A Web Based Approach To Automated Inspection And Quality Control Of Manufactured Parts

Abstract

This paper presents an approach for the automated inspection and quality control of manufactured parts from a remote site. A web-based control system was developed to establish communication among the various components of the experimental manufacturing cell, consisting of an IBM 7535 robot, a measuring station and a part feed station. The various cell components are interfaced with the computer through digital and analog interface modules from National Instruments and is controlled using a graphical programming language called LabVIEW. A dedicated web page was developed for the cell that allows remote users to perform online quality tests. Details pertaining to the cell and the control architecture developed to automate the quality control task are presented in this paper. The feasibility of providing non-site based hands-on engineering and technology education is also explored through this project.