Vision system detects broken, worn and chipped tools

Phoenix Imaging's CNC-Tool Status Advisor (CNC-TSA) system may use one or more cameras to view a tool, checking not just that it has broken, but what wear or chipping has occurred. "Instead of waiting for the product inspection area to reject a part due to dull, worn or broken tools, the vision system measures the number of operations performed and wear of the tools. Thus, preventing and or reducing scrap and unnecessary downtime," says Larry Pfeifer, a product specialist at MAG is reported as saying. Read the full article here.