<title>Machine-vision-guided waterjet cutting</title>

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental system for machine vision guided waterjet cutting. Machine vision is used to provide accurate real-time data on the outline and position of the preform utilised in the nesting process, leading to material and cost savings. The experimental system comprises a computer-controlled waterjet cutting system, a machine vision system and a CAD system. Three 5000-pixel linescan cameras are employed in the vision system, providing a spatial resolution of 0.2 mm over the 3 m wide table. Image analysis software, height correction and calibration methods have been developed for the application, and these have been tested under real conditions.