Zero Defects

Measures & Controls

All Dimac automatic machines are divided into a part feeding section, a test section, and an unloading section with one or more outlets. 

The design of the machine starts from the need for measures and controls and then the selection of the correct stations to be placed along the test section.

Dimac SFS control station on mcv6 for washers surface control

Dimensional Cameras
Optical measures and dimensional checks in backlighting

Optical measures and dimensional checks from profilometer automatic interpretation of Black and White images obtained from backlighting.

Measures & Detectable Defects

Part measures (in SPC) or dimensional checks (in 100% sorting machines) of any dimension, real or virtual, that could appear by the projection of the shade of the part on the camera.

Tools: lengths, diameters, angles, co-axiality, linearity, parallelism and perpendicularity, shape’s conformity, presence of burrs on the edges, hexagon dimensions… The measure could be managed also between virtual elements (projection of sides, geometrical barycenter of shapes, …) or in reference to a fixed part of the machine (i.e. penetrators to measure the recess depth). Any measure could be compared with a range of tolerance to verify its conformity. Application on about 500k different shapes guarantees a wide range of solutions.

Applications & Compatibility

Any top camera on automatic SPC; the top camera on glass table machines MCV5 and MCV6; the top camera on metal table machines MCV0, MCV1, MCV3, MCV4 only to check longitudinal open holes.

Configuration & Tech Details

Possibility of various combinations of camera resolutions, optics (telecentric, quasi-telecentric, zoom), and lighting to empathize performance in precision (up to 0,005 microns), flexibility or productivity (up to 1000 pcs/min), optimizing costs on the actual production needs.

Ancillary: Filters to avoid dirty influence on the measures, possibility of Boolean operators (i.e. for asymmetrical parts under control or the combination of more than one results), lengths between different cameras, pairing with penetrator bits, pairing with 360° station, MSA and metrological verification reports.

Customization & Expandability

All the tools are integrated into the Dimac proprietary software MCVx and SPCx, which could be upgraded on customer request.

Measures & Detectable Defects

Part measures (in SPC) or dimensional checks (in 100% sorting machines) of any dimension, real or virtual, that could appear by the projection of the shade of the part on the camera.

Tools: lengths, diameters, angles, co-axiality, linearity, parallelism and perpendicularity, shape’s conformity, presence of burrs on the edges, hexagon dimensions… The measure could be managed also between virtual elements (projection of sides, geometrical barycenter of shapes, …) or in reference to a fixed part of the machine (i.e. penetrators to measure the recess depth). Any measure could be compared with a range of tolerance to verify its conformity. Application on about 500k different shapes guarantees a wide range of solutions.

Applications & Compatibility

Any side camera on automatic SPC and sorting machine

Configuration & Tech Details

Possibility of various combinations of camera resolutions, optics (telecentric, quasi-telecentric, zoom), and lighting to empathize performance in precision (up to 0,005 microns), flexibility or productivity (up to 1000 pcs/min), optimizing costs on the actual production needs.
Ancillary: Filters to avoid dirty influence on the measures, possibility of Boolean operators (i.e. for asymmetrical parts under control or the combination of more than one results), lengths between different cameras, pairing with penetrator bits, pairing with 360° station, MSA and metrological verification reports.

Customization & Expandability

See also multi-side dimensional cameras for parts longer than the frame size.
All the tools are integrated into the Dimac proprietary software MCVx and SPCx, which could be upgraded on customer request.

Combination of multiple side cameras to measure parts longer than the size frame.

Measures & Detectable Defects

Part measures (in SPC) or dimensional checks (in 100% sorting machines) of any dimension, real or virtual, that could appear by the projection of the shade of the part on the camera.

Tools: lengths, diameters, angles, co-axiality, linearity, parallelism and perpendicularity, shape’s conformity, presence of burrs on the edges, hexagon dimensions… The measure could be managed also between virtual elements (projection of sides, geometrical barycenter of shapes, …) or in reference to a fixed part of the machine (i.e. penetrators to measure the recess depth). Any measure could be compared with a range of tolerance to verify its conformity.

Applications & Compatibility

Any automatic SPC; MCV1, MCV2, MCV3, MCV4, MCVbelt sorting machines.

Configuration & Tech Details

Possibility of various combinations of camera resolutions, optics (telecentric, quasi-telecentric, zoom), and lighting to empathize performance in precision (up to 0,005 microns), flexibility or productivity (up to 1000 pcs/min), optimizing costs on the actual production needs.
Ancillary: Filters to avoid dirty influence on the measures, possibility of Boolean operators (i.e. for asymmetrical parts under control or the combination of more than one results), lengths between different cameras, pairing with penetrator bits, pairing with 360° station, MSA and metrological verification reports.

