Choosing the Optical Measurement Device That’s Right for You

Optical measurement refers to noncontact measurement using numerous light sources. It often requires at the very least one lens, a light source and a detector. It differs from different forms of inspection in that instead of using a tactile measurement technique like a contact probe, it makes use of either a point of reference (e.g. a crosshair) or a computer to calculate edge detection. Two of its greatest benefits are its capability to measure features too small or fragile to measure by contact, and the truth that it is faster in comparison to different forms of measurement.

The medical, plastics, aerospace and automotive industries are where optical measurement has, and will proceed to have, significant impact. However, in reality, this form of noncontact detection applies to applications across most verticals and sectors. Adopters of modern optical measurement units are looking for simple-to-use technology that supports the acquisition of more accurate data in less time. Consequently, there’s a rising demand for in-line measurement and faster processing of acquired images as well as image stitching capability and larger fields of view. There’s also a growing demand for modern components like liquid lenses. But when deciding which—if any—optical measurement units are best for you, all factors must be considered.

Profile Projectors/Optical Comparators

You can think of this optical measuring system as a high-accuracy overhead projector much like what schools used within the Nineteen Seventies, ‘80s and ‘90s. It could accommodate objective lenses up to 100x magnification, use either contour or surface illumination, and has either a microscope-fashion stage or metal stage with T-slots that may hold up to one hundred lbs. The stage is married to high-accuracy linear scales, which provide positional feedback, and a crosshair is typically etched onscreen as a measurement reference point. Measurement throughput might be elevated by adding edge detection, normally within the form of an onscreen fiber optic detector.

Operation is pretty straightforward, with a person placing a workpiece on the stage with the necessary fixturing, then bringing the workpiece into focus by adjusting the Z-axis position. As soon as there’s a focused image on screen, the consumer moves the stage so the onscreen reference reticle is aligned with the feature of interest. The person then can zero the scales on either the X- or Y-axis and move the stage to the following position on the feature. The scale readout will decide the gap traveled with elevated measurement repeatability made potential with the use of edge detection software. Final data is stored and analyzed by an optional 2D processor.

Advantages: The design of the target lens, coupled with a screen measurement that can measure 14 inches or larger, means profile projectors typically have a bigger subject of view. Having been a well-recognized staple for decades, they’re one of many easiest measurement units to use. Unlike a measuring microscope, profile projectors tend to inflict a low level of eye strain. And, general, they tend to be the least costly option while remaining one of the fastest.

Disadvantages: Profile projectors/optical comparators have a decrease optical decision compared to measuring microscopes as well as a lack of digital processing capability and low throughput. Lighting options are also limited, typically only including contour illumination.

Measuring Microscopes

It’s essential to point out that measuring microscopes are different from traditional microscopes. Unlike a traditional microscope, in a measuring microscope the stage is linked to linear scales that provide positional feedback, and a reticle is either built into the eyepiece itself or situated in the light path as a reference point for measurement. In addition, a measuring microscope contains both in-line illumination for applications that require reflected light and transmitted illumination that permits for contour or profile measurements.

By way of operation, measuring microscopes operate in the same manner to profile projectors. A workpiece is placed on the stage, and an image of the feature of curiosity is then brought into focus by adjusting the coarse and fine focus knob. As soon as a transparent image is viewable, the user aligns the constructed-in reticle and then moves the stage to the following fringe of the feature. The resulting scale readout shows the distance traveled. As with profile projectors, edge detection software could be added to achieve better accuracy and repeatability towards figuring out the precise fringe of a part.

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