Optical Sorting Machine FAQ: 10 Questions from Quality Managers

Optical Sorting Machine FAQ: 10 Questions from Quality Managers and Buyers

1. What parts can be sorted optically?

Fasteners (screws, nuts, rivets), O-rings and rubber seals, electronic components, turned and stamped metal parts, plastic injection parts, and similar high-volume small components — typically 1-50mm. If it can be fed and imaged, it can usually be sorted; sample testing confirms it.

2. What throughput can I expect?

Typically 300-1200 parts per minute depending on part size, feeding behavior and inspection complexity. Dimensional-only checks run faster than full surface inspection. We quote a realistic rate after running your actual parts, not a best-case number.

3. What detection accuracy is achievable?

Dimensional measurement to ±0.01mm with telecentric optics on stable presentations; surface defect detection down to ~0.05mm scratches/cracks with appropriate lighting. The honest metrics are escape rate and false-reject rate measured on your parts — we provide both in the feasibility report.

4. Can one machine handle multiple part numbers?

Yes — inspection recipes store per-part settings; changeover is selecting the recipe plus mechanical feed adjustment, typically minutes. Families of similar parts share feeding tooling; very different geometries may need change parts.

5. How do I know the machine will catch OUR defects?

Send 200-500 parts including your known defect types. We image them, build the recipe, and return detection images plus measured escape/false-reject rates before you commit. Acceptance testing with a seeded defect set can be written into the contract.

6. Rule-based vision or AI — which does the machine use?

Both, each where it is strong: deterministic rules for dimensions and geometry (auditable, stable), deep-learning models for cosmetic defects with natural variation. Every reject image is archived so your quality team can audit any decision.

7. Does sorting damage delicate parts?

Feed rails, dial surfaces and ejection are engineered per part: polymer contact surfaces, controlled drop heights, soft-landing chutes for finish-critical parts. Tell us if your parts are plating- or cosmetic-critical and we design handling accordingly.

8. What data does the machine record?

Per-lot counts (inspected/passed/rejected by defect type), defect images with timestamps, and dimensional data exportable for SPC. This record is your evidence file for customer audits and claim defense.

9. What about installation, training and after-sales support?

Machines ship pre-configured with your recipes; installation and operator training take days. Remote support covers recipe tuning and software updates; wear parts (feed tooling, lights) are stocked. Non-standard automation projects include documented commissioning.

10. How do I get a quotation?

Send part drawings, sample quantity available, defect list, required throughput and target market voltage. Unitecho responds with feasibility assessment and machine proposal within one week; counting and packaging integration can be included for a complete end-of-line solution.