Pin Nozzle Filter with solino® RTI sensor
Detecting micro defects in precision micro-hole structures with BRDF computational imaging
Customer Task:
Pin nozzle filters are precision components used in filtration, fluid control and dosing applications. These parts consist of many micro-drilled holes that must meet strict quality and functional requirements.
Manufacturers therefore require reliable inspection methods for:
- micro-hole arrays and perforation patterns
- bore edges and hole geometry
- surface quality of the filter plate
- contamination inside micro-holes
- machining and finishing quality
The goal is to detect surface and structural defects early in the production process and ensure consistent performance of every filter component.
Inspection Challenges:
Inspecting pin nozzle filters is particularly challenging for conventional machine vision systems due to the combination of micro-scale structures, reflective surfaces and complex geometry.
Typical challenges include:
- highly reflective metal like polished or machined metal creates glare and uncontrolled reflections that obscure defects.
- large number of repetitive micro-holes with hundreds of small features must be inspected consistently and reliably.
- burrs and edge defects at hole boundaries with even minimal burrs can affect flow behavior but are difficult to detect.
- depth and shadow effects inside holes create changing reflectance depending on illumination direction.
- contamination inside micro-holes as particles, residues or blockages may not be visible under fixed lighting conditions.
- surface finishing variations like machining marks, polishing variations or wear can mask or imitate defects.
- process variability across the part as differences in drilling or finishing can lead to inconsistent surface appearance.
- conventional vision systems depend heavily on lighting setup and often fail to capture all relevant features consistently and leads to unstable inspection results
Technology Principle
The solino® RTI sensor uses BRDF-based computational imaging to reveal weld surface structures that conventional imaging cannot reliably detect.
Within milliseconds the system captures a series of 64 images under multiple illumination directions and reconstructs the surface reflectance information computationally. Key elements include:
- 64 multi-directional LED illumination
- photometric stereo image capture
- reflectance-based surface reconstruction
- computational defect enhancement
This approach creates a stable and repeatable inspection environment independent of external lighting conditions.
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Application
The solino® 50×50 sensor can be used to inspect pin nozzle filters after drilling, machining or finishing processes.
Typical inspection targets include:
- micro-hole arrays and patterns
- bore edges and hole quality
- surface finishing of the filter plate
- contamination and particle detection
- structural uniformity across the component
Because the system captures the surface under 64 illumination directions, both surface defects and structural irregularities become visible with enhanced contrast.
Original RGB image vs. solino® Structural CPI Image
Original RGB image vs. solino® reflectance CPI Image
Technology Benefits
Using controlled multi-directional illumination, solino® enhances the visibility of surface anomalies on pin nozzle filters such as:
- burrs and edge defects around micro-holes
- contamination or blockages inside holes
- micro scratches and machining marks
- surface roughness variations across the plate
The technology is particularly effective for structured and reflective metal parts with repetitive micro-features.
Original RGB image vs. solino® Surface Anomaly CPI Image
Solution Architecture:
Item nummer: 100-SO-50-MAN-001 solino® 50x50-Viewer & Stand
The inspection system consists of:
- solino® RTI sensor integrated 64 LED dome illumination
- high-resolution 20 MP industrial camera
- solinoStudio SW for acquisition and processing
The compact sensor design allows easy integration into automated production systems or inspection stations.
Inspection workflow:
- Filter component is positioned under the solino® sensor
- The system captures a series of images under varying illumination directions
- Computational algorithms reconstruct the surface reflectance information
- solinoStudio enables visualization and analysis of surface structures
Conclusion
The solino® RTI sensor combines controlled illumination with computational imaging to reveal surface structures that are difficult to detect using traditional machine vision systems.
This enables reliable inspection of pin nozzle filters and micro-hole structures, helping manufacturers improve product performance, detect defects earlier and ensure consistent quality in filtration and fluid control applications.
Additional Image processing and AI available on request
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