Efficient 3D reconstruction and surface inspection of wooden pallets
NPX relies on industrial cameras from Balluff for processing wooden pallets
Image: 3D reconstruction and surface inspection. Image source: © NPX Srl
Industry sector: Wood industry | Customer: NPX Srl, Udine, Italy
NPX Srl stands out in the Italian industrial landscape for its specialization in high-tech solutions. The company focuses on advanced solutions that integrate robotics and vision systems and are essential for modern industrial precision. Founded in 2002, NPX has been a reliable partner for over 20 years with its specialized team operating at an international level.
The situation
Alongside stone, wood is one of the materials that man has always used, first as a tool and then as a building material. Among other things, wood is easy to process, can be used in a variety of ways and - more important than ever in today's world - it is a renewable raw material. For these reasons, too, more and more architects are turning to wood. This is also shown by the annual wood consumption figures. As in many industries, cost pressure and price increases are also making themselves felt in the timber industry. In its search for process optimization, the company NPX from Udine found what it was looking for at Balluff and relies on industrial cameras for the processing of wooden pallets.
The challenge
The quality control of wooden pallets requires maximum precision and speed. Conventional systems often reach their limits when it comes to detecting surface defects and geometric measurement. NPX was looking for a solution that combines both 3D reconstruction and surface inspection in one automated process and can react flexibly to different types of wood and production speeds. The aim was also to have to intervene as little as possible and to drive automation forward.
The solution
The system implemented by NPX is based on a PC architecture with 8 to 10 Balluff Ethernet and USB industrial cameras (GX0 and SF2) connected via dedicated network ports and PCIe expansion cards for USB 3.0. The combination of monochrome and color sensors enables simultaneous 3D reconstruction using laser triangulation and detailed color inspection of the wood surfaces.
The synchronized image acquisition of all cameras ensures reliable inspection even at variable production speeds. The intelligent encoder interface of the Balluff cameras simplifies the machine architecture, as the signal distribution takes place directly in the camera. The specially developed firmware optimizes data processing and transmission and ensures seamless integration into the existing production line.
What other advantages does the solution have?
The Balluff solution enables NPX to significantly increase inspection speed and reliability. Automated quality control reduces manual intervention and minimizes downtime. The robust hardware and flexible software have proven themselves in daily operation and offer NPX a clear competitive advantage, as it not only increases product quality, but also reduces operating costs and promotes the sustainability of production.
Image: Stone inclusions are detected. Image source: © NPX Srl
The advantages
- Synchronized image acquisition thanks to encoder interface
- Optimized data processing and transmission thanks to adapted firmware
- Combination of monochrome and color sensors
- Robust hardware enables continuous operation
- Reduced cabling effort thanks to smart features of the cameras
The products
The NPX Srl system is based on Ethernet and USB industrial cameras (GX0 and SF2) from Balluff. The camera families use IMX sensors from Sony and firmware specially adapted to the needs of NPX Srl for optimum use.