The Hawk inspection system from Vision Engineering is being utilized to inspect wafers for integrated electronic circuits and other micro devices, and is a preferred choice because of its superior ergonomic design and high resolution optical image. Adopted into the inspection team who now have seven systems, the Hawk enables the users to quickly and efficiently process the wafers, under x200 magnification. The wafers are processed under the Hawk system to make sure the coatings, holding the 200,000 chips in place, are without defects. Initially inspected using x200 magnification, the Hawk enables users to increase the magnification when required, to x500 and x1000.

Originally, the inspection team were relying on a Nikon Wafer Inspection System but required a system offering greater ergonomics with the same good quality optical image, with the color, contrast and clarity they were used to. The Hawk inspection system has been designed by Vision Engineering to offer a high standard in microscopy optics with the advantage of an eyepieceless viewer, replacing the conventional microscope eyepieces. Essentially, the operator can inspect the wafer through a viewing head, allowing them to inspect in comfort, without fatigue, promoting better accuracy and productivity. The patented technology adopted by Vision Engineering to optimize operator comfort has been an award winning triumph, with large blue chip companies investing in their range of products in the electronics industry, worldwide.

Vision Engineering has been designing and manufacturing optical solutions for over 50 years, we have delivered the SX45 to appeal to the budget conscious decision maker, it’s affordable and maintains the optical excellence you would expect to find on an optical solution from Vision Engineering. The SX45, the new stereo viewer, is an ideal investment for the budget conscious engineer looking for a stereo microscope with high performance optics to inspect and rework PCBs.

What makes the SX45 a choice investment is the combination of optical excellence and affordability. Continuing costs for running the microscope are kept to a minimum through long-life LED illumination.

A trinocular viewing attachment can be utilized with the SX45, with the option for a digital or USB camera to be used simultaneously so comparable images of PCB can be reported. Additionally, multimedia solutions are available for image archiving, acquisition, processing, analysis and documentation, a fundamental function for most companies optimizing their traceability and for checking PCBs and components against the gold standard.

Available in a variety of stand options including: the bench stand for optimum stability and substage illumination; the boom mount for greater working distances and added versatility; the articulated arm, ideal for large and bespoke work stations/benches requiring extended reach.

The zoom ratio is 6.3:1 with the greater magnification of x50, combined with long working distances and a large depth of field, offers operators optimized functionality for inspection and rework.

Falcon 3-Axis Non-contact Video Measuring System with Widescreen

Vision Engineering is a British company with over 50 years experience in designing and manufacturing ergonomic stereo inspection microscopes and non-contact optical and video measuring solutions.

The Falcon 3-axis video measuring system is a valuable addition to any  Quality Department and provides instant non-contact measurement in X, Y and Z-axis applications. Now updated to incorporate a Quadracheck 5000 microprocessor with CAD import/export, the Falcon 5000 affords its users quick and accurate component measurement with advanced data capabilities.  A PC based system, the Falcon 5000 can be networked to share data with colleagues, as well as integrated with PC applications such as Excel.

Utilizing a high resolution camera, the Falcon can measure key dimensions and features using video edge detection technology, without deformation, which is critical when measuring small and intricate components.

The high performance 3-axis video measuring system incorporates an indexed camera iris control to reduce depth of field and increase the accuracy and repeatability of Z-axis results, thereby addressing  a common complaint regarding video systems.

The new Falcon has 2 stage options including 150mm x 100mm, and 150mm x 150mm, with magnification options x10 – x50 zoom, x20 – x100 zoom. The precision measuring stages include factory-completed non-linear error correction (NLEC) calibration as standard to ensure optimum accuracy and traceability.

]]> http://www.visioneng.us/blog/2010/03/falcon-%e2%80%93-a-new-3-axis-non-contact-video-measuring-system-with-cad-import-and-export/feed/ http://www.visioneng.us/blog/2010/02/the-hawk-3-axis-non-contact-measuring-system-is-ideal-for-measuring-intricate-features-within-microns/ http://www.visioneng.us/blog/2010/02/the-hawk-3-axis-non-contact-measuring-system-is-ideal-for-measuring-intricate-features-within-microns/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:43:28 +0000 vlaws http://www.visioneng.us/blog/?p=303

The Hawk non-contact measuring microscope is used for measuring imaging transducer, used for obtaining dental x-rays.

