Rosendahl Nextrom is the world’s leading supplier of optical fiber preforms and optical fiber manufacturing equipment. Optical fiber is a fundamental part of modern communications infrastructure, and its role continues to grow in both mobile networks and fixed connections. Increasingly automated production and larger preforms created a need for a new-generation measurement solution for preform quality assurance.
The Challenge
As optical fiber preforms have increased in size and weight, manual handling has become impractical. At the same time, measurement accuracy requirements have increased, and the measurement process must operate reliably in a cleanroom environment without direct contact with the preform.
The challenge was to develop a measuring device capable of accurately and automatically analyzing the preform’s geometry, surface quality, and internal properties. The solution also needed to integrate into the production process and serve as a reliable tool for both product development and end customers.
The Project
The project began with concept development to define the device’s key functions and measurement principles. Machine vision was identified early on as central to the measurement solution because the preform cannot be touched due to the risk of contamination.
During development, a prototype was built to define and validate the device’s measurement functions. The measurement is based on a versatile imaging and lighting system that enables analysis of the preform’s 3D geometry, surface defects, internal stress, and any air bubbles. The preform is also weighed, allowing geometric data to be used to determine properties such as material density at different points.
As the project progressed, the solution was productized as the Preform Inspection Bench (PIB). The resulting system is used both in Rosendahl Nextrom’s own product development and by end customers in production environments.
LINK’s Role
LINK had broad responsibility for the complete solution, covering the device’s concept development, design, and implementation as well as the development of its measurement methods. The work combined industrial design, mechanical engineering, analytics development, automation, and software development.
The project covered the device structure, measurement technology, and machine-vision-based solutions, as well as the development of the user interface and user experience for demanding industrial environments. LINK was also responsible for project management, product documentation, commissioning, and user training at the end customer’s site.
A key aspect of the project was the seamless integration of the different components into a single functional system that meets stringent technical and operational requirements.
Advanced Measurement System
The result is an automated, high-precision measuring device that enables preform quality to be analyzed without physical contact. The solution improves measurement accuracy, increases production efficiency, and supports the manufacture of high-quality optical fiber.
The PIB serves as both a product development tool and a production measurement system, providing Rosendahl Nextrom and its customers with a reliable, scalable solution for growing measurement needs. It combines advanced measurement technology, usability, and industrial feasibility in a single integrated system.
What We Did
- Product Development
- Project Management
- Concept Design and Ideation
- Mechanical Design
- Industrial Design
- UX/UI Design
- Machine Vision Solutions
- Algorithm Development: Measurement, Weighing, and Analysis
- Software Development and Design
- Automation Design
- User Manual Development and User Training