Fraunhofer-Institut für Physikalische Messtechnik IPM
About us
Every day, we work to apply optical technologies to specific measurement tasks. At the intersection of science, research, and industry, we develop customized solutions ranging from measurement and inspection systems to high-end optical components for cutting-edge research. In our Production Control department, we develop optical systems and imaging processes to inspect surfaces and take precise measurements of complex 3D structures on active production lines. Our systems are so fast and accurate that areas of contamination and even the slightest defect can be detected and classified in real time at high production speeds. When combined with marker-free individual component tracking and tracing technologies, our optical sensors and measurement systems can make 100 percent reliable real-time production control a reality — often for the first time. This facilitates the implementation of modern production strategies in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Products & services
Inspect-360° HR
The Inspect-360° HR enables you to inspect small components without further handling and largely independently of type. In the sorting facility, parts are transported individually into a hollow sphere via a conveyor belt. There, they are simultaneously inspected from all directions in free fall by 16 cameras. The parts are diffusely illuminated in the process, appearing free of shadows and reflections, even if the surface is bare or coated with oil. They pass through the measuring volume every second, in any orientation — no specific handling is necessary. Inspect-360° HR is suitable for inspecting small, formed parts, such as plugs, screws, and bolts, as well as injection-molded plastic parts. Dimensional and texture defects as small as 30 µm can be detected. The system can also be used to monitor and significantly shorten the setup and warm-up phases of a process. Thus, it can increase production efficiency and reduce scrap.
HoloTop NX
The digital holographic measurement system HoloTop NX enables micrometer-accurate quality control of precision components. Thanks to its compact design, it enables 3D inline measurements directly in multi-axis systems. The sensor can be installed on a number of different platforms. Using multiwavelength digital holography, HoloTop NX maps the topography even of rough object surfaces with interferometric accuracy. The sensor captures an area of 12.5 × 12.5 mm² within 500 ms. Even deviations of a few micrometers can thus be reworked directly in the machine tool without the need to first reposition the workpiece. The acquired images are processed particularly quickly, while data preprocessing guarantees good robustness to vibrations.
F-Scanner
With its F-Scanner family of devices, Fraunhofer IPM offers sensitive measuring systems that detect contamination or defects on surfaces directly in the production line. By using a combination of imaging fluorescence measurement and laser scanners, the F-Scanners detect organic contamination of just a few milligrams per square meter. The scanning systems enable 100-percent inspection while generating a high-resolution map that reflects the distribution of organic substances on the surface. Beyond the inspection of component cleanliness or coating this often also indicates issues in the production process.