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The L.S. Starrett Co. (Athol, MA, US), global manufacturer of measuring tools, gages and metrology systems, has introduced its AV450 Automatic Vision System. The new 3-axis vision system is designed for high-volume, repetitive applications and routine quality assurance. The AV450 has a 18-by-14-by-8-inch (457 by 356 by 203 mm) measurement envelope, high-resolution video zoom optics and can be pre-programmed (CNC) for repetitive part inspection, or driven manually via a trackball for individual measurements. Either QC5000 or MetLogix M3 software controls video edge detection and multiple-channel fiber optic or LED illumination. Computer-controlled Quadrant (LED) ring lighting, sub-stage lighting and optional through-the-lens lighting provides illumination.

 

The reported accuracy of the system is 2.5 + 5L/1000; reading resolution is 4 µin (0.1µm). Magnification on a 24-inch monitor at 1:1 pixel setting is 37x-240x with 6.5:1 zoom, and 25x-300x with 12:1 zoom. The system has a 1.3-megapixel color digital video camera and a granite base. The AV450 has an external motion control unit and includes a Windows-based operating system with an operator interface via a desktop PC with a 24-inch touchscreen monitor, as well as wireless network connectivity. CAD files can be imported and exported and reports can be generated and archived. M3 metrology software supports 3-axis measurements and 2D geometric constructs (such as points, lines, angles, rectangles and slots) and corrections for level, skew and datum origin. Options for the AV450 include a Renishaw touch-probe kit; an Optimet laser probe; 0.5x, 1.5x and 2.0x auxiliary lenses; an LED dark-field quadrant illuminator; and a DXF/field-of-view option for automatic comparison to CAD files. Other options include a CNC rotary axis fixture, touch probe change rack, calibration standards, part fixtures and workholding devices.