Definition
Visual inspection is a non-destructive testing method in which an inspector examines a product or material for externally detectable defects, deviations, and damage by direct observation — with the naked eye or with optical aids. It is used to identify surface defects such as weaving faults, color deviations, contamination, tears, holes, or irregular seams. Visual inspection may be applied as incoming inspection, in-process inspection during manufacturing, or final inspection before delivery. Its results depend significantly on the qualification and experience of the inspection personnel as well as on the inspection conditions, such as lighting and viewing distance.
Use in the textile industry
In the textile industry, visual inspection is used throughout the entire value chain — for example, during incoming goods inspection of raw materials and semi-finished goods, quality assurance at knitting, weaving, or warp-knitting machines, and final inspection of finished garments and made-up products. Typical inspection objects include woven fabric structures, seam alignment, color uniformity, print or coating quality, and the completeness of trim components such as labels and closures. In mass production, manual visual inspection is increasingly supplemented or replaced by automated machine vision systems in order to achieve higher inspection speeds and reproducible results.
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