Vision based cross sectional area estimator for industrial rubber profile extrusion process controlling

This paper presents a vision based cross sectional area measurement system suitable for in-process quality controlling of rubber profile extrusions via cross section measurements. The system is basically developed for solid trapezoidal shaped rubber profiles commonly used in the rubber tack manufacturing industry. Since the extrusion continuously comes out the extruder, it is impossible to view the cross section directly. So in the proposed system, a laser projected at an angle on to the profile is used which is finally observed by a camera. Laser projections seen in each camera image is processed in a general purpose note book computer by the use of a vision software to estimate the cross section area of the actual profile. The paper contains the development approach of the method, experimental results and further improvement tips. Several test results are also presented in order to give an idea of the system accuracy and repeatability. The technology with further developments can be used as closed loop feedbacks for efficient process controlling of rubber profile extruders.