Fraunhofer Vision: Hands-On Seminar on Surface Inspection with a Practical Component
On December 2 and 3, 2026, the Fraunhofer Vision Division will host the seminar and hands-on workshop “Inspection and Characterization of Surfaces Using Image Processing” at Fraunhofer IOSB in Karlsruhe. The seminar provides specialized knowledge on surface inspection technology.
The surface quality of components and products plays a central role in many industries. Consequently, the demands for reliable and reproducible inspection methods are high. Image processing systems have established themselves as a key technology in this area, as they offer efficient tools that, in many cases, enable rapid 100-percent inspection integrated into the manufacturing process as well as the implementation of zero-defect concepts. Modern systems enable the automated detection of defects such as scratches, cracks, pores, inclusions, or contamination, even on colored, patterned, transparent, highly reflective, or mirror-like surfaces. In addition to traditional methods of surface inspection, this hands-on seminar on surface inspection will introduce suitable optics as well as camera and lighting techniques, such as light-field technologies. Additional topics include software-supported methods for defect classification. In addition, 3D surface metrology techniques for characterizing micro- and nanostructures on surfaces will be covered. Participants will gain comprehensive, practical insights into the state of the art, highlighting the capabilities and limitations of relevant methods for industrial applications.
Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Surface Inspection
The Surface Inspection seminar combines theory and practice. In the first, theoretical part, following an introduction to image acquisition and illumination techniques as well as the design of surface inspection systems, typical methods for capturing and evaluating or analyzing image and measurement data are presented, and an overview of practical applications is provided. During the practical portion, various surface inspection systems are available, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in small groups. In discussions with the lab instructors, individual questions regarding participants’ own applications—for example, based on samples submitted in advance by the participants—can be addressed. Further information and registration are available online at the Fraunhofer Vision Division.
Contact details and information on the companies and institutions presented here can be found in our interactive surface technology industry directory.