Press Die Vision System Prevents Error Coins
The Press Die
Vision System (PDVS), developed and manufactured by Newton
Labs, combines robotic mechanism with optics, custom software
and machine vision technology to detect and prevent the production
of error coins known as "mule coins".
Working in collaboration with the United States Mint at San
Francisco and the press manufacturer, the PDVS was designed
to prevent the press from operating if an incorrect die pair
were present, or if the correct die pair were not properly
installed and aligned. This quality control mechanism gives
press operators a guarantee that the production of mule coins
from mismatched or misaligned dies will not occur.
Uniquely Designed
The PDVS is an important addition to mint operations because
mule coins, even if caught before release, are considered a
serious error and lead to downtime in press operations. The
PDVS is uniquely designed to automatically prevent the production
of an error, not simply to detect post-production deformities. |
The PDVS installed on a press at the U.S. Mint.
Place your cursor on the photo to see highlighted elements
of the Newton vision system. |
Features of the PDVS:
- The PDVS is able to visually inspect dies despite the small,
2 in. (51 mm) clearance between the upper and lower die tooling.
- The mechanisms and electronics are ruggedly built and can
withstand the rigors of press operation
- The PDVS is in effect a periscope: the high resolution
camera remains firmly attached at the top of the arch and
it is the motorized unit with the rotating mirrors that descend
and enter the die area.
- Before and after the inspection cycle the PDVS stows itself
up and away from the die area enabling operators to have
full access to the press
- Newton developed software is designed for integration with
the Press PLC
- A PDVS can be designed to work with all the leading press
manufacturers
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CLICK
HERE TO READ about the deployment of the Press Die Vision
System at the San Francisco Mint in the June 11, 2012 edition
of Coin World magazine.
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