MIRROR-IMAGE VISION Helmee Imaging is a high-tech machine-vision company that leads the field in the 3D quality control of glossy and chromium plated products. Philip Yorke talked to Matti Saarinen, the company’s CEO, about its revolutionary 3D robotic inspection systems and the extensive global market opportunities for the company’s unrivalled technology.
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elmee Imaging Ltd is a high tech machine vision company based in Finland that provides automated quality control systems for manufacturers of highly-polished surface products. The independent company is a spin-off from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Helmee’s revolutionary machine vision systems are based on its unique CSD™ patented technology, which enables the accurate 3D imaging of glossy, mirror-like objects for the first time. Conventional systems fail in the quality control of glossy products due to uncontrolled reflections interfering with the results. Helmee’s machine vision systems are the first in the market to enable 3D shape measurement and the detection of surface defects on high-curvature and mirror-like glossy surfaces. These advanced systems are able to accurately calculate an object’s shape and surface properties made of a variety of materials including plastics, glass, paint and ceramics. 36 Industry Europe
Quality control of complex products Helmee’s breakthrough quality control system enables the quality control of complex products such as bathroom mixer taps, automotive fittings, bearings and even artificial joints. Although machine vision technology is widely used for the quality control of industrial processes, up until now it has only been possible to inspect complex glossy surfaces manually. Manual inspection work is expensive and the quality level can vary for a variety of reasons. Helmee Imaging offers revolutionary systems for accurate quality control with benefits that include increased control capacity, lower inspection costs and more accurate, more consistent quality. With the aid of the company’s unique machine vision systems, it is possible to image every kind of glossy, high curvature, angular object and components. This remarkable system is capable of the simultaneous measurement of an object’s surface and 3D shape.
