Quality Control with PRESS-CHECK

  • Automatic sorting of sheets, detection of misplacement and press shut down if necessary
  • Logging and evaluation of all collected data and reporting to the master control system via industry-standard interfaces
  • The flexible structure and data interface make InfraTec´s PRESS-CHECK easy to integrate

Thermography in Use in Press Hardening and Hot Forming

PRESS-CHECK evaluation unit

The automated test system PRESS-CHECK works with two or more powerful high-resolution infrared cameras for continuous measurement of the two-dimensional temperature distribution on the parts before and after the hot forming or hot stamping process, ultimately enabling full compliance with the specified thermal process parameters.

As a result, you manufacture parts with the designed microstructure and a corresponding local hardness distribution. The thermographic-based, two-dimensional monitoring of process temperatures during the hot forming or hot press stamping process ensures a consistently high production quality, with distinct advantages over merely selective temperature measurements on reference points offered by pyrometers, for example.

The process-specific temperature limits for the differently shaped metal parts can be managed in special parameter sets, also called recipes. Stampings with different thermal signatures during the hot forming process are recognized and can be automatically sorted out, so your wastage rates fall considerably. Furthermore, the system checks whether the sheets are placed into the press in the expected number and correct position. In doing so, it can also detect blanks that are incorrectly placed on top of each other (double sheets). If necessary, the press can be stopped automatically, e.g. to avoid expensive damage to the tools.

PRESS-CHECK is linked to the supervisory control system of the respective press, and transmits data as well as the classification of all pressings in real time, thus avoiding slowing down of the hot forming process. With InfraTec´s PRESS-CHECK you can manage the various molds and associated parameter sets automatically, even creating logs. This makes InfraTec PRESS-CHECK universally usable for all applications running on the press without the need for additional equipment and setup time. With highly reliable components, special protective housings, a flexible design and industry-standard data interfaces, the PRESS-CHECK test system can be easily integrated in your press processes.

PRESS-CHECK: For End-to-end Quality Control and Trouble-free Operation During Press Hardening

Quality Control for More Precision in Press Hardening with PRESS-CHECK – Car Parts

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Why Monitor the Process of Press Hardening?

Automotive low weight components demand a precise microstructure and corresponding local strength distribution. Good reasons to monitor the process of press hardening by the use of infrared cameras.

Thermography in Use in Press Hardening and Hot Forming

The automated test system PRESS-CHECK from InfraTec serves to control the production process during press hardening. It is equipped with several infrared cameras, which monitor the furnace exit, the moment before and after pressing as well as the cooling of the pressed parts. Thus, a complete temperature measurement and position monitoring is easily possible - high-level quality control due to thermography.

Quality Control for More Precision in Press Hardening with PRESS-CHECK – Car Parts

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Thermography in Use in Press Hardening

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Get in contact with InfraTec thermography division

Would You Like to Know More?

It is not unusual for tasks to be associated with special requirements. Discuss your specific application needs with our specialists, receive further technical information or learn more about our additional services.

United States

InfraTec infrared LLC
75024 Plano, TXUSA

Features and Benefits

  • Infrared cameras optimized for temperature control at the furnace exit, before and after hot stamping or hot forming
  • Monitoring of the entire surface of the sheet instead of point measurements
  • Presence detection, position recognition, double sheet detection
  • Fully automatic, process-synchronous operation
  • No additional setup time
  • Increases process efficiency and safety by automatically sorting sheets or stopping the press to prevent damage
  • Temperature measurement and classification of sheet metal parts
  • Adaptation to different press manufacturers through flexible system structure and data interface
  • Control of multi-zone components (tailored tempering) for partial press hardening in one process step

System Structure

Automation solution PRESS-CHECK - System overview

PRESS-CHECK Software

Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK from InfraTec
  • Parameter setting, monitoring, operation, representation, evaluation and reporting by the software
  • Automatic test mode for temperature, loading and position control
  • Ease of use via intuitive user interface
  • Easy parameterisation and setup
  • User management
  • Data and recipe management
  • Automatic data transfer to supervisory control system
  • Easy integration into QM systems
  • Scene-based, geometric and thermal characterization of the heat-treated sheet metal blanks at the furnace exit after hot forming or hot stamping
  • Automatic inline detection of components, even if they are only partially visible
  • Automatic adaptation to variable process speeds
  • Dynamic measuring field (ROI) - creation "on the fly" to determine the position and thermal data according to the component recipes
  • Statistical data analysis of position information for automatic adjustment of the sheets’ furnace loading position
  • Transition zones of multi-zone components are detected, geometrically and thermally measured

Defect Patterns of a Moulded Part

Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK with error
Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK with error
Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK with error

Automated Monitoring in Running Operation

Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK - Automated monitoring during operation detail
  • Position and temperature control during the press hardening process
  • Creation of complete images from several individual images, even with limited on-site conditions on site
Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK - Automated evaluation of heat transfer zones detail
  • Automated evaluation of heat transfer zones on horizontal or moving components
  • Fieldbus interface to machine control

Case Study for PRESS-CHECK Solution

Thermography in quality assurance with PRESS-CHECK - Picture credits: © iStock.com / 3alexd
Quality and Precision Control of Press Hardening – PRESS-CHECK

Thermography in Quality Assurance

Quality assurance and process enhancement is essential to complex industrial processes. Leading businesses rely on certified quality management, to allow for matters of quality and environmental sustainability even during the early stages of manufacturing development. In co‐operation with a leading automotive supplier, InfraTec GmbH enhanced the automated thermography monitoring solution PRESS‐CHECK to inspect the product quality of press hardening with an accuracy of 100 %.

