Automated Rubber Seal Inspection
Detect defects in complex, flexible seals
Related Products
Graphical programming environment for deep learning-based industrial image analysis
Powered by In-Sight ViDi Deep Learning-Based Vision Software
Chemical masks, gas masks, and respirators generally consist of a reusable mask with replaceable filters. The flexible, tight seal between filter and mask, as well as that around the face, can be made from a range of elastomers or rubbers, including silicones, polyurethanes, and butyl rubbers.
Elastomeric mask seals are manufactured through injection molding, transfer molding, or compression molding, depending on material and use. Defects will compromise the seal or limit part life and must be detected before final assembly.
The complex folds, flexibility, and often dark surfaces of such seals make it difficult for conventional machine vision to detect defects and distinguish good parts from bad. The mask manufacturer receiving these elastomeric parts will reject ones that do not meet the standard, or assembled masks will show failures in use, sometimes with serious liability issues.
AI-powered technology automates rubber seal defect detection quickly and effectively. The defect detection tool trains on a small set of images of the full range of good rubber or elastomeric seals. Given their flexibility, seals may flop and sag in various unpredictable ways when presented for visual inspection, presenting a wide range of appearances. AI-based solutions incorporate this wide variability of good parts, and so accurately detects anomalies that are outside of the acceptable range while passing all functional seals.
