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Main Authors: Chuah, Wei Qin, Tennakoon, Ruwan, Freis, Amanda, Easton, Mark, Hoseinnezhad, Reza, Bab-Hadiashar, Alireza
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.16752
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author Chuah, Wei Qin
Tennakoon, Ruwan
Freis, Amanda
Easton, Mark
Hoseinnezhad, Reza
Bab-Hadiashar, Alireza
author_facet Chuah, Wei Qin
Tennakoon, Ruwan
Freis, Amanda
Easton, Mark
Hoseinnezhad, Reza
Bab-Hadiashar, Alireza
contents The structural integrity of self-piercing rivet (SPR) joints is critical in automotive industries, yet its evaluation poses challenges due to the limitations of traditional destructive methods. This research introduces an innovative approach for non-destructive evaluation using micro-CT imaging, Micro-Computed Tomography, combined with machine vision and deep learning techniques, specifically focusing on automated keypoint estimation to assess joint quality. Recognizing the scarcity of real micro-CT data, this study utilizes synthetic data for initial model training, followed by transfer learning to adapt the model for real-world conditions. A UNet-based architecture is employed to localize three keypoints with precision, enabling the measurement of critical parameters such as head height, interlock, and bottom layer thickness. Extensive validation demonstrates that pre-training on synthetic data, complemented by fine-tuning with limited real data, bridges domain gaps and enhances predictive accuracy. The proposed framework not only offers a scalable and cost-efficient solution for evaluating SPR joints but also establishes a foundation for broader applications of machine vision and non-destructive testing in manufacturing processes. By addressing data scarcity and leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, this work represents a significant step toward automated quality control in engineering contexts.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2502_16752
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Automated Keypoint Estimation for Self-Piercing Rivet Joints Using micro-CT Imaging and Transfer Learning
Chuah, Wei Qin
Tennakoon, Ruwan
Freis, Amanda
Easton, Mark
Hoseinnezhad, Reza
Bab-Hadiashar, Alireza
Computational Engineering, Finance, and Science
The structural integrity of self-piercing rivet (SPR) joints is critical in automotive industries, yet its evaluation poses challenges due to the limitations of traditional destructive methods. This research introduces an innovative approach for non-destructive evaluation using micro-CT imaging, Micro-Computed Tomography, combined with machine vision and deep learning techniques, specifically focusing on automated keypoint estimation to assess joint quality. Recognizing the scarcity of real micro-CT data, this study utilizes synthetic data for initial model training, followed by transfer learning to adapt the model for real-world conditions. A UNet-based architecture is employed to localize three keypoints with precision, enabling the measurement of critical parameters such as head height, interlock, and bottom layer thickness. Extensive validation demonstrates that pre-training on synthetic data, complemented by fine-tuning with limited real data, bridges domain gaps and enhances predictive accuracy. The proposed framework not only offers a scalable and cost-efficient solution for evaluating SPR joints but also establishes a foundation for broader applications of machine vision and non-destructive testing in manufacturing processes. By addressing data scarcity and leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, this work represents a significant step toward automated quality control in engineering contexts.
title Automated Keypoint Estimation for Self-Piercing Rivet Joints Using micro-CT Imaging and Transfer Learning
topic Computational Engineering, Finance, and Science
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.16752