Automated inspection of primer staking on cartridges

In cartridge manufacturing, the primer is mechanically secured by a process known as staking. During this process, a staking tool deforms the material to ensure the primer is firmly seated in the case. If the staking is missing or incomplete, the cartridge’s functionality may be compromised. Furthermore, various types of staking are used, all of which must be reliably detected and evaluated.

Inspection is performed via 2D machine vision, focused on the base of the cartridge. An industrial camera equipped with ring lighting ensures that the relevant structures are clearly visible and reproducible.

The system captures the staking area surrounding the inserted primer. The vision software checks for the presence of mechanical deformation and verifies that it is complete and uniform. The system reliably distinguishes and evaluates both circular staking (ring crimps) and 3-point variants (stab crimps).

The analysis is carried out using our aku.visionManager® software, which combines rule-based methods with AI. This ensures stable evaluation of different staking geometries, even amidst process-related variations.

The inspection ensures that every cartridge is mechanically secured before it proceeds to the next production step. Defective parts are immediately identified and rejected, increasing process reliability and reducing the risk of functional failures. At the same time, rework and scrap are minimized through early detection of deviations. Manufacturers benefit from reliable quality control, stable processes, and the secure execution of this critical manufacturing step.