Optical Metrology

Starrett manufacture a wide range of optical comparators, also known as ashadowgraph or profile projector that provide a versatile and robust solution for non-contact measurement and inspection, backed by over a century of precision manufacturing expertise. These robust systems, which are ideal for use on the shop floor, project a magnified, silhouette of a component onto a large viewing screen, which is compared to a mylar comparison overlay allowing accurate visual comparisons and dimensional checks. Using LED profile and surface lighting, Starrett profile projectors provide clear and sharp images at different magnifications and provide the ideal tool in quality control (QC), R&D, and manufacturing environments where reliability and precision are critical. Profile projectors are particularly useful for inspecting parts with more complex geometries including pressings, plastic mouldings, electronic components and turned parts. The range of optical comparators, are designed to meet a wide spectrum of industrial demands. They include horizontal and vertical projection models, either as a compact benchtop shadowgraph or as a floor-standing optical comparator. There are various screen diameters and X-Y stage travel options and a range of interchangeable lenses. Starrett optical comparators also integrate with modern metrology software and digital readouts, such as MetLogix™ and Quadra-Chek®. These can transform traditional visual inspection into a digital measurement process. There are manual, motor-driven, or fully CNC-controlled workstage options and a wide range of accessories. Whether you are looking for and optical comparator, shadowgraph or profile projector in the UK, there is one in the range to suit your requirements. Contact us to arrange a demonstration.

Optical video vision systems and video coordinate measuring machines (VCMMs) combine high-resolution images, high-tech software and precision mechanical platforms to deliver outstanding accuracy and repeatability during inspection. Used across precision manufacturing industries, video vision systems are a game-changer when it comes to upgrading your quality control capabilities. Combining a state-of-the-art digital comparator with various high-tech software solutions, our video vision systems provide exceptional performance when it matters most. Take advantage of repeatable measurements for easier documentation and traceability within product development and research, manufacturing and testing phases. Engineered by Starrett and supplied by Optimax, a quality product can be expected every time. We offer product demonstrations of video vision systems at our lab in Market Harborough, giving you the opportunity to see our systems at work and as our engineers any questions you might have.

Optical systems are designed to provide quick and easy inspection of small industrial components using high resolution imagery of even hard-to-see parts such as transparent plastics or intricate details. At Optimax, we supply a range of optical systems including from brands such as Vision Engineering, Kitov, Inspekto and Starrett. Our aim is to bring reliable, accurate and user-friendly optical inspection systems to all precision manufacturing and engineering businesses. We offer full product demonstrations at our lab, giving you the opportunity to see any of our systems in situ. Some of our inspection systems can provide ultra-HD image and 4K video capture and inspection for even greater accuracy when it comes to precision manufacturing. Understand the effects of wear and tear on small machined parts, work to tighter tolerances and improve performance with an optical metrology system supplied by Optimax.

Measure round and rotationally symmetrical parts with our high-end shaft scanning equipment. Engineered and built by Mahr, our range of shaft scanning equipment can help detect even the slightest of defects in precision manufactured parts. Camshafts, gear shafts, eccentric shafts and shafts with keyways or blind boreholes can all be measured and inspected using Mahr’s shaft scanning machines, offering a combination of optical and tactile sensors to get the most accurate results time and time again. If you’d like to book a demonstration of any of our industrial shaft scanners, get in touch with the team.

EviXscan 3D excels in creating high-quality 3D scanning solutions, including advanced 3D scanners, and sophisticated software. Evixscan’s range of industrial-grade 3D scanners deliver exceptional accuracy for metrology, reverse engineering, and stringent quality control in manufacturing environments. They collect true surface data rapidly and accurately and have full GD&T capability. With applications in Industrial Metrology, Quality Control, Inspection, and Reverse Engineering the systems are used, amongst others, in the Aerospace, Automotive, Tool and Die Making and Medical Industry markets.

Understanding surface roughness and the impact it might have on precision manufactured components can help improve the quality levels achieved by your business. To measure and inspect surface roughness, our range of Alicona, Mahr and Optivu products are on hand to give you highly accurate results time and again. Optimax supplies a large range of non-contact optical metrology devices to measure all aspects of surface roughness (Ra, Rq, Rz/Sa, Sq, Sz). Generate a complete analysis of a components surface using true colour, exceptional clarity and high resolution. Test and inspect components as they’re manufactured, or use our range of surface roughness tools to understand the impact of wear and tear or long-term use as part of a regular testing and inspection routine. For full product demonstrations or to talk to a member of the team, get in touch with us today.

Get a detailed understanding of a component’s surface characterisation with a range of high-end Alicona products, designed, developed and built to work with high precision industries including aerospace, medical device manufacture and automotive. Using state-of-the-art technology, our range of Alicona optical metrology devices will provide a clear analysis of a component’s surface including roughness, texture, and overall shape. We supply non-contact measurement devices to ensure utmost accuracy, enabling users to achieve measurements at macro, micro and nano levels. Take your surface characterisation and measurement to the next level with Optimax.

Vastly improve quality control with our range of Starrett multi-sensor CNC measurement machines and video measurement systems from Vision. Perfect for repetitive measurements on a large scale, our multi-sensor offering allows manufacturers to upgrade their measurement process by reducing lengthy inspection routines while maintaining accurate results. Automatically compare to CAD files, reach micron-level resolutions, and benefit from live video and digital readings for excellent clarification of measurement output. Cobot and robot-mounted sensors now provide versatility and freedom to place inspection equipment where it’s needed. All part of our optical metrology range, the Starrett AVR products and Vision LVC system are available to demo at our in-house metrology lab in Market Harborough.

For the measurement of complex and routine manufactured parts, we supply high-end toolmakers microscopes that allow users to view and measure linear distances, thread pitch, thread angles, tool wear surfaces, tool edges and more. Never compromising on quality, these machines are designed and built to provide a high resolution visual output for the precise measurement of intricate tools. Our toolmakers microscopes from Vision come with a huge range of options allowing users to customise the technology to suit their own manufacturing needs. Ideal for small workpieces, our toolmakers microscopes are often used within a range of precision manufacturing environments. View the range below or get in touch to book a demo.

When specific components are difficult to inspect and measure, replication techniques are required in order to make the process more practical. Using high quality replication fluid or other products is essential to ensure minute details are captured in the replica for the most accuracy. Optimax has a range of replication products available to purchase from blue replication fluid, fast curing fluid microset and casting materials to generate flexible yet reliable replicas. Uses include replicating foreign object damage to turbine blades to a 0.1 micron resolution achieved over the entire surface, crack detection on engine parts and other precision manufactured workpieces. When NDT methods are not suitable, get in touch with Optimax for a range of replication product options.