1. Thermal Imaging
  2. System Solutions
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  4. Quality Control for Hot Forming - PRESS-CHECK
Indus­trial Auto­ma­tion

Quality Control for More Preci­sion in Press Hardening and Hot Forming – PRESS-CHECK

InfraTec´s PRESS-CHECK automatically monitors and records position and temperature distribution of parts during press hardening and hot forming and thereby facilitates meeting CQI-9 standard requirements in the automotive industry and can prevent expensive tool damage.

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Quality Control with PRESS-CHECK

  • Automatic sorting of sheets, detection of misplacement and press shut down if necessary

  • Logging and evaluation of all collected data and reporting to the master control system via industry-standard interfaces

  • The flexible structure and data interface make InfraTec´s PRESS-CHECK easy to integrate

PRESS-CHECK: For End-to-end Quality Control and Trouble-free Oper­a­tion During Press Hardening

Quality Control for More Precision in Press Hardening with PRESS-CHECK – Car Parts

Ther­mo­graphy in Use in Press Hardening and Hot Forming

PRESS-CHECK evaluation unit

The automated test system PRESS-CHECK works with two or more powerful high-resolution infrared cameras for continuous measurement of the two-dimensional temperature distribution on the parts before and after the hot forming or hot press stamping process, ultimately enabling full compliance with the specified thermal process parameters.

As a result, you manufacture parts with the designed microstructure and a corresponding local hardness distribution. The thermographic-based, two-dimensional monitoring of process temperatures during the hot forming or hot press stamping process ensures a consistently high production quality, with distinct advantages over merely selective temperature measurements on reference points offered by pyrometers, for example.

The process-specific temperature limits for the differently shaped metal parts can be managed in special parameter sets, also called recipes. Stampings with different thermal signatures during the hot forming process are recognised and can be automatically sorted out, so your wastage rates fall considerably. Furthermore, the system checks whether the sheets are placed into the press in the expected number and correct position. In doing so, it can also detect blanks that are incorrectly placed on top of each other (double sheets). If necessary, the press can be stopped automatically, e.g. to avoid expensive damage to the tools.

PRESS-CHECK is linked to the supervisory control system of the respective press, and transmits data as well as the classification of all pressings in real time, thus avoiding slowing down of the hot forming process. With InfraTec´s PRESS-CHECK you can manage the various molds and associated parameter sets automatically, even creating logs. This makes InfraTec PRESS-CHECK universally usable for all applications running on the press without the need for additional equipment and setup time. With highly reliable components, special protective housings, a flexible design and industry-standard data interfaces, the PRESS-CHECK test system can be easily integrated in your press processes.

Why Monitor the Process of Press Hardening?

Automotive low weight components demand a precise microstructure and corresponding local strength distribution. Good reasons to monitor the process of press hardening by the use of infrared cameras.

Ther­mo­graphy in Use in Press Hardening

The automated test system PRESS-CHECK from InfraTec serves to control the production process during press hardening. It is equipped with several infrared cameras, which monitor the furnace exit, the moment before and after pressing as well as the cooling of the pressed parts. Thus, a complete temperature measurement and position monitoring is easily possible - high-level quality control due to thermography.

Quality Control for More Precision in Press Hardening with PRESS-CHECK – Car Parts
PRESS-CHECK

Frequently Asked Questions

Hot forming is a process in which metal workpieces are heated and formed above the recrystallisation limit with little force. In the process, repetitive recovery and softening processes take place. Hot forming processes include forging, hot rolling or extrusion. Hot forming is also referred to as form hardening or press hardening.

The main difference is the temperature at which the forming process takes place. While it is above the recrystallisation point in hot forming, it is below it in cold forming. In addition, less force is needed for hot forming.

Press hardening (also form hardening) is a process for the hot forming of sheet metal. In this process, the workpieces are heated and then formed by a water-cooled tool and cooled at the same time. This is how robust components are created.

