1. Working Principle of Video Measuring Machine
A video measuring machine, also known as a digital vision measuring system, captures workpiece images via built-in hardware including a CCD sensor, eyepiece, objective lens, data cable and video capture card. Images are transmitted through data cables to the data acquisition card of a connected computer. Measurement software then renders visual outputs on the computer monitor. Operators complete rapid dimensional measurement on target workpieces by mouse-driven operations within the measurement software.
2. Industrial Applications for Video Measuring Machine
The optical measuring instrument is primarily deployed to acquire geometric dimensions of workpieces. It can perform measurement on all visually accessible workpiece surfaces. Typical applicable industries and components cover machinery & electronics, mould manufacturing, injection moulding, hardware processing, rubber production, low-voltage electrical apparatus, magnetic materials, precision hardware, precision stamping parts, connectors, connector terminals, mobile phone accessories, home appliances, computer hardware, LCD television components, printed circuit boards (PCB), automotive parts, medical devices, clock & watch parts, screws, springs, instrument components, gears, cams, threads, radius gauges, thread gauges, wires & cables, cutting tools, bearings, screening meshes, test sieves, cement sieves, and SMT stencils.
3. How to Select a Suitable Video Measuring Machine
video measuring machine units are grouped by operation mode into manual, semi-automatic and fully-automatic models.
- Manual video measuring machine: All operations covering X-Y-Z three-axis movement as well as objective lens zoom and focus adjustment are completed manually by operators.
- Semi-automatic video measuring machine: Operators manually drive X-Y-Z axis movement; objective lens zoom and focus adjustment are motor-driven and controlled via supporting software.
- Fully-automatic video measuring machine: All operations including X-Y-Z three-axis travel, objective lens zoom and focus adjustment are motor-driven and operated through measurement software.
Selection Advice: For sampling inspection tasks, manual or semi-automatic digital vision measuring system is recommended. For full-batch production inspection, select a fully-automatic model such as Mikrosize MV-FA series fully-automatic video measuring machine, whose motor-driven axis system delivers stable repeated positioning for high-volume QC workflows.
Selection Based on Travel Range
Worktable travel ranges start from 200×100 mm and can reach up to 2500×1500 mm. Custom-travel configurations are available for extra-large workpieces.
Advice: End-users shall choose proper travel specifications according to the maximum dimension of actual test pieces.
Selection Based on Accuracy
General-grade optical measuring instrument provides measurement accuracy around 3 μm. High-precision variants such as Mikrosize MV-HA high-accuracy video measuring machine can achieve 1.8 μm accuracy for high-tolerance-requirement metrology jobs. Users shall make selections in accordance with permissible dimensional error requirements of their workpieces.
4. Definition of 2D, 2.5D and 3D Measurement
- Two-dimensional (2D) measurement: The video measuring machine executes planar workpiece measurement relying solely on X- and Y-axis data.
- 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) measurement: A linear grating scale is installed on the Z-axis. Supported by measurement software, basic height measurement functions become available. It cannot deliver full-scale 3D workpiece measurement. Mikrosize MV series vision systems reserve Z-axis grating installation interfaces for customers who need simple height-checking capacity.
- Three-dimensional (3D) measurement: This capability belongs to coordinate measuring machines for complete spatial workpiece measurement. To obtain 3D outputs with a digital vision measuring system, additional probing hardware must be fitted on the Z-axis and matched with dedicated 3D measurement software. Note that its overall measurement accuracy will be lower than that of dedicated coordinate measuring machines.
5. How to Guarantee Measurement Accuracy
Every factory-calibrated video measuring machine is assigned official factory-stated accuracy values. Third-party metrology laboratory inspection and verification shall be performed to validate real-world equipment performance.
6. Factors That Influence Measurement Accuracy
Multiple factors affect reading accuracy of the optical measuring instrument: ambient temperature, humidity, on-site vibration, and human operator handling. If measurement deviations persist after eliminating above-mentioned interference sources, equipment recalibration is strongly suggested.
7. How to Choose Proper Magnification
Follow this practical rule: apply high magnification for small size workpieces and low magnification for large-size workpieces. Mikrosize objective lens sets support interchangeable magnification options to adapt to varied workpiece sizes within production-site inspection environments.
8.Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kinds of workpieces can a video measuring machine test?
A: The digital vision measuring system measures geometric features on all visible workpiece surfaces, covering massive component types across dozens of industrial sectors.
Q: When should I pick manual instead of fully-automatic models?
A: Manual or semi-automatic units fit sampling-based quality control. Mikrosize manual MV-M series cuts procurement costs for low-frequency sampling-inspection scenarios. Fully-automatic equipment serves continuous mass-production inspection.
Q: Can 2.5D video measuring machine accomplish full 3D measurement?
A: No. 2.5D configuration only supports basic height readouts via Z-axis grating scales. True 3D measurement requires extra probing hardware and supporting 3D software modules.
Q: What should I do if measured results keep deviating?
A: Check temperature, humidity and vibration conditions first, and standardize operator operation motions. Carry out system recalibration if interferences have been ruled out.
9.Conclusion
From small precision terminals to large mould parts, video measuring machine, digital vision measuring system and optical measuring instrument deliver reliable non-contact dimensional inspection for mould, electronics, PCB, automotive, medical-device and hardware-manufacturing workshops. Mikrosize provides one-stop metrology solutions covering equipment selection, application consultation and after-sales support to satisfy diverse precision-measurement demands from different industrial customers.
