visual perception to detect subtle surface and assembly defects.
MC Machinery Systems, established in 1977, is a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of commercial and industrial fabrication and machining equipment such as press brakes. The company, based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation and a distributor for sales and service of Roku-Roku and OPS Ingersoll precision milling equipment in North America. They also have a consumables department that manufactures OEM-specified replacement parts, wires, fluids, filters, and other consumables.
Zumbach Electronics Corp., founded in 1957, is a manufacturer of on-the-line measuring, monitoring and control systems. The company in Hauptstrasse, Orpund Schweiz, offers maintenance, repair and calibration, training, support & consultation, and spare part delivery. They have 11 international subsidiaries and representatives in 40+ countries. Their products include a Laser surface velocimeter, KW fault detector, MSD led device, Steelmaster, and calibrator. These are used in wire & cable, rubber, steel cold or hot, optical fibre, non-ferrous and plastic industries.
ZEISS Microscopy, established in Jena, Germany, in 1846 is a manufacturer of optics and optoelectronics used in Precision Mechanics, Binoculars, Microscopy, and Eyeglass Lenses. Their product portfolio includes precision optics, such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms, laser mirrors used in laser cutting, and medical devices, optoelectronic devices and Coatings and Thin Films. The company also provides solutions including industrial quality, microscopy research, project simulation, sample testing and product development. The company also offers customer services that include support, custom research projects and customized services.
SITA Process Solutions is a business unit of SITA Messtechnik GmbH which was founded in 1996 and located in Saxony, Germany. It is a manufacturer of process measuring and controlling technology. The company manufactures tensiometers (surface tension meters), fluorescence, and contact angle measuring devices. Its products are used for controlling and monitoring cleaning agent concentration, parts cleanliness, and bath contamination. The company serves several industries such as semiconductor, industrial, photovoltaics, and electroplating industries.
Nireco, founded in 1950 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of control, measurement, and inspection equipment. Its offerings are crucial to the manufacturing processes of various industries, spanning steel, chemicals, food, and printing, enabling businesses to maintain consistent production standards and meet regulatory requirements. These encompass process control systems, automatic marking systems, web control systems, laser devices, and optical equipment. The company has earned ISO9001 certification for all web controllers gained.
TAKANO CO.,LTD., established in 1941 and located in Tokyo, Japan, is a developer and manufacturer of inspection and measurement systems. The company offers a range of products that include FDM, films, energy,and semiconductors. These systems are used for inspection, measurement, quality control, and research purposes in industries including electronics, automotive, energy, semiconductor, and medical sectors. TAKANO's solutions are used for ensuring product quality, optimizing manufacturing processes, and supporting research and development efforts in diverse applications.
Nidec Corporation was founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1973 and is a conglomerate with over 200 subsidiaries. Primary products are hard-disk drive motors and automotive parts, and specializes motors ranging from miniature to gigantic. Nidec’s products are used in robotics, automotive, home appliances, agriculturel equipments well as molding, cutting, and machining equipment and sensors.
Shanghai RSID Solutions Co., Ltd. was established in 2005 and based in Shanghai, China, as a manufacturer of smart card solutions. The company offers smart card products, including smart card modules, smart card readers, and smart card software. It also offers customization services and solutions such as card body manufacturing, plastic card inspection, ESIM & IOT module perso, as well as contactless card manufacturing. The company's products find ideal applications in various sectors, including financial, transportation, and government.
Hitachi, Ltd was established in 2002 and headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo is a manufacturer of industrial electrical equipment and system solutions. The company offers an extensive and diversified product portfolio including industrial drive systems, power electronics, energy-related equipment, power distribution systems, and various other industrial solutions. These products serve as integral components that drive advancements in industrial capabilities across diverse sectors by playing a pivotal role in promoting energy conservation and storage, automating robot systems in large factories, enabling smarter manufacturing through digital solutions, and facilitating efficient transportation within industrial facilities.
