Industrial 3D cameras
A 3D camera measures height, shape and position where a 2D image does not provide enough information. The available families differ in working distance, field of view, measurement detail and acquisition method. The right choice depends on the part, the required result and the time available in the production cycle.
Camera selection
The main differences between 3D camera families become clear in the application. A compact working volume requires a different camera from a pallet or deep container. Dimensional inspection also places different demands on the measurement than locating a part for a robot.
Working volume
The camera must cover the full product and its height variation at the available mounting distance. For bin picking and depalletising, tilted and overlapping parts must remain within the measurable volume.
Measurement result
Robot guidance needs a stable part position and orientation. Inspection applications may instead require a height, volume, profile or pass/fail result. These applications do not always need the same camera or processing method.
Part surface
Surface colour, reflections and transparency affect the amount of valid depth data. Representative parts provide a more useful comparison than nominal specifications alone.
Production environment
Acquisition and processing must fit within the cycle time. The connection to the PLC or robot, changeovers, cleaning and recovery after an unsuccessful measurement also affect the practical result.
Applications
3D cameras are used when height, shape or position influences the production decision. Sedeco supplies the camera technology and can also help with software, robot or PLC communication and integration into the machine.
Quality inspection
Height data can reveal fill level, deformation, missing material, poor fit or volume differences. The useful measurement detail depends on the field of view, surface and selected 3D method.
Robot guidance
The camera provides the 3D position and orientation of the part. A complete robot application also needs grasp planning, reach and collision checks, and a safe robot path.
View robot vision →Automated handling
3D vision helps a robot handle parts with varying height or orientation. Reliable production also depends on retries, recovery after a failed pick, container or pallet changes and the number of operator interventions.
Logistics and process measurement
Depth images can provide package dimensions, object height, volume or available space. The result can be passed to a PLC, robot or business system within the time available in the process.
Custom recognition
When standard 3D tools do not cover the product variation, Sedeco can develop a model using production data and synthetic images from a suitable CAD model. The model and compute hardware are selected together for the required cycle time.
Read about AI inspection and custom models →A practical calculation: subtract annual management and maintenance costs from the process costs that are removed or reduced. Compare the result with the total investment, using measurements from your own production.
Available range
The families below cover general 3D imaging, robot guidance and laser profile measurement. Open a family to compare the available working volumes, variants and specifications. Pricing is available on request.
Testing with your products
A datasheet cannot predict how much valid depth data will remain on every surface. A trial with representative parts shows the coverage, repeatability and total processing time at the actual working distances, motion and ambient light. It also reveals how often the process needs a retry or operator intervention.
More about 3D vision
How 3D cameras measure depth and which data they provide.
A detailed guide to working volume, surfaces, performance and integration.
How the available measurement methods work and where their limits lie.
Compare 3D with area scan, line scan and smart cameras.
Typical applications
Determine the position and orientation of loose or stacked parts so the robot can calculate a reachable pick and safe path.
Measure packages, products, stacks or container contents for sorting, tolerance checks, replenishment or emptying schedules.
Inspect height differences that are difficult to assess from colour or contrast, such as a connector, seal, raised carton flap, dent or warped part.
Measure the height profile of a weld seam, adhesive bead or sealant bead. A laser profile sensor is often the better choice for small details or fast inline measurements.
Advice on 3D cameras
Send us representative parts or CAD data, together with the working volume, required cycle time and intended connection. We can compare suitable camera families, answer technical questions and advise on the camera, software and integration required for a practical trial.