Due to its measurement accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility, the Hawk has proven to be a  measurement microscope with advanced capabilities, offering operators the power to measure sub 10 microns, with up to x1000 magnification. Unlike video based measuring systems, the Hawk provides the user with an optical view to the user that surpasses any video generated image. This means operators can measure dimensional accuracy of the fiber optics and simultaneously inspect, knowing that they will see a clear and accurate image, and detect any surface defects. Such defects can include dust, debris and inclusions on the glass plate or imaging transducer which may contain thousands of the compact fiber optics.

The imaging transducer or face plates are manufactured in a wide range of dimensions for different mouth sizes, and the accuracy is therefore essential for both the comfort of the patients and the quality of the x-ray image. This is because the face plates are coated with thallium-doped caesium iodide (CsI:TI) within a thickness of 3.5µm, by growing it onto the substrate. Growing it directly onto the face plate allows greater control over the thickness on the scintillation layer, while minimizing the compromises between thickness, efficiency and resolution commonly found in the CsI:TI scintillator material.

Used because of its accuracy and image quality, the Hawk measurement microscope is ideal for this application and is generally used in a controlled environment, where users can obtain accurate data quickly. Configured with a microprocessor, the Hawk can process data providing operators with pass or fail results.

For more information on the Hawk 3-axis measuring microscope, visit: www.visioneng.us

An ergonomic solution to inspecting under magnification.

A leading manufacturer of cardiac performance sensors has invested in several Mantis Stereo Inspection Microscopes to inspect their cardiac performance sensors. As these components are extremely critical, each sensor is individually inspected before it is cleared for dispatch.

The operator’s primary function is to check the cosmetic appearance of the sensors, since these products are used for severely ill patients;  therefore the inspection process is fundamental in the continued quality of these valuable products.

Initially using a high powered microscope, the sensors were inspected meticulously; however the operator’s having to be hunched over the binocular eyepieces compromises their comfort and productivity. Unlike these traditionally designed microscopes, the Mantis offers a viewing head, which permits operators to inspect in comfort,  optimizing both accuracy and productivity.

In addition to the superior contrast, clarity and color, the Mantis offers  LEDs, both substage and surface illumination, keeping running costs to a minimum. With a range of stand options for customized usage in individual working environments, the Mantis stereo microscope is an extremely versatile option.

Various optional accessories are available for the Mantis, including an episcopic illuminator for inspection of feature rich components such as machined parts with bore and blind holes; UV option for inspecting coatings; a super long working objective designed for modifications under the lens; and digital image capture with a range of digital cameras and cataloguing software.

For more information, visit www.visioneng.us/mantis

While a standard stereo microscope will magnify up to40x, the Lynx is capable of going up to an extremely high magnification of up to 120x. This makes it a highly flexible and easy-to-use inspection tool, which means it can be used across different departments including research and development (R&D) as well as production and quality control.

The inspection of paper includes inspecting for particles to classify the paper and other variable such as density and ink removed state (free or attached) etc.

Initially, a video inspection system was considered but the resolution was not high enough compared to the Lynx Stereo Zoom inspection microscope - benefiting from optics.

The Lynx stereo zoom microscope is a modular system so it can be configured with accessories such as the oblique and direct viewer, currently utilized for the inspection of paper and pulp. Allowing the operator to view the particles 360 degrees at a 34 degree angle, the oblique and direct is a unique and valuable accessory for quality managers looking to enhance their visibility of parts.

For more information on the Lynx and its accessories, visit www.visioneng.us/lynx

]]> http://www.visioneng.us/blog/2010/02/lynx-stereo-zoom-microscope-is-utilized-to-inspect-paper-and-pulp/feed/ http://www.visioneng.us/blog/2010/02/2-axis-metrology-system-accuataely-measures-insert-moulds/ http://www.visioneng.us/blog/2010/02/2-axis-metrology-system-accuataely-measures-insert-moulds/#comments Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:22:42 +0000 vlaws http://www.visioneng.us/blog/?p=268

The Kestrel 2-Axis Metrology System

Vision Engineering’s Kestrel (2-Axis Metrology system), is being used by a manufacturer of injection molded automotive components because of its accuracy and repeatability of measuring automotive components.

The non-contact measuring solution allows engineers to measure the injection molded and insert molded components without touching the part, which can sometimes lead to deformities.

With pure optics, the Kestrel can measure down to tens of microns allowing engineers to provide accurate results to colleagues and customers.

Typical insert molded components include: a center body molding that fits into a gearbox, made from 64% glass filled polyphthlamide and then insert molded with silver plated glass; and a drive by wire throttle which has a PCB inserted into the mold which detects movement.

