New camera offered for Avalon Vision's mold protection system
Avalon Vision Solutions is offering a new camera as an option for its MoldWatcher injection mold-protection system. It is more automated, with higher-resolution images and a more rugged enclosure than the standard equipment.
The camera, called NightHawk, has an electronically controlled zoom lens, focus and aperture. The standard camera system requires two people to focus the camera when it is mounted on large presses; NightHawk can be focused by a single operator.
The company showed the camera for the first time at K 2019.
MoldWatcher alerts an operator and shuts down a press when molded parts or slides stick.
Ed Kachnic, Avalon Vision’s president, said that the NightHawk camera offers numerous advantages over the standard equipment.
• Software on the vision computer eliminates the need to manually adjust the camera.
• For improved image analysis, the GigE 2.3-megapixel camera has a resolution more than six times greater than the standard model.
• The Ethernet cable can be extended to any required length. The standard equipment is limited to 16.4 feet.
The camera also can be purchased with a sealed, forced-air cooling system for use in applications that require high temperatures. An Ethernet cable supplies power.
The camera can be placed directly on a mold, robot base or press platen.
The settings can be saved for different setups.
The NightHawk camera can be added to older MoldWatcher systems and is an option for new systems. Cost of the camera upgrade on new systems is about $500.
Ron Shinn, editor
Avalon Vision Solutions LLC, Lithia Springs, Ga., 770-944-8445, www.avalonvisionsolutions.com
Ron Shinn | Editor
Editor Ron Shinn is a co-founder of Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing and has been covering the plastics industry for more than 35 years. He leads the editorial team, directs coverage and sets the editorial calendar. He also writes features, including the Talking Points column and On the Factory Floor, and covers recycling and sustainability for PMM and Plastics Recycling.
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