Video Measurement Systems Offer Increased Speed

The L.S. Starrett Co. introduces the latest generation of its HDV300 and HDV400 benchtop digital video comparators with impressive speed increases and improved illumination, design and convenience enhancements. CNC motion on the new HDV systems is faster, enabling even greater user measurement throughput. At 10mm/sec., Y-axis speed tripled and X-axis speed has almost doubled at 45mm/sec. In addition, improved LED ring lighting provides more consistent illumination.

The computer and M3 controller are located inside the HDV housing, resulting in a clean design with minimal external wiring and connections. An optional “clean air kit” keeps airborne dust and contaminants out of the measuring system and control electronics. A workstage design features a 21 by 5 inch top plate, 12 by 6 inches of travel and a 110 lb workload capacity for increased accuracy and productivity. Other options, such as swing-away backlight for large parts, an APT60 rotary positioning device, thread measurement software and calibration tools, further enhance productivity.

The HDV systems feature MetLogix M3 touch screen software with a M3 DXF/ FOV option pack. With this software, the HDV can import DXF CAD files over a network and make automatic 2D “go/no-go” comparisons to an engineering design by using video edge detection, with no need for Mylar overlays. This increases measurement throughput while eliminating operator subjectivity. Geometric 2D functions include points, lines, circles, arcs, rectangles, distance, slots, angles and skew.

With the HDV systems, field-of-view measurements can encompass an entire small part up to 2.47  by 1.85 inches, or a feature of a larger part, which can then be seamlessly integrated with stage motion to measure larger parts. The main operator interface is via a touch screen video monitor that displays a live video image of the part, in addition to geometry tools and digital readings. The part image can be resized using pan and zoom, and measurements are taken by simply tapping a feature on the screen. An environmentally sealed keyboard and a pointing device are also provided.