Customization & Expandability

All the tools are integrated into the Dimac proprietary software MCVx and SPCx, which could be upgraded on customer request.

Workpiece lifting and rotation unit on 360°

Measures & Detectable Defects

Thread controls (Z-thread, burr, crests), ovalization, linearity, and in general every kind of defect that could be detectably rotating the part. Analysis of multiple pictures (sections) caught during the rotation of the part in front of the camera.

Tools: the same of dimensional controls for a side camera: lengths, diameters, angles, co-axiality, linearity, parallelism and perpendicularity, shape’s conformity, presence of burrs on the edges, hexagon dimensions… The measure could be managed also between virtual elements (projection of sides, geometrical barycenter of shapes, …) or in reference to a fixed part of the machine (i.e. penetrators to measure the recess depth). Any measure could be compared with a range of tolerance to verify its conformity. Application on about 500k different shapes guarantees a wide range of solutions.

Applications & Compatibility

Automatic SPC, metal dial sorting machines with indexed movement (MCV0, MCV1, MCV3, MCV4)

Configuration & Tech Details

The camera trigger timing is optimized in function of the length of image elaboration and the turning speed.
Couplable with bits or magnets to engage the part in rotation. Possibility of a bottom slide to lift the part from the dial.  Possibility of different lengths of the top and bottom slides.

Customization & Expandability

See also 360° and Recess Control Station.

Surface Cameras 
Optical measures and inspection in direct-lighting

Optical measures and dimensional checks, optical inspection on Tone of Gray images obtained from direct-lighting.

Measures & Detectable Defects

Part measures (in SPC) or dimensional checks (in 100% sorting machines) of any dimension visible in a direct-lighted picture. Less precise and computationally heavier, these solutions could be complementary to the backlighting measurement for those dimensions that are not visible by profile projection, like blind holes, chamfers, external diameter of inner threaded holes, or in general when the geometry of the application makes impossible to catch a profile image (i.e. external diameter of the head of a bolt in a mechanical dial machine form the top camera).
Visual inspection of flat faces. Detections of surface defects like scratches, scrubs, burrs, chips, rust, and oxidations. Verify the presence of recess, logos, and text.

Tools: similar to backlighted pictures in terms of a range of possible measurements, the tools could be optimized in terms of precision for SPC applications (with results similar to backlighting tools, with 10 times computational time) or in terms of productivity for 100% sorting applications (losing precision of 10 and more times). Any measure could be compared with a range of tolerance to verify its conformity. Visual inspection by decomposition of the image in sectors and analysis of pixels up or below a tone of gray threshold (number, shape, disposition). The range of applications is extremely wide and customizable to the specific needs.

Applications & Compatibility

As a Top camera: any automatic SPC; MCV0, MCV1, MCV3, MCV4, MCV5, MCV6 sorting machines.
As a Bottom camera: any automatic SPC, MCV5, and MCV6 sorting machines

Configuration & Tech Details

Possibility of various combinations of camera resolutions, optics (telecentric, quasi-telecentric, zoom), and lighting to empathize performance in precision, flexibility, or productivity, optimizing costs on the actual production needs.
Limited to SPC-EVO and in general Automatic SPC, it is possible to combine also backlight optical measures, using the same camera to catch more pictures with different lighting.
Limited to sorting machines: this solution represents the basic Dimac offer in terms of surface controls and is suitable for easy situations. See also AI tools, SFS, Linear camera, and Multi.camera for complex situations.
Ancillary: filters to avoid dirty influence on the measures, possibility of Boolean operators (i.e. for asymmetrical parts under control or the combination of more than one result), MSA, and metrological verification reports.

Customization & Expandability

Possibility of pericentric or endocentric lenses.
All the tools are integrated into the Dimac proprietary software MCVx and SPCx, which could be upgraded on customer request. See also AI tools, SFS, Linear cameras, and multicameras for complex surface inspections.

Measures & Detectable Defects

Part measures of any dimension visible in a direct-lighted picture. Less precise and computationally heavier, these solutions could be complementary to the backlighting measurement for those dimensions that are not visible by profile projection, like blind holes, chamfers, external diameter of inner threaded holes, or in general when the geometry of the application makes impossible to catch a profile image.
Visual inspection of flat faces. Detections of surface defects like scratches, scrubs, burrs, chips, rust, and oxidations. Verify the presence of recess, logos, and text.

