Optical Comparators
It’s important to understand that each type of Optical Comparator has a preferred application to specific part geometry
Vertical Types (upward or downward light source) are best for flat thin work, stampings, etc.
Horizontal types are generally for cylindrical work, however can be utilized for most applications, and are generally what is seen in machining environments and Inspection facilities
The ability to define the “edge” of the work piece is a critical factor, many times affected by misaligned light source (bulb), or misaligned part relative to the O/C
Axial alignment errors often times are caused by stage parallelism error relative to the Screen Alignment
Tangent points, e.g. dovetail locations, are affected by Screen centering
Linear errors typically caused by scale misalignment relative to stage movement
Chart errors typically caused by Magnification Accuracy
Angular Accuracy issues have several failure modes
As with any complex hybrid device it’s important to have it calibrated by an experienced professional, and operated by a trained knowledgeable inspector
It’s important to understand that each type of Optical Comparator has a preferred application to specific part geometry Vertical Types (upward or downward light source) are best for flat thin work, stampings, etc.Horizontal types are generally for cylindrical work, however can be utilized for most applications, and are generally what is seen in machining environments and Inspection facilities The ability to define the “edge” of the work piece is a critical factor, many times affected by misaligned light source (bulb), or misaligned part relative to the O/C Axial alignment errors often times are caused by stage parallelism error relative to the Screen Alignment Tangent points, e.g. dovetail locations, are affected by Screen centering Linear errors typically caused by scale misalignment relative to stage movement As with any complex hybrid device it’s important to have it calibrated by an experienced professional, and operated by a trained knowledgeable inspector Optical Comparator Optical Comparator Optical Comparator