Analyze Your Application

A Video Measurement system is ideal for projects requiring precise measurement and inspection of very small to large size parts such as membrane switches, plastic injected molded parts, and large circuit boards. Projects which can take advantage of superb image quality, precision staging, automatic geometric measurements, and data collection, will benefit from this type of system. In order to determine which type of system will meet your projects requirements, a series of questions will help you refine your equipment search. You may also click here to tell us more about your application and let our experts guide you through the equipment search process.

Video Measurement Requires Flexibility

When Considering a manual or motorized video system to inspect and measure parts, be sure to consider the full range of sizes, lighting requirements, and zoom levels needed to measure and inspect all of your parts.

1. Provide General Part Information

Be sure to evaluate all of the information required for your parts.  Information should include the Length, Width, Height and Weight.  This is a good start to helping determine the size of stage or measuring envelope that will be required.

2. Analyze in the Type of Parts Required

It is important to note the type and material of parts.  What Color? Is there reflection?  Are there features which will require special lighting? What is the range of parts you have from the Largest to the smallest?  This will help determine the types of optics, lighting, and overall measuring envelope required.

3. Check the Field of View for your parts

Be sure to evaluate the area of the part or the largest feature of a system that you will need to see on the monitor screen at one time (Lowest Magnification).  The field of view refers to the maximum stage area that a camera can view at one time without movement or focus of any sort.

4. Determine the Viewing resolution you require for your parts

Note the smallest feature required to be viewed in its entirety at one time (Highest Magnification).  Resolution can be understood as the inspection system’s ability to accurately reproduce the level of detail of each part.

5. Review Tolerances and Accuracy you require

A Video Measurement System may be comprised of many components including optics (magnification), staging (mechanical accuracy), and video, laser, or touch probes. Be sure to work with a vendor who can help merge the technologies together to help you achieve your measurement objectives.

How Do I identify my required working distance?

The working distance is the equipment's required distance between the part and the lens that allows the operator to view the part in focus.

What is the Depth of Field?

The depth of field is the difference between the the closest and the farthest distance that a part may be moved under the lens without going out of focus. Most inspection systems have a macro lens (low magnification) with a very high depth of field (more room for hands).

Field-of-View vs. Depth of Field

Macro Lenses generally have a wide field of view. This allows the operator to see more of the part at one time in focus. Again, Field of view is the total area visible on the screen (x,y) and depth of focus is the distance along the optical axis that the image definition can be maintained without refocusing.

6. Do you need a Manual or Fully Automatic System?

Are you going to have operators involved or do you want to place parts on the system and walk away?  While the walking away part may be great, the only limiting factor is cost. Depending on budget, when looking at the systems available today, you should find out if you can out with a manual, lower cost unit and retrofit to a fully automated unit over time

7. Do you Need a Digital Readout or Software Based System?

What is the difference between the Digital Readout (DRO) or Software?

Manual Video Measurement Systems can be configured with a Geometric Digital Readout or Software depending on the application requirements. A stage which has encoder outputs is capable of connecting directly to a DRO or Software with a scale counter card installed. The advantages of each are as follows:

8. The VII can help You Compile this information - Click or Call!?

The Cost and Type of Technology will come from a compiled list of the features needed to achieve the results. Our application experts can help you determine the type of system, approximate budget, and recommend system manufacturers for each application.  Feel free to Use the VII Application Analysis form or call 888 -393-1289 for instant answers.

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