A number of recent indicators suggest that the vision industry has weathered the worst of the global recession and is poised to emerge with positive signs of growth, says the UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA).
Recently published surveys for 2010 from the European Machine Vision Association (EMVA) and the Automated Imaging Association (AIA) in the USA predict an 11% increase in turnover and a 2.6% to 4.6% increase in sales, respectively, in their particular regions. Similarly, an informal survey of UKIVA members attending the UK’s Advanced Manufacturing exhibition earlier in 2010 revealed an upturn in enquiry levels and actual business since the beginning of 2010.
One of the reasons for these positive predictions may be the increased role of vision in industrial automation in manufacturing, where two key components to competitiveness for manufacturing in the western economy - in a world where labour costs are lower elsewhere - are automation and quality. Vision can help to both reduce costs and ensure quality is consistent and meets high standards, thus increasing competitiveness.
Investing in machine vision offers many benefits. The process of feeding data from a vision system into a statistical control system provides a way of integrating vision into automated manufacturing. It can ensure that a factory never produces scrap material since corrections can be made before the product goes out of tolerance. Using this technology to work accurately to the minimum within-tolerance parameter, rather than the middle of a tolerance band, can dramatically reduce annual, raw material costs. When vision is used to check that items have been correctly assembled, warranty costs are also reduced.
In addition, using vision systems to accurately measure what is delivered to a customer can have a direct effect on the profitability of the company.
For further information, contact:
UK Industrial Vision Association, PO Box 25, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 6TL, UK. Tel: +44-1763-220981, Web:www.ukiva.org
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