Navitar Machine Vision

Navitar is a global leader is imaging optics technology providing innovation, precision, reliability and repeatability to customers in over 40 countries around the world. Navitar optics are utilized in a wide variety of industries including:

Semiconductor

Navitar optics are widely used as production process monitors and for pattern recognition as part of an alignment loop for production equipment used in the packaging and processing ends of semiconductor manufacturing. On the process end, Navitar optics inspect bare, photoresist-coated and pre-patterned wafers, check photomasks and reticles for defects, check film thickness, overlay registration, critical dimensions, and more. On the packaging end, Navitar optics are used to check for cosmetic concerns on the package, perform optical character verification and print quality inspection of the markings, and check for lead straightness and
co-planarity.

Electronics

Application-specific optical systems can be found throughout the manufacturing processes. Navitar optics are used to inspect inner/outer layer circuit patterns, drill-hole patterns and, in some cases, solder mask and coatings. Navitar optics are used to inspect solder paste/epoxy for presence and volume, check co-planarity of component leads, verify presence and position of components pre- and post-solder and verify properties. Throughout the assembly operations, general-purpose optical systems are used for alignment to assure the position of screen printed patterns, epoxy, component placement, and board pattern position.

Biomedical

The interface between DNA, proteins and the resultant changes in a cell’s chemical composition demands sophisticated new automated imaging equipment to help researchers explore new ideas without the restrictions of conventional microscopes. Leveraging its more than thirty years of experience in automation, microscopy and the medical market, Navitar has engineered precision optical systems for use in newly developed automated imaging systems now being deployed in the many fields that encompass the life and analytical sciences market such as genomics, proteomics, cell biology and drug discovery and development.

Automotive

Applications include assembly or process verification, flaw detection, gauging, part location and robot guidance. Some specific applications are fuse box inspection, tire tread recognition, powertrain inspection and sheet metal inspection. Three-
dimensional vision systems are used to provide input to computer aided design (CAD) files and for on-line gauging of sheet metal assemblies and body-in-white assemblies.

Flat Panel Display Inspection (LCD & Plasma)

Applications include searching for inactive or dead pixels or defects of any kind on flat-panel televisions, notebook PCs, and LCD monitors during manufacturing.

Forensic Testing & Identification

Navitar optics are used in applications such as anthropological research, identifying remains, establishing paternity, and to counter the threat of terrorism. The need for more functional and portable equipment is driving the use of optical systems to assist in the capture and analysis of images of virtually any type of forensic evidence.

Food and Beverage

Applications include fruit and vegetable sorting and grading, automatic portioning, inspection for foreign objects, and general package-line applications. Quality inspection of containers, fill levels, cap, seal, and label presence are among the leading applications in the beverage industry.

Fiber Optic Component & Telecommunications

Applications include accurate placement of fiber optic components during packaging, the alignment and attachment of optical fiber, and precise non-contact measurement of fibers - resulting in reduced assembly costs and increased yields for component manufacturers.

Pharmaceutical and Medical Device

Pharmaceutical applications include inspection of filled and unfilled vials and ampules, packaging of solid dosages, proofreading of labels and inserts, and date and lot code verification. Medical device industry applications include the inspection of products such as orthopedic, prosthetic and surgical appliances, and ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Metrology

Applications for non-contact vision based systems include the inspection of features on sheet metal parts, inspection of automotive interior parts, inspection of turbine blades, medical devices, tools (such as jigs, dies and molds), and anything that’s too big to fit within the frame of a CMM.

Homeland Security, Biometrics & Defense

Applications focus on imaging technologies to combat bio-terrorism, facial recognition, smart cards, and projection technologies for military training and simulations.

Ink Jet Printing

Applications include ink droplet inspection to verify droplets are uniform and checking to see if the ink is sputtering or coming out evenly.

Nanotechnology, Photonics, and Biophotonics

Navitar’s optical technology is helping with breakthrough innovation in numerous applications involving Nanotechnology, Photonics, and Biophotonics technologies.