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WHAT IS
FACTORY AUTOMATION?

 

Reduce Human Error

 

Increase Production Quality

 

Improve Production Throughput

 

Protect from Hazardous Environments

Factory automation is the use of controllers, programming, and sensors to perform repetitive tasks, like inspection, with reduced human oversight. In the past decade, factory automation has become prevalent in the manufacturing sector. Machine vision systems inspect objects and can detect changes in the environment in the same way humans use their eyes to view their surroundings. Fortunately, because it is advancing at such a dramatic rate, machine vision and imaging technologies are driving much of the growth in autonomous manufacturing.

Why Factory Automation?

Pixel count in machine vision cameras sensors and data transfer rates have increased by several orders of magnitude, allowing the capture of extremely high-resolution images. Illumination systems have also become orders of magnitude brighter due to advancements in LEDs. With these technological advancements driving down automation prices and labor prices increasing, the desire to automate processes, manufacturing or otherwise, has sharply increased.

Cost of Automation1

Factory Automation Graph

Optics for Factory Automation

Automation integrators require components like cameras, illumination, and imaging lenses for machine vision systems that are robust for manufacturing environments, but also feature extremely high performance, reliability, and repeatability. Without these components, automation systems are unable to perform quality inspection on products or monitor dangerous environmental parameters, increasing the need for human operators to be placed in potentially hazardous conditions.

Who is Edmund Optics?

Edmund Optics (EO) is a world class optics and photonics manufacturer with over 78 years of experience in optics, design, testing, and manufacturing. Additionally, Edmund Optics offers a broad selection of versatile and off-the-shelf products, which are continuously updated to support current, relevant challenges for factory automation. Learn more about Edmund Optics and our World-Class Imaging Optics and Manufacturing Capabilities.

About Us
Imaging Optics Capabilities

Edmund Optics’ Solutions for Factory Automation

Edmund Optics’ Solutions for Factory Automation

Imaging - Factory Automation
TECHSPEC

Factory Automation Lenses

  • Ideal for automated machine vision applications
  • Fixed focal length and a single angular field of view
  • Commonly referred to as C-Mount Lenses, Factory Automation Lenses, or FA Lenses
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Imaging
TECHSPEC

Ruggedized Factory Automation Lenses

  • Ruggedized to minimize pixel shift after shock and vibration
  • Individual optics glued in place to maintain optical pointing stability
  • 50G shock rating with sub-micron pixel shift of <1µm
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Measurement and Gauging
TECHSPEC

Large Field of View Telecentric Lenses

  • Used for extremely accurate measurements
  • Ideal for in-line illumination
  • Eliminate parallax error, making apparent object size independent of location
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Illumination

Illumination

  • Increase contrast of object or area to ensure visibility for automation applications
  • LED, fiber optic, and laser illumination
  • Illumination accessories available for additional functionality


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Cameras

Cameras

  • High fidelity image capture and data transfer
  • Wide variety of digital interfaces for maximum compatibility
  • Camera accessories available including mounting adapters, imaging filters, and cables
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Edmund Optics® Imaging: Manufacturing Capabilities

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Technical Information and Tools

Videos

Informative corporate or instructional videos ranging from simple tips to application-based demonstrations of product advantages.

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MercuryTL™ Liquid Lens Telecentric Lenses

 
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Imaging Performance of Telecentric Lenses

 
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Ruggedized Imaging Lenses

 
How an Edmund Optics Imaging Lens is Made

How an Edmund Optics Imaging Lens is Made

 

Application Notes

Technical information and application examples including theoretical explanations, equations, graphical illustrations, and much more.

11 Best Practices for Better Imaging
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Chromatic and Monochromatic Optical Aberrations
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6 Fundamental Parameters of an Imaging System
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From Lens to Sensor: Limitations on Collecting Information
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Imaging Electronics 101: Understanding Camera Sensors for Machine Vision Applications
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Imaging Lens
Selection Guide
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Telecentric Illumination: Why You Need It in Machine Vision Applications
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Lens Selection Based on Resolution - Advanced
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Ruggedization of
Imaging Lenses
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Technical Articles

Links to technical articles appearing in industry publications authored by Edmund Optics or featuring contributions from Edmund Optics' engineering team and key management.

"Vision & Sensors Lens Selection Guide, Part 1" by Nick Sischka - Quality Vision & Sensors
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"Lens Selection Guide, Part 2" by Nick Sischka - Quality Vision & Sensors
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"Vision Systems for 3D Measurement Require Care to Ensure Alignment" by Jessica Gehlhar - Industrial Photonics
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"The Importance Of Ruggedization For Imaging Lenses" by Daniel Adams - Assemblaggio & Meccatronica
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"How To Maximise The Performance Of An Imaging System" by Daniel Adams - Assemblaggio & Meccatronica
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Calculators

Technical calculators based on commonly used and referenced equations in the Optics, Imaging and Photonics industries.

Imaging System Parameter Calculator
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Imaging Lens Selector
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1951 USAF Resolution Calculator
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References

1 Tilley, Jonathan. (2020). "Automation, Robotics, and the Factory of the Future." McKinsey & Company, Sept. 2017, www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/automation-robotics-and-the-factory-of-the-future.

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