During hot forming and press hardening, a consistently high production quality is ensured by thermography and area-based monitoring of the process temperatures, which offers significant advantages over exclusively punctual temperature measurements at reference points.

Contact to thermography division of InfraTec

Would You Like to Know More?

It is not unusual for tasks to be associated with special requirements. Discuss your specific application needs with our specialists, receive further technical information or learn more about our additional services.

Europe & Rest of World
InfraTec GmbH Infrarotsensorik und MesstechnikGostritzer Straße 61 - 6301217 DresdenGERMANY

Features and Bene­fits

  • Infrared cameras optimised for temperature control at the furnace exit, before and after hot press stamping or hot forming

  • Monitoring of the entire surface of the sheet instead of point measurements

  • Presence detection, position recognition, double sheet detection

  • Fully automatic, process-synchronous operation

  • No additional setup time

  • Increases process efficiency and safety by automatically sorting sheets or stopping the press to prevent damage

  • Temperature measurement and classification of sheet metal parts

  • Adaptation to different press manufacturers through flexible system structure and data interface

  • Control of multi-zone components (tailored tempering) for partial press hardening in one process step

System Struc­ture

Automation solution PRESS-CHECK - System overview

PRESS-CHECK Soft­ware

Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK from InfraTec
  • Parameter setting, monitoring, operation, representation, evaluation and reporting by the software

  • Automatic test mode for temperature, loading and position control

  • Ease of use via intuitive user interface

  • Easy parameterisation and setup

  • User management

  • Data and recipe management

  • Automatic data transfer to supervisory control system

  • Easy integration into QM systems

  • Scene-based, geometric and thermal characterisation of the heat-treated sheet metal blanks at the furnace exit after hot forming or hot press stamping

  • Automatic inline detection of components, even if they are only partially visible

  • Automatic adaptation to variable process speeds

  • Dynamic measuring field (ROI) - creation "on the fly" to determine the position and thermal data according to the component recipes

  • Statistical data analysis of position information for automatic adjustment of the sheets’ furnace loading position

  • Transition zones of multi-zone components are detected, geometrically and thermally measured

Defect Patterns of a Moulded Part

Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK with error
Screenshot of PRESS-CHECK Soft­ware
Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK with error
Screenshot of PRESS-CHECK Soft­ware, including an error message
Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK with error
Screenshot of PRESS-CHECK Soft­ware, including an error message

Auto­mated Monit­oring in Running Oper­a­tion

Software screenshot PRESS-CHECK - Automated monitoring during operation detail
  • Position and temperature control during the press hardening process

  • Creation of complete images from several individual images, even with limited on-site conditions on site

csm_automation-infratec-presscheck-swir_scanner_screen_measurement_active-detail_5b3da3a092.jpeg
  • Automated evaluation of heat transfer zones on horizontal or moving components

  • Fieldbus interface to machine control

Product Flyer

Get all the information you need at a glance in our product flyers

InfraTec PRESS-CHECK Flyer

Case Study for PRESS-CHECK Solu­tion

Use of PRESS-CHECK for these Indus­tries & Applic­a­tions

thermal imaging for thermal optimisation

Thermal Optim­isa­tion

Identify possible problems already in the development phase well before serial production.

thermal imaging for material testing

Material Testing

Save time and costs by non-destructively testing components with infrared camera systems by InfraTec.

All branches and application areas
InfraTec service

Full Service Package

For more than 30 years InfraTec has been providing comprehensive service in addition to high-end thermographic cameras. For example, you can have your camera recalibrated by us. On the basis of a project analysis, we assist you in the realization of thermographic measurements and tests. In the event of a malfunction, you will receive extensive support from our in-house service department via remote maintenance. Let’s find out, what we can do for you.

InfraTec Service - Technical Support

InfraTec Service – Technical Support

Our Company’s own service department accompanies you even with complex automation solutions far beyond the actual sale. In the event of malfunctions, your enquiry is forwarded directly to the employees via a hotline. By remote maintenance, you will receive an initial diagnosis. Together with you, we analyse the cause of the problem and quickly find a solution.

