Unique non-contact 3D measuring technologies to increase quality and productivity

This is why it is in great demand in many industries around the world, for example in the construction industry or in automotive glass production.However, at the same time, glass also presents a challenge for quality assurance – while its popularity is on the rise, so are the demands pertaining to functionality and brilliance. Even the smallest irregularity in the contour or any undesirable surface curvatures can result in expensive complaints. Not only does this impact the product's functionality, but the look and feel suffer as well – surface irregularities may have an adverse impact on the wiping capability, as well as the lamination or installation capabilities in complex frame systems. The product portfolio offered by ISRA VISION includes innovative technology solutions for a complete 3D quality inspection of glass panes. The systems inspect form, planarity and surface quality in the reflection without requiring any surface contact and in doing so ensure not only the best possible quality, but also the highest level of efficiency in production.

P²-3D for an inline inspection of form, position and evenness of glass plates in any dimension. Pictured here: examination of tiles.

An essential contribution to best energy efficiency: The flatness measurement of tiles leads to flat contact surfaces. Slightest flatness irregularities are shown in the picture.

As a result of the manufacturing process, the planarity or the curvature of the glass may deteriorate depending on the production step, for example during the tempering or bending process. In order to be able to achieve delivery quality without any defect or flaw whatsoever, the use of a reliable, continuous quality inspection has become crucial for manufacturers. ISRA offers the world's most complete range of optical inspection solutions for the glass industry, which provide a variety of possibilities and cover all glass types. To do so, all systems make use of innovative non-contact 3D gauging processes based on optimized deflectometry, which were designed for the highest demands in terms of speed and reliability.

PowerPlate (P²) 3D: highest quality for flat glass plates PowerPlate (P²)-3D is a system based on the modular PowerPlate family of products which is used to inspect flat glass sheets of any size. It provides the capability to automatically detect defects and irregularities in the glass form. All quality information recorded in the process is used to improve the manufacturing process: The optical inspection of glass after tempering makes it possible to optimize the processes in the tempering oven – resulting in stable processes and in increased productivity.

FORMSCAN checks the 3D form and surface of a complete windshield within shortest cycle times without contact or using a laser.

The stereo deflectometry method specially developed by ISRA guarantees extremely precise in-process measurements. At the same time it is very robust: This allows P²-3D to be used in rough industrial environments and makes it possible to set positioning tolerances for the test object into the centimeter range.

FORMSCAN: Highly precise gauging for automotive glass With FORMSCAN, ISRA offers a breakthrough quality measuring system for curved automotive glass. It works contact-free without a laser and inspects the 3D form and surface of a complete glass pane within shortest cycle times. 1,000,000 measuring points are typically used for a windshield, which ensures measuring accuracy within tenths of a millimeter. This unmatched precision makes FORMSCAN a one-of-a-kind solution.

The data supplied from the full-field inspection is used by manufacturers to perform optimization steps directly in the bending process. This increases quality and reduces production costs – both of which are important criteria for remaining competitive in the global market. Moreover, FORMSCAN also allows manufacturers to satisfy new quality criteria, resulting in the ability to generate additional and more lucrative customer orders.

ISRA makes it possible for the first time ever around the world to objectively evaluate the surface quality of glass even in reflection.

Inline evaluation of the reflection optics using SCREENSCAN-RD

In view of the fact that automotive manufacturers are installing more and more versatile windshields with forms that are becoming more complex by the day, the ability to reliably assess the reflection optics is more important than ever. In terms of aesthetics and functions, it must be flawless. With SCREENSCAN-RD (Reflected Distortion), ISRA makes it possible for the first time ever around the world to objectively evaluate the surface quality of glass even in reflection. The inline gauging system effectively makes subjective manual inspection processes obsolete. Manufacturers can now rely on objective, reproducible and quantifiable results. The enhancement of the proven deflectometry processes supplies the technological key to a consistently high and 100% documented glass quality.

Even the most minor deviation in the bend is detected automatically. The product can be assessed based on freely definable critical values. Non-contact optical measurements are possible within the production runtime, delivering valuable information for process optimization. This allows manufacturers to achieve significant savings while increasing quality at the same time.