Industrial vision camera enclosures, sometimes called machine vision systems, perform very specific tasks in very specific industries. In an assembly line-like conveyor, Machine vision systems can count objects, perform visual inspections and read serial numbers. It performs these tasks using equipment like robotic arms, input and output devices as well as optics. These systems have changed the way companies package their products and they have also drastically changed policies in quality assurance.

Industrial vision camera enclosures are highly specialized so consider the following before you purchase:

1. Advice from machine vision technology leaders

2. Machine vision tools for food and pharmaceuticals

3. Refurbished industrial machine vision systems for the semiconductor industry

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get expert advice about leading machine vision companies and services

The best way to familiarize yourself with what kind of machine vision companies you want to do business with is to consult industry leaders or sites devoted to the machine vision industry. Machine vision equipment and technologies are expensive and industry websites can offer newsletters, events and other industry resources that can help you make your choice.

I recommend: Machine vision company Cognex is a leader in all types of vision systems. Vision Systems Design can provide vision systems education and technology updates as well as featured products.

Find machine vision and inspection systems specifically made for food and pharmaceutical safety

For machine vision and inspection systems made for the food and pharmaceutical industry, you should be very careful in your choice since your first goal is to keep your consumers healthy. You'll want to look for a system that detects missing product literature, packaging leaks and inspects blister packs. Since machine vision systems are tremendously expensive, many systems manufacturers offer free trial runs on the product of your choice.

I recommend: VisionSystem.com and Alpha Vision Design are both pros in the food and pharmaceutical machine vision industry and offer a variety of services as well as equipment.

Buy a refurbished industrial machine vision system for the semiconductor industry online

Refurbished industrial machine vision systems for the semiconductor industry are plenty. Buying new is also an option but, with today's abundance of semiconductor companies, you can find the latest technology in used machine vision systems quite easily. Find the widest array of refurbished machine vision technology for semiconductors through sites that connect buyers and sellers; just make sure both you and the seller are clear about what you'll get in warranties and installation, if anything.

I recommend: Order refurbished semiconductor vision systems from a variety of manufacturers directly through Bid-Service. CAE Online can get you a list of individual sellers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Any machine vision systems that you purchase should come with easy-to-use software since it is what drives and controls the vision system as a whole. Make sure you ask specifically for new operating systems as well as integrated software solutions.