Catching the eye at the front of Bartell Machinery Systems’ stand – and proudly displaying its Tire Technology International Awards ‘Finalist’ status – was the latest BeadView non-contact bead inspection system, said to be the world’s first such measurement tool.
The optical images from two cameras – one mounted vertically to measure diameter, one horizontally for height – are coalesced using bespoke software to provide a highly accurate image of the bead ring under inspection, all within a couple of seconds. Preset targets and tolerance values, even including a weight if required, are then referenced for a simple green/red pass/fail indication on the display.
“Measurement data can be saved, uploaded and analysed to establish quality trends,” explained Bartell’s Shawn Lawlor. Currently, several bead units will typically be inspected offline per batch, but Bartell is working towards automating the process and integrating the technology into its apexing line. “We want to learn from customer experiences in the field and apply that knowledge to the next generation,” he added.
The first two units were sold late last year, and considerable further interest has been shown in the system in early 2017.
To see the BeadView in action, visit Stand 4014 at Tire Technology Expo 2017. The show is open until Thursday, 16 February.
