Coherix’s computer-vision technology is reported to reduce manufacturing costs and improve product quality for critical assemblies used in automotive, medical, and electronic products.
ANN ARBOR, Mich.—Engineers at Michigan-based Coherix have developed what is reported to be an industry-first technology to monitor and adjust the application of adhesives and sealants that are used to manufacture essential automotive, medical, and consumer-electronics products.
Coherix’s 3D laser-based, computer-vision systems are capable of tracking the application of adhesive beads on extremely small, but critically important assemblies found in cell phones, computers, medical devices, automotive electronic-control modules, and a variety of other electronic devices, the company said in a release.
The new Coherix 3D Mini™ can reportedly check adhesive beads as small in width as two human hairs, at speeds of 400 up to 1,000 times per second—faster and more effectively than 2D systems currently in use. When teamed with Coherix adaptive process-control software, the company’s 360-degree laser technology monitors and adjusts the application of adhesives to assure that every part meets specification, according to Coherix President Juergen Dennig.
Coherix considers itself a pioneer in the development of 3D-enabled adaptive-process-control technology, reportedly capable of saving customers millions of dollars annually. Coherix APC™ (Adaptive Process-Control) software proactively controls the application of adhesives and sealants on assembly lines to prevent defects, increase throughput, and maximize performance.
The global market for adhesive-dispensing systems equipped with adaptive process-control technology for extremely small automotive, medical, and consumer electronics components totals more than $300 million annually, Dennig said in the release. He noted that 3D Mini can reduce assembly-line operating costs by up to 20 percent, pointing out that in a recent beta test, a major manufacturer of electronic-control units estimated an annual savings of up to $160,000 in operating costs with the installation of eight 3D Coherix sensors on just one assembly line.
“Coherix 3D Mini with adaptive process control eliminates the need for additional inspection stations,” Dennig said. “There also will be a significant increase in production volume along with considerable labor- and material-cost savings.”
Production of Coherix 3D Mini already is underway at Coherix facilities in Ann Arbor. The company said it expects annual unit sales to “reach 3,000 or more within the next 4-5 years, which also will lead to a new North American assembly plant for Coherix products in the relatively near future.”
Less than two days of onsite training are said to be required for assembly-line and quality-control employees to use the new system. “Coherix promises continued support with remote assistance, training, and advice whenever needed,” the company said in the release.
Coherix engineers and software programmers are reported to have spent more than five years on the design, development, and pre-production testing of the new system.
“This is the first laser-based 3D adaptive-process-control system of its kind available for use by the automotive, medical, and electronics industries,” Dennig said. “It could be years before a truly competitive product emerges.”
Dennig sees China as the biggest potential market for Coherix 3D Mini, followed by Europe and North America.
“China’s rapidly expanding production of electric vehicles and other electronic products makes it the single largest potential market for this new technology,” he said. “Europe also is an attractive market because of the large number of dispensing and robotics companies located there. In North America, Mexico is emerging as an attractive market as well.”
Coherix provides high-performance adhesive- and sealant-dispensing inspection systems to global OEMs, tier-one suppliers, line builders, dispensing-equipment companies and vision-system integrators in a variety of industries. Its major customers are reported to include BYD, BMW, Bosch, Ford, Geely, General Motors, Gestamp, Honda, Hyundai, Kubota, Magna, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Seres, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.