What Do I Look for in Stage, Column and Hardware Design?
A Granite Frame Insures Strength, Accuracy and Stability
A stage based system requiring accurate measurements must have a granite frame, especially when used in a shop floor environment.
NEW! Larger Parts need to use an Accurate Gantry Design which positions the camera over the part instead of moving a stage.
Acu-Gage is the leading developer of manual and automatic video systems for large part measurement. With their patented center line drive design, accurate measurements for large parts can be accomplished on the fly.
Look for Flexibility in a Video Measurement System Design
There is a fixed distance the lens must be located above the part (working distance). Consider the type of parts you have and the height of the fixture required to hold the part. Many applications require a wide range of lens positioning on the column.
Upgradeability in a System Provides the Crawl, Walk, Run Approach for Growth!
Many customers have a need to accomplish manual measurements initially but would like to grow into automated capabilities in the future. Evaluate options which include field upgradeability for adding motors, automation, fixturing, lighting and optical magnification solutions.
Consider the Following:
- Purchase Manual System with Digital Readout
- Upgrade to Motorized Stage (In the Field)
- Add Software with CNC Control
- End up with a Fully Automatic Video Measurement System
The Quality of the Video System Design is Critical in accomplishing accurate Measurements and Positioning
The stage is at the heart of a manual inspection system. In order to achieve the highest level of accuracy, one must be concerned with all the components integrated into the stage. Starting with the machined stage components, one would prefer aluminum as opposed to castings and sheet metal staging and supports.
A Quick Release Design Increases Speed and Productivity
Larger parts may require moving the stage rapidly from one end of the part to another. This can be a tedious process on parts that are 4 inches or larger. Having the ability to move the stage quickly and accurately position the stage can dramatically increase inspection time
The Resolution of Encoders Provide feedback to the Readout or Software as to how well the stage is positioning
Scale resolution is very important when obtaining accurate measurements. Just like the lines on a ruler, the resolution of the encoder tells the system where the stage is positioned. The finer the resolution, the higher the accuracy of measurement is accomplished. The stage must be able to accurately repeat back to the same location to take advantage of the higher resolution encoders.
QCSI uses no less than 1 micron resolution scale and can easily support 1/10th micron resolution as well.
Acu-Gage and Scienscope design high resolution systems which support no less than 1 micron resolution scales and can easily support 1/10th micron resolution as well.
Higher Resolution Scales Does not mean more accurate measurements
When a manufacturer designs a machine the specifications must be set up front as to ensure the machine maintains the flexibility and expandability that you desire.
Ideally, manufacturing should be completed around those specifications. If flexibility or upgradeability is a key factor in the design the design specifications must support the highest resolution possible. Be concerned about systems that mount ‡ micron encoders on a machine that is not capable of mechanically supporting them.
What are the benefits of tooling holes on the unit's stage?
Tooling holes provide quick and easy mounting of fixtures, parts, or straight edge mounting plates. Various types of clips and holders can be fit into these holes to insure that the object you are inspecting or measuring remains stationary.
When Does Multi-Sensor Capabilities make sense for my application?
When you have a part that lends itself to vision measurement, and some touch probe measurement, and some profile type scanning measurement, that is where a universal multi-sensing system makes sense for the following reasons:
- One Software Package
- Square footage in the lab is significantly smaller
- One setup
In the past, having parts that require multi-sensing would require the following:
- Buy 3 pieces of equipment
- Might be 3 times the cost
- Typically would have 3 different operating systems
- Learning curve and operator training would be an issue
- Maintenance costs would be 3 times as much
- Data Collection is difficult with 3 different systems
- Fixturing can be expensive with 3 different types of equipment