Active Further Development

In addition to automotive manufacturers, globally operating service providers in the field of press systems increasingly rely on thermography-based measurement technology. They cooperate with other market participants, establish competence centers and drive forward the development of modern pressing. Through active participation in such projects, InfraTec's PRESS-CHECK solution is always up to date with the latest technology. Here you will find examples of such co-operations.

TELOS Global

Logo Telos Global

TELOS Global

TELOS Global offers unique services to automotive hot stampers in the United States. With its fully automated production plant, with a tool and die shop and a team of engineers that cover the complete range of expertise in the field of press hardening of steel, the company counts among the most innovative turn key suppliers in this market. The competence center in Caryville / TN serves as an industry hub for R&D, fabrication or modification of dies, production intend prototyping and lay off production of series components. The production line at TELOS – probably the largest line in North America – unites such experienced equipment suppliers as Eisenmann, Strothmann and Macrodyne. In 2018, this line has been completed by InfraTec with the technology that ensures temperature monitoring and positioning of the press hardened components during the manufacturing process.

Use of PRESS-CHECK for these Industries & Applications

  • thermal imaging for thermal optimisation
    Thermal Optimisation

    Thermal Optimisation

    Identify possible problems already in the development phase well before serial production.

  • thermal imaging for material testing
    Material Testing

    Material Testing

    Save time and costs by non-destructively testing components with infrared camera systems by InfraTec.

Camera protective housing for infrared cameras by InfraTec
Wide Range of Protective Housings

Wide Range of Protective Housings

The InfraTec product range includes numerous protective housings. The all-weather and robust metal housings allow the use of the thermographic cameras in harsh environments and protect against mechanical stress, dust and splash water. Depending on requirements, users can also choose ATEX-certified protective housings that can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

InfraTec camera equipment
Ask for your suitable accessories

InfraTec IR Camera Equipment

InfraTec offers high-quality accessories for all camera series. This allows users to flexibly adapt their camera to changing test and measurement environments and optimize it for daily indoor and outdoor use. The corresponding components are specially designed for the corresponding model and open up new possibilities – for current applications and new tasks.

InfraTec service
Comprehensive Service from InfraTec

Comprehensive Service

Our Company’s own service department accompanies you even with complex automation solutions far beyond the actual sale. In the event of malfunctions, your enquiry is forwarded directly to the employees via a hotline. By remote maintenance, you will receive an initial diagnosis. Together with you, we analyse the cause of the problem and quickly find a solution.

InfraTec Service - Technical Support
InfraTec Service – Technical Support

InfraTec Service – Technical Support

For more than 30 years, InfraTec has been implementing thermographic solutions with partners worldwide. Based on this wealth of experience, a thorough analysis of the initial situation is one of the first steps in cooperation. We prepare feasibility analyses and advise you on the planning of your future thermographic system. Afterwards, you will receive an offer adapted to your specific requirements.

Thermography trainings
Training of your Employees

Training of your Employees

In our training centre in Dresden, you can attend practical thermography training courses. After the transfer of the turnkey system, upon request qualified employees of our service team will introduce you step by step to your automation solution and instruct future users on your premises.

Infrared Cameras for PRESS-CHECK

  • Infrared camera VarioCAM HD head 900
    VarioCAM® HD head 900

    VarioCAM® HD head 900

    Category

    Industrial thermal cameras

    Image format (IR pixels)

    (2,048 × 1,536) IR pixels

    Detector
    Uncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array
    Field of View Calculator
  • InfraTec radiometric infrared camera module PIR uc 605
    PIR uc 605

    PIR uc 605

    Category

    Industrial thermal cameras

    Image format (IR pixels)

    (640 × 480) IR pixels

    Detector
    Uncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array
    Field of View Calculator
  • Stationary thermographic camera PIR uc LWIR for industrial use
    PIR uc LWIR 600

    PIR uc LWIR 600

    Category

    Industrial thermal cameras

    Image format (IR pixels)

    (640 × 480) IR pixels

    Detector
    Uncooled microbolometer focal-plane array
    Field of View Calculator
  • Infrared camera VarioCAM® HDx head seurity from InfraTec
    VarioCAM® HDx head 600

    VarioCAM® HDx head 600

    Category

    Industrial thermal cameras

    Image format (IR pixels)

    (640 × 480) IR pixels

    Detector
    Uncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array
    Field of View Calculator
  • Stationary thermographic camera PIR uc SWIR HD 800 for industrial use
    PIR uc SWIR HD 800

    PIR uc SWIR HD 800

    Category

    Industrial thermal cameras

    Image format (IR pixels)

    (1,280 × 1,024) IR pixels

    Detector
    High-dynamic Si-CMOS array
    Field of View Calculator
  • infrared camera VarioCAM HD head of InfraTec
    VarioCAM® HD head 800

    VarioCAM® HD head 800

    Category

    Industrial thermal cameras

    Image format (IR pixels)

    (1,024 × 768) IR pixels

    Detector
    Uncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array
    Field of View Calculator

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