Doss Visual Solution USA Corp., founded in Erbusco, Brescia in 1995 is a manufacturer of inspection machines and laboratory machines. The company's product portfolio includes Automated Inspection Systems, X-ray inspection systems, Vision Inspection Systems, Material Testing Equipment, and Analytical Instruments. Their products are used in industries such as Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology, Chemical and Petrochemical, Environmental Testing and healthcare. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
VISIONx, Inc. is a vision inspection system manufacturer, specializing in automated imaging, visual inspection and high accuracy measurement solutions based in Canada. VisionGauge is a powerful and easy-to-use machine vision and image analysis software product developed by the company. Their software allows users to capture, manipulate, analyze, store, and output images and data. They can be used to carry out many different types of repeatable high-precision measurements, compute measurement statistics, and count and measure discrete objects such as particles, grains, and cells. Primarily used in high-tech manufacturing industries such as electronics, semiconductors, precision mechanical components, and assemblies.
Dutch Vision Systems GmbH is a manufacturer of image processing equipment for industrial applications founded in 2002 and based in Pritzwalk, Brandenburg, Germany. The company produces vision technology products including surface inspection equipment that checks for pressure marks or burrs on rods and pins, high-speed sorting machines for small parts, and cable stranding inspection machines. It also offers accessories and systems for code reading and control. The company is DIN EN ISO 9001:2000-certified, and primarily serves clients in the packaging, automotive, and food industry.
Micro-Epsilon was originally founded in Osaka and Micro-Epsilon America was founded in 1998, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Micro-Epsilon develops, manufactures, and distributes sensors to aerospace, battery production, glass production, wind power, precision optics, medical technology, transportation, semiconductor, and other industries. Micro-Epsilon’s sensor product categories include inductive, capacitive, laser, confocal, laser distance, magneto-inductive, draw-wire, rotation speed, color, paint thickness measurement, and fiber optic sensors in addition to interferometers and other sensor equipment.
Pleora Technologies Inc., established in 2000 in Canada, is a manufacturer and supplier of great-performance video interface solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a wide range of cutting-edge video interfaces and connectivity solutions designed to simplify the integration of imaging and data capture technology. Pleora's solutions find applications in various industries such as industrial automation, medical imaging, security, and defense. The company delivers efficient and robust video interface products that enable real-time image and data exchange between cameras, sensors, and displays. Their passion for technological brilliance and customer satisfaction has made them an ideal partner in the field of video connectivity.
Maschinenfabrik Herkules GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 1911 and headquartered in Siegen, Germany, is a manufacturer of machining equipment. The company's products include roll grinders, special-purpose lathe machines, and machining control systems. Its products provide solutions for roll neck milling, notch milling, and groove grinding. It welcomes inquiries for custom machinery and complete turnkey systems. It took over PowerSparks GmbH in 2016 and integrated it into its corporate group as a supplier of power electronics. It serves industries that include stainless steel, foundries, and paper production.
Fraunhofer IPA is a research institute and service supplier for manufacturing engineering and automation that is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and was established in 1955. The company specializes in research and development work on organizational and technological issues related to the manufacturing sector. It develop, test and implement methods, components and devices right up to entire machines and production lines. Fraunhofer conducts research in a wide range of areas, including production systems, automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. IPA also offers a numerous services including training and consulting. The institute's customers include automotive, machinery and equipment, electronics and microsystems, and energy producers.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KLA Corporation. |
10.3%
|
| 2 | MC Machinery Systems |
8.1%
|
| 3 | Radiant Vision Systems |
8.1%
|
| 4 | VISIONx Inc. |
7.4%
|
| 5 | SITA Messtechnik GmbH |
6.6%
|
| 6 | Zumbach Electronics Corp. |
6.6%
|
| 7 | Artemis Vision |
5.9%
|
| 8 | Doss Visual Solution USA Corp. |
5.9%
|
| 9 | AMETEK SURFACE VISION |
5.1%
|
| 10 | ZEISS Microscopy |
5.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the surface inspection system page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
4 | 25.0% |
|
Japan
|
4 | 25.0% |
|
Germany
|
2 | 12.5% |
|
Canada
|
2 | 12.5% |
|
Switzerland
|
1 | 6.3% |
| Deutschland | 1 | 6.3% |
|
China
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Italy
|
1 | 6.3% |
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