Machine Vision Turnkey Overview

Accurate machine vision systems must be custom designed for your line, programmed and trained for your products, and installed by a vision system expert. We provide complete, precise vision systems tailored to your specific needs and budget. Our EPIC vision solutions all follow these development steps to ensure a complete, correct solution:

Step 1: Concept
Every machine vision project begins as a concept. Some clients have concepts that are fully developed with a specific set of specifications, while others require a collaborative effort to develop their concept. In the conceptual stage of your project our machine vision inspection system manufacturers will:

• Ask the necessary questions to extract the project details and scope of work
• Demonstrate our past experiences with similar solutions, challenges and technologies
• Discuss multiple solution options to accomplish your inspection goals
• Establish concepts and action plan for vision feasibility testing

Step 2: Vision Front End Engineering (FEE)

EPIC conducts vision FEE studies for each application, in our state-of-the-art vision lab.  We believe front end engineering is key to staying within your budget while meeting your system’s requirements. Primary objectives for FEE include proving feasibility, capability and establishing proof of concept.

Application FEE Testing includes:

• Camera selection
• Lighting selection
• Vision inspection systems physical arrangement testing
• Defined project timeline
• Defined system requirements
• Defined system capabilities
• Fixed price for the system

Our  vision lab offers a controlled environment to test camera selection, lighting options and vision system arrangement. The lab has a variety of available tools, including: brackets, cameras, lights, lenses, test stations an assortment of filters and other equipment to test the best concept for your applications. If we don’t have the equipment needed for the solution, we call on relationships with our trusted vendors to procure trial equipment when needed.

Step 3: Vision Inspection System Design

During design, your systems brackets are modeled in 3D CAD software, camera programming is expanded and completed (started in feasibility testing), and the electrical design for power and controls is prepared. All programming, mechanical and electrical design is completed in-house by EPIC’s vision engineers.

• Mechanical Design- We use 3D design software to model brackets, mobile carts and control panels that are used to create your customized vision system. Our design process allows optimal camera and lighting arrangements that are built to seamlessly integrate within existing plant machinery.
• Electrical Design- EPIC designs control panels to integrate all required power, controls networks and interfaces necessary for a turnkey vision system. Careful consideration is given to the electrical design to ensure the controls harmonize efficiently with existing plant devices.
• Programming- Various inspection systems require different types of programming, and most are unique solutions. Software and hardware selections can be based on solution requirements or customer hardware requirements.

Step 4: Fabrication

Fabrication of brackets, control panels and assembly of the full vision systems are completed in-house by EPIC’s craftsmen and vision specialists. Vision systems can be built to fit with existing factory equipment or as stand-alone systems.

• Part Selection- Our engineers combine custom brackets, frames and assemblies crafted in-house with off-the-shelf slides, cylinders and ball screws for a fully integrated machine.
• Electrical Panel Fabrication- Electrical panels for power supply, system controls, inputs/outputs and operator interfaces are often required by the vision system. EPIC builds all electrical panels in-house and fully integrates them with your industrial vision system before installation.

Step 5: System Integration

Durable vision systems that integrate seamlessly with your existing machinery are our expertise. EPIC’s vision engineers design systems for the final location. We prepare for a wide range of scenarios, from operating temperatures to existing communication platforms. Upon installation, we ensure every EPIC vision solution:

• Operates correctly in your plant and doesn’t interfere with existing operations. This includes ensuring the system is not disrupted by ambient light, extreme temperatures, dust, vibrations or other factors
• Has complete control system integration with the larger plant network
• Tests successfully before and after installation. Systems are tested before and after shipment, and clients have the opportunity to be an integral part of the testing and approval process
• Collects critical data – Critical data can be collected from vision systems, and we make sure your vision application ties into any higher-level data reporting systems essential to your plant operations

Step 6: Onsite Services
Full installation of your vision system means all hardware is installed, power & controls are integrated with the plant, and the vision software is working correctly. Upon installation, EPIC re-tests all equipment to ensure components work together as intended. Beyond installation, EPIC provides complete vision system start-up and checkout support.  Our on-site services include:

• Onsite Installation
• Plant Specific Safety Practices
• Static Checkout
• Start-up &Support
• Training
• Commissioning