Tools: similar to backlighted pictures in terms of a range of possible measurements. Any measure could be compared with a range of tolerance to verify its conformity. The range of applications is extremely wide and customizable to the specific needs

Applications & Compatibility

Side camera on automatic SPC series.

Configuration & Tech Details

Possibility of various combinations of camera resolutions, optics (telecentric, quasi-telecentric, zoom), and lighting to empathize performance in precision, flexibility, or productivity, optimizing costs on the actual production needs.
It is possible to combine also backlight optical measures, using the same camera to catch more pictures with different lighting.
Ancillary: filters to avoid dirty influence on the measures, possibility of Boolean operators (i.e. for asymmetrical parts under control or the combination of more than one result), MSA, and metrological verification reports.

Customization & Expandability

All the tools are integrated into the Dimac proprietary software MCVx and SPCx, which could be upgraded on customer request. See also AI tools, SFS, Linear cameras, and multicamera for complex surface inspections.

The inner thread checks on the tone of gray images acquired by tilted cameras.

Measures & Detectable Defects

Measures and checks on inner faces and details of the part under check, from a tilted point of view. Detectable defects: Inner thread checks (presence, position, number of crests), presence of burrs or dirt, quality check on inner faces, measures of inner details, spring controls.

Tools: specific tools for inner thread and holes controls (presence, number of visible crests, continuity, presence of multiple thread diameters/steps/shoulders, …), specific tools for quality checks on flat surfaces (scratches, burrs, chips), lengths (only for SPC), specific tools for springs (length, pass regularity, number of passes, presence of head and tail, …)

Applications & Compatibility

All the machines, when inner quality controls are requested

Configuration & tech details

Possibility of various combinations of optics and lighting in the function of frame size and focus depth. Possibility to couple a backlight to empathize inner defects. Possibility of different mechanical supports, with free or constrained movements, to empathize flexibility or setup easiness.
Ancillary: possibility of Boolean operators (i.e. for asymmetrical parts under control or the combination of more than one result).

Customization & Expandability

All the tools are integrated into the Dimac proprietary software MCVx and SPCx, which could be upgraded on customer request.

Mechanical control stations

Mechanical/optical station for checking recess depth using interchangeable indenter bits.

Measures & Detectable Defects

Checks the presence, dimension, and absence of dirt inside key recess in screws and bolts like internal hexagons, Torx, Phillips wrenches, and others.

Applications & Compatibility

Automatic SPC, metal dial sorting machines with indexed movement (MCV1, MCV3, MCV4)

Configuration & Tech Details

Possibility of various bits and sliding movements for recess with different shapes and depths. The penetration depth could be measured by an optical side station or only checked by an electro-mechanical switch sensor.

Customization & Expandability

Couplable with patent pending damper key engaging insert. See also 360° and Recess Control Station.

Workpiece rotating unit on 360°, with integrated indenter function.

Measures & Detectable Defects

Simultaneous checks from 360° Autotrigger and recess control station.

Tools: see 360° Autotrigger Control Station and Recess Control Station.

Applications & compatibility

Automatic SPC, metal dial sorting machines with indexed movement (MCV1, MCV3)

Configuration & Tech Details

Coupled with a dimensional side camera to manage optical measurements. Low cost and space-saving combination of a wide range of tests, the main difference with the split solution is that it is impossible to lift the part in front of the camera: the part is laid on the dial during the check. Thanks to the patent-pending damper key engaging insert, the false rejects are very low.

Customization & Expandability

Recess control in the foot of the part, by intenter function from the bottom.

M6 360° mechanical thread functionality check for small defects

Measures & Detectable Defects

Indirect control of the screwing effort, with low sensitivity to dirt, grease, and lack of material.

Applications & Compatibility

MCV1.

Configuration & Tech Details

Patented. Higher output rate than any other mechanical control known solution, insensible to ovalization of the core and out of dimensional tolerance.
The control is performed by gauging the threaded shank with a calibrated plugging roller gauge, which has also an indirect effect of thread repairing by soft re-rolling.

Customization & Expandability

Customizable on request for different shank diameters.

AI Tools Control Station 
Surface defects detection by AI tools

Measures & Detectable Defects

Scratches, marks, coating defects, thread deformation, inner and outer cracks, material deformation, inner thread damages, missing material, oxidation, lack of material, torx/hexagon recesses separation, double marking, and in general any kind of defect detectable by human vision inspection.

Applications and Compatibility 

Metal dial sorting machines (MCV0, MCV1, MCV3, MCV4), glass table sorting machines (MCV5, MCV6), Automatic SPC.