Thermography trainings

Training of your Employees

In our training centre in Dresden, you can attend practical thermography training courses. After the transfer of the turnkey system, upon request qualified employees of our service team will introduce you step by step to your automation solution and instruct future users on your premises.

Camera protective housing for infrared cameras by InfraTec

Wide Range of Protective Hous­ings

The InfraTec product range includes numerous protective housings. The all-weather and robust metal housings allow the use of the thermal cameras in harsh environments and protect against mechanical stress, dust and splash water. Depending on requirements, users can also choose ATEX-certified protective housings that can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

InfraTec camera equipment

InfraTec Thermal Camera Equip­ment

InfraTec offers high-quality accessories for all infrared camera series. This allows users to flexibly adapt their camera to changing test and measurement environments and optimize it for daily indoor and outdoor use. The corresponding components are specially designed for the corresponding model and open up new possibilities – for current applications and new tasks.

InfraTec service

Full Service Package

For more than 30 years InfraTec has been providing comprehensive service in addition to high-end thermographic cameras. For example, you can have your camera recalibrated by us. On the basis of a project analysis, we assist you in the realization of thermographic measurements and tests. In the event of a malfunction, you will receive extensive support from our in-house service department via remote maintenance. Let’s find out, what we can do for you.

InfraTec Service - Technical Support

InfraTec Service – Technical Support

Our Company’s own service department accompanies you even with complex automation solutions far beyond the actual sale. In the event of malfunctions, your enquiry is forwarded directly to the employees via a hotline. By remote maintenance, you will receive an initial diagnosis. Together with you, we analyse the cause of the problem and quickly find a solution.

Thermography trainings

Training of your Employees

In our training centre in Dresden, you can attend practical thermography training courses. After the transfer of the turnkey system, upon request qualified employees of our service team will introduce you step by step to your automation solution and instruct future users on your premises.

Camera protective housing for infrared cameras by InfraTec

Wide Range of Protective Hous­ings

The InfraTec product range includes numerous protective housings. The all-weather and robust metal housings allow the use of the thermal cameras in harsh environments and protect against mechanical stress, dust and splash water. Depending on requirements, users can also choose ATEX-certified protective housings that can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

InfraTec camera equipment

InfraTec Thermal Camera Equip­ment

InfraTec offers high-quality accessories for all infrared camera series. This allows users to flexibly adapt their camera to changing test and measurement environments and optimize it for daily indoor and outdoor use. The corresponding components are specially designed for the corresponding model and open up new possibilities – for current applications and new tasks.

Infrared Cameras for PRESS-CHECK

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

VarioCAM® HD head 900

Image Format(2,048 x 1,536) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec Infrared camera
Compact Cameras

PIR uc 605

Image Format(640 x 480) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

PIR uc LWIR 600

Image Format(640 x 480) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled microbolometer focal-plane array

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

VarioCAM® HDx head 600

Image Format(640 x 480) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

PIR uc SWIR HD 800

Image Format(1,280 x 1,024) IR-Pixel
Detector typeHigh-dynamic Si-CMOS array

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

VarioCAM® HD head 800

Image Format(1,024 x 768) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

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SEMI-THERM – 40th Annual Semi­con­ductor Thermal Meas­ure­ment, Modeling and Manage­ment Symposium

2024-03-26 - 2024-03-27
San Jose, USA

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Thermography

Control

2024-04-23 - 2024-04-26
Stuttgart, Germany

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Thermography

CAM-Work­shop

2024-06-04 - 2024-06-05
Halle, Germany

Logo SEMI-THERM
Thermography

SEMI-THERM – 40th Annual Semi­con­ductor Thermal Meas­ure­ment, Modeling and Manage­ment Symposium

2024-03-26 - 2024-03-27
San Jose, USA

Logo Control
Thermography

Control

2024-04-23 - 2024-04-26
Stuttgart, Germany

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Thermography

CAM-Work­shop

2024-06-04 - 2024-06-05
Halle, Germany

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