The Kestrel is an essential part of their stringent quality processes for these critical components. Both X and Y axis are measured for accuracy and surface finish can be simultaneously inspected.

Benefiting from a range of options and accessories including a video camera and optical enhancements such as an episcopic illuminator, for inspecting bore and blind holes, the Kestrel can be configured to most shop floor requirements.

For more information on the Kestrel measuring microscope and its capabilities, visit www.visioneng.us/kestrel

Fast and efficient, the Falcon is a valuable system for any Quality Department requiring instant non-contact measurement in X, Y and X-axis. Utilizing a high resolution camera, the Falcon can measure key dimensions and features using video edge detection technology, without deformation, critical when measuring small and intricate components.

New, powerful, and compact, the Falcon is the newest innovative, optical solution from Vision Engineering, and now benefits from a PC based system with the QuadraCheck 5000 (QC5000) VED. This means the Falcon can be networked and shared with colleagues, and data can be exported into Microsoft Excel for easy analysis.

The high performance 3-axis video measuring system incorporating an indexed camera iris control to reduce depth of field, increasing the accuracy and repeatability of Z-axis results, a common complaint of video systems.

The new Falcon has 2 stage options including 150mm x 100mm, and 150mm x 150mm, with magnification options x10 – x50 zoom, x20 – x100 zoom. The precision measuring stages include factory-completed non-linear error correction (NLEC) calibration as standard to ensure optimum accuracy and traceability.

For more information on what the Falcon can offer you, visit www.visioneng.us

The Mantis Stereo Microscope is a unique microscope with optimum ergonomics and superior optics for hair restoration.

The Mantis Stereo Microscope from Vision Engineering is used for the inspection and dissection of hair follicles for hair transplantation, in clinics around the world.

Hair restoration techniques involve placing follicular units, whereby individual hair follicles or groups of two to three follicles are grafted to create a more natural appearance. These techniques offer aesthetic advantages to the patient, but create a significantly greater workload and skill requirement for the surgeon and technicians involved in the transplantation. Rather than simply move clumps of hair from the back to the front of the head, a donor strip containing over 1000 hair follicles is removed from the back of the head and then painstakingly dissected to produce individual follicular units. The typical hair follicle is only a few millimeters in size, and when surrounding a light or grey hair, identifying and cutting around the follicle using unaided eyesight or a standard magnifier is difficult and extremely tiring.

Mantis is an ergonomically optimized stereo viewing system which allows operators to clearly see a bright, well contrasted 3D image. The viewing head projects the image into the operator’s eyes, allowing for much greater freedom of head movement than is usually associated with standard microscopes, where two fixed eyepieces dictate where the technician puts their eyes and how they must hold their posture. Good hand to eye coordination is maintained because the working distance between the hands and the eyes is exactly the same as it would be without magnification.

The expanded image from Mantis is particularly important when long term, intensive use is necessary; such as with this procedure, because an operator will be able to work effectively for a longer period but experience less strain. In sectioning the donor strip into grafts, the medical technicians at the Wimpole Hair Restoration Clinic need to work as rapidly, yet carefully as possible. Additionally, once the follicles are harvested, they cannot be reused and every effort is made to utilize each follicle within the donor strip.

To find our more information on the Mantis Stereo Microscope visit: www.visioneng.us

The Lynx Stereo Zoom Microscope is used for the inspection of medical devices in companies around the world.

Vision Engineering’s Lynx zoom stereo microscope is utilized around the world for the accurate inspection of medical devices. From the inspection of stents, needles, catheters and ophthalmology instrumentation, the stereo microscopes are designed and manufactured by Vision Engineering and offer superior optics inspecting critical components. One of the key selling points of the Lynx Microscope is the large viewing head and working distances which allow operators to rework the items quickly and easily without further adjustments. For example, burrs might require removal which can easily be achieved with the Lynx, with the zoom unit allowing users to benefit from lower magnification during rework and a higher magnification for critical inspection. This will enable operators to instantaneously switch between magnification ranges during inspection and rework with minimum effort.

The ergonomic Dyanscope of the Lynx allows users to maximize their productivity and accuracy where there is no hindrance or fatigue, usually associated with using microscopes because of the eyepieces. The viewing head allows critical components to be inspected with optimum clarity and color.

The Lynx zoom stereo microscope provides zoom magnification from x3.5 to x120 and has a wide variety of accessories and stand options including digital image capture and a oblique and direct viewer - see www.visioneng.us for more information.

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