ABSTRACT
An extremely wide range of sensors are used for automated quality assurance. Some applications of industrial sensors include hardness, case depth, conductivity, metal sorting, coating/plating thickness, machinability, cracks/seams, weld/bond strength, porosity/inclusions/chevrons, wall thickness, dimensions/measuring, level of fill, process control, part recognition, surface finish, leaks, thread quality, stress, temperature, and vibration. Inspection sensors are used for nondestructive testing, dimensional gauging, instrumentation, and automated systems to eliminate or reduce human error in materials and manufacturing processes. The chapter examines two specific areas of sensor technology as they apply to automated quality assurance. It explores applications of ultrasonic sensors. An ultrasonic immersion system has been created to comply with the positioning demands of near net shape jet engine forgings. The chapter presents a variety of sensors used for the automatic inspection of packaged products. This type of inspection is essential in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries. Ultrasonic inspection scan plans for complete part coverage are developed by an operator by linking scan segments.
