The Shiny Detection module from Pixargus for profile control

The new Shiny Detection inline module from PIXARGUS is the perfect solution to detecting scratches and bubbles on the challenging high-gloss surfaces of vehicle trims

Called Shadowline, Black Edition or Night Package, the new exterior design packages in glossy or matt black offered by automakers render modernity and style. Moreover, they provide great flexibility for customization and are very much on trend. At the same time, the love for high-gloss chrome finish that gives a car a stylish, luxury look is unbroken. However, these eye-catching design elements also have a less shiny side: They are highly sensitive to physical impact and difficult to inspect due their high light reflectance and their complex shape. “The bar in quality inspection of these products is very high”, says Michael Frohn, Sales Manager at PIXARGUS. “Even the smallest defects - hardly visible to the naked eye - are not tolerated."

The Shiny Detection module developed by measuring technology expert PIXARGUS ensures 100% defect detection on high-reflectance surfaces. The specially developed software of the module is able to even detect dark defects on glossy or matte black surfaces. “We have more than twenty years of experience in automotive profile inspection. Throughout this time, we have continuously further developed and optimized our detection and quality control algorithms,” adds Frohn. The measuring system expert is convinced: “Our inspection systems help minimize out-of-spec production and avoid complaints.”

From Würselen to Canada

The PIXARGUS Shiny Detection module casts a pattern of structured light onto the high-gloss surfaces of the profiles to be inspected

The PIXARGUS system is already successfully in use at a leading automotive supplier in Canada. The specialist in vehicle exteriors and design elements with premium finishes has been using technology from PIXARGUS in surface inspection of vehicle trim products since 2008. At its facilities in Canada the company operates eight PIXARGUS systems to check the quality of their products. For a recent investment in new quality control technology, the supplier again decided in favor of a PIXARGUS ProfilControl 7 Surface Shiny Detection system. “The system identifies even the tiniest of flaws in real time” says PIXARGUS Sales Manager Frohn. He knows: “The system helps our customer to take measures to optimize the out-of-spec rate and minimize the scrap costs as a result.”

The functional principle 

The PIXARGUS Shiny Detection module casts a pattern of structured light onto the high-gloss surfaces of the profiles to be inspected. These light patterns showing on the surface of the profile suppress reflection while creating transitions of brightness that allow even extremely small scratches, bubbles or dents to be reliably detected. The system follows the exact contour of the product and inspects it across its entire width. The field of vision can be modulated to also ensure inspection of the curved areas of metal trims.

PIXARGUS developed this inspection tool as an add-on module to its ProfilControl 7 system. Shiny Detection can be flexibly switched in whenever necessary to inspect glossy products or products that are glossy in certain areas. A unique solution that makes it possible to also inspect products with surfaces that consist of different materials, e.g. chrome, foil or rubber, in one parallel process and at high line speeds. Thus, the new add-on module for glossy surfaces saves time and money.