Developed with Swiss company Inficon, it will be used by Inficon to partly automate quality control – finding scratches before silicon sensors are bonded to glass in the manufacture of helium leak detectiors.

It is a visual inspection system, using a collimated light source, optics and a camera at specific angles to the component being tested.

It captures high contrast images of defects on the surface which are automatically processed and displayed on screen. The operator is presented with scratches circled in yellow and other areas of potential concern highlighted in red.

According to 42 Technology, its role included initial development of a microscopy-based technology, first proposed by Inficon, before recommending the use of collimated light to improve image contrast. The consultancy team then designed and built a demonstration unit, developed the system and image analysis software, and developed and commissioned the final system.

“A similar approach could easily be applied to other major sectors such as automotive,” said 42. “For example: to identify scratches on pistons or other engine components, or to inspect polished or metallic surfaces where it is often difficult for operators to assess their final finish.”

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