Product Category
Optical & Vision Measuring Systems
Video measuring machines, optical comparators, and multisensor systems for fast, non-contact 2D/3D measurement — from Mitutoyo, Keyence, Nikon Metrology, Zeiss, and Starrett. New, Refurbished, Absolute Certified, or Surplus, for electronics, medical device, and mold & die applications.
What is an Optical or Vision Measuring System?
Optical and vision measuring systems determine part geometry without physical contact, using a camera, telecentric lens, and machine-vision software to locate edges and features in a captured image, or a magnified shadow projection compared directly against a tolerance chart. Because there is no probing force involved, they excel at measuring soft, thin, flexible, or easily damaged parts, and they typically capture many features per image far faster than point-by-point tactile probing. Adding a Z-axis focus, laser, or chromatic confocal point sensor extends a vision system from pure 2D profile measurement into full 3D dimensional inspection.
Vision Measuring Types We Supply
Video / Vision Measuring Machines (VMM)
- CNC vision measuring machines: A motorized XY(Z) stage moves the part under a fixed camera; autofocus and automated edge-detection algorithms locate features and build a measurement report without operator subjectivity (e.g. Mitutoyo QV/QuickVision, Keyence IM series).
- Manual vision systems: Operator-positioned stage with on-screen crosshair measurement — lower cost, suited to lower-volume or first-article inspection.
Optical Comparators / Profile Projectors
- Project a magnified silhouette of the part onto a viewing screen, where the operator overlays a tolerance chart or uses a digital readout to check profile, angles, and dimensions. Still widely used on production floors for fast go/no-go inspection of stampings, gears, and turned parts (Nikon Metrology, Starrett HB400 series).
Multisensor Systems
- Combine vision with tactile touch probing and/or a laser or chromatic confocal point sensor on one platform, switching sensor automatically within a single measurement program. Ideal for parts mixing 2D edge features with 3D form, common in electronics connectors, medical components, and precision plastics (Werth VideoCheck, Zeiss O-Inspect).
Accuracy & Specification Considerations
Vision-system accuracy depends on pixel resolution and camera calibration, the telecentricity of the optics (telecentric lenses hold consistent magnification across small height variations, eliminating parallax error at part edges), and illumination strategy — backlight/profile lighting for silhouette edges, coaxial or ring lighting for surface features. Machine measurement uncertainty is typically stated per axis in a form similar to CMMs, e.g. E = ±(A + L/K) µm. Thermal stability of the room and consistent, repeatable lighting setup matter as much as the hardware spec for day-to-day repeatability.
Vision Measuring Brands We Supply
| Brand | Parent / Origin | Key Products | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitutoyo | Mitutoyo Corporation, Japan | QV-Apex, QuickImage, QuickVision | General manufacturing, electronics |
| Keyence | Keyence Corporation, Japan | IM series (fully automatic image measurement) | High-throughput QC, small parts |
| Nikon Metrology | Nikon Corporation, Japan | Profile projectors, VMR/VMA vision systems | Stampings, gears, turned parts |
| Zeiss | Carl Zeiss AG, Germany | O-Inspect (multisensor) | Medical devices, precision plastics |
| Starrett | L.S. Starrett Company, USA | AVR video measuring, HB400 optical comparators | Shop-floor QC, small manufacturers |
| Werth Messtechnik | Werth GmbH, Germany | VideoCheck, ScopeCheck (multisensor) | Micro-parts, connectors, electronics |
Condition Tiers for Vision Systems
Factory New
Latest camera, lens, and lighting technology direct from the manufacturer, with full OEM warranty and software licensing.
Refurbished
Stage and optics cleaned and serviced, LED illumination modules replaced where needed, camera and lens function-tested, control PC and software refreshed.
Absolute Certified
Full requalification against traceable reference targets and glass scales per ISO 10360-7, with camera recalibration and a calibration certificate issued at handover.
Surplus / As-Is
Decommissioned systems sold as-is; a cost-effective route to a second inspection station or a parts source for optics and stage components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an optical comparator measure 3D features?
A traditional shadow-projection optical comparator is fundamentally a 2D profile-measurement tool — it shows a silhouette at a fixed magnification, so it is best suited to edge, angle, and profile checks. CNC vision measuring machines and multisensor systems add a motorized or manual Z-axis with focus, laser, or chromatic confocal sensing, which does allow true 3D dimensional measurement. If your parts require height, depth, or freeform surface data, a vision measuring machine or multisensor system is the better fit.
What's the difference between a video measuring machine and a CMM with a vision probe?
A dedicated video/vision measuring machine is optimized around its camera and optics — larger field of view, purpose-built illumination, and software tuned for edge detection. A CMM fitted with a vision probe is primarily a tactile machine with vision as one of several sensors, useful when a job mixes contact and non-contact measurement on the same part. For high-volume, purely 2D/3D optical inspection, a dedicated vision system is usually faster and more cost-effective; for mixed-sensor requirements, a multisensor CMM is worth considering — see our Coordinate Measuring Machines category.
Do refurbished vision systems include new illumination and camera calibration?
Yes, as standard on our Refurbished tier — LED ring, coaxial, and backlight modules are inspected and replaced if degraded, since consistent illumination is critical to repeatable edge detection. Full camera and stage recalibration against traceable reference targets is included on our Absolute Certified tier, with a calibration certificate issued.