Configuration & Tech Details

The AI software tool is independent of the vision system and developed by Dimac. It has a user interface that is used only for tests and diagnostic, while the control recipe is managed, as usual, directly via MCVx or SPCx. 

Possibility of various combinations of camera, optics, and lighting in function of the actual situation and the request of flexibility. 

Possibility of multiple training of the neural network and of re-training in the time. 

Customization & Expandability

Possibility to use the same camera, alternatively, as a standard tone of gray camera. 

SFS Control Station 
Surface defects inspection by Shape From Shading (SFS) Technology

Measures & Detectable Defects

Control of raised or recessed elements on flat surfaces. Detection of raised defects (bubbles or surface coating deposits), scratches, absence of bosses or holes, recognition of raised or recessed writing, and presence/absence of markings.

SFS technology is based on combining a singular artificial picture of four different frames acquired in sequence lighting the workpiece from the 4 cardinal points. SFS puts in evidence any 3D element on or below the flat surface, meanwhile blinds the color heterogeneous without any deformation in shape. 

Applications & Compatibility

MCV1, MCV3, MCV4, MCV6, MCV-belt, Automatic SPC.

Configuration & Tech Details

The software interpretation tool is AI based, independent from the vision system, and developed by Dimac. It has a user interface that is used only for tests and diagnostic, while the control recipe is managed, as usual, directly via MCVx or SPCx. 

Possibility of various combinations of cameras in the function of the frame size requested. Possibility of multiple training of the neural network and of re-training in the time.  

Customization & Expandability

Possibility to use the same camera, alternatively, as a standard AI camera or a SFS camera. 

Multi-Camera Control Station 
360° inspection of lateral surfaces by multiple images

Thread defect
Measures & Detectable Defects

Detection of threads dents, scratches on smooth surfaces, open cracks, presence of radial holes.

The multi-camera station works by combining analysis of the images of multiple cameras arranged around the workpiece so as to see the entire external lateral surface (and possibly also one end).

Applications & Compatibility

MCV3, MCV4, MCV6, Automatic SPC.

Configuration & Tech Details

The camera’s number and disposition around the workpieces, as the lighting, and change in function of the application and machine, typically 3 or 4 cameras are enough. 

Interpretation is typically managed by AI tools but could be done also with traditional analytical algorithms. Tricks are used to increase the computational performance, reaching up to 800 pcs/min in thread control. This technology is used to perform quick and easy controls, as a faster alternative to 360° mechanical rotation in mechanical dial sorting machines like MCV3 and MCV4, or to perform a 360° inspection on glass table sorting machines like MCV6.

Customization & Expandability

Possibility of various combinations of cameras in the function of the frame size requested.

Linear Camera Control Station 
360° inspection of side surfaces by linear camera

Measures & Detectable Defects

Detection of thread dents, Z-thread, scratches on smooth surfaces, open cracks, text on smooth surfaces, presence and position of radial holes, verification of the correct shift between asymmetries, …

Applications & Compatibility

MCV1, MCV3.

Configuration & Tech Details

Designed as a stand-alone application, the station is composed of a linear camera, a lighting system adjustable in position, and a 360° encoded rotation station to turn the workpiece in front of the linear camera. Programming of the control algorithm and setting of the operating parameters is possible through the machine monitor, on a dedicated user interface optimized for the management of images from linear cameras.

Customization & Expandability

In comparison with other 360° surface controls, a linear camera permits to measurement of angles and distances between elements on the external surface of the workpiece.  

NDT – Eddy Current Control Stations

Eddy current crack control station

Measures & Detectable Defects

Crack detection on the most critical section of extruded parts (Screw, bolts and, in general components produced by cold forming).

Applications & Compatibility

Metal dial sorting machines with indexed movement (MCV0, MCV1, MCV3, MCV4)

Configuration & tech details

Dimac installs top-quality eddy current equipment exclusively from leading manufacturers like IBG and Marposs, ensuring no use of lower-grade components, coupling them with the 360° rotating station to move the part in front of the test probe. The probe is mounted on a tiltable trolley to control the head or shank of the workpiece.
Possibility of a second probe to check simultaneously two different sections of the workpiece.

Hardness/Heat treatment control station by eddy current equipment.

Measures & detectable defects

Detect components not submitted to correct hardness procedure.

Applications & compatibility

Sorting machines of MCV series.

Configuration & tech details

Dimac integrates eddy current equipments of the mot important brands on the market.

Customization & Expandability

Possibility of combination with crack detection equipment.  
Possibility of different probe shapes to quickly adapt the station to different part numbers.

Fastener Fair Italy
29-30 October 2024
Milan – Italy

Join us! Hall 3 – Booth 600