Nidec Machine Tool Launches Robot Cameras for Hobbing and Broaching Machines to Help Automate Visual Inspections of Cutting Tools

December 22, 2022

 

– The two Robot Cameras can reduce tooling inspection time to less than 1/10 of its current length
– Robot Camera MAX, the inspection equipment for broaching machines, can inspect a tool of up to 2,300mm long.

Nidec Machine Tool Corporation announced recently that it has launched Robot Camera SPEED, visual inspection equipment for cutting tools (hobbing machines) to process gears and other components, and Robot Camera MAX, visual inspection equipment for broaching machines. These Robot Cameras use a digital camera to automatically shoot images of cutting tools’ edges at a high speed and with high accuracy, and save the graphic data of those images.

By entering a tool’s specifications into a Robot Camera, the user can have it determine what images to shoot of tools of different shapes, and identify any missing part on the edge of a cutting edge and any detached portion of coating, while judging if any problem exists with a tool’s visual appearance, including its wear status. The Robot Cameras, both developed for the automation of Nidec’s cutting tool manufacturing and regrinding. This improves their quality and can reduce inspection time by 90%.

Robot Camera SPEED, Nidec’s latest inspection equipment for hobbing machines, can capture images of hob cutters with a straight orspiral tooth depth with an external diameter of 20 – 130mm, a total length of 50 – 350mm, and a weight of up to 20kg. With the images of all blades taken from four different directions with high accuracy, Robot Camera SPEED can determine if there is any problemthe cutting tool. Robot Camera MAX can accommodate a large and long tool with a maximum diameter of 200mm, a length of 2,300mm, and a weight of 30kg. It can capture images of any blade alignment, such as straight, helical, and spline.

Both “SPEED” and “MAX” are now available as part of Nidec Machine Tool’s strategy to improve its cutting tool-related services. Nidec Machine Tool is committed to actively working to solving its customer’s problems.

MC Nidec Machine Tool Launches Robot Cameras for Hobbing and Broaching 2 778x359

Sample images shot by Robot Camera SPEED

MC Nidec Machine Tool Launches Robot Cameras for Hobbing and Broaching 3 735x721

Broach Inspection Equipment Robot Camera MAX

MC Nidec Machine Tool Launches Robot Cameras for Hobbing and Broaching 4 1000x382

Sample images shot by Robot Camera MAX

 

To learn more about the new Robot Cameras from Nidec Machine Tool Corporation, click here 

Nidec Logo 300x150

 

 

 

Related Articles

Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one of the main components of any automated system. A typical control system has inputs, outputs, controllers (i.e., PLCs), and some type of human interaction with the system, a human machine interface (HMI), for example.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • Case Study: Optimizing Harmonic Mitigation in Wastewater Treatment

    June 22, 2026 Segment and Application In a municipality, wastewater treatment plants typically stand out as the main consumers of electricity. The operational processes exhibit significant load variations throughout a 24-hour cycle, necessitating the use of AC drives to regulate pumps, blowers, and other motorized equipment in response to fluctuating demand. In one wastewater treatment… Read More…

  • Why Do Mission-Critical Facilities Need Seismic-Rated Server Racks?

    June 17, 2026 When organizations think about seismic preparedness, they typically focus on buildings, backup generators, and emergency response plans. However, one critical component is often overlooked: the rack supporting the network infrastructure. For hospitals, emergency operations centers, municipal facilities, utilities, and public safety agencies, network connectivity is essential during and after a seismic event.… Read More…