VideoMic® Multisensor Video Measurement Systems


  • High-Speed, Non-Contact 3-Axis Coordinate Measurement
  • Superior Stability and Accuracy from Granite Base and Gantry
  • Multisensor: Video, Touch, and Laser Sensors
  • High-Accuracy Air or Mechanical Bearings

Tactile Probe Used to Measure Thorlabs' Components

VSA713

Video Measurement System
711 mm x 610 mm x 200 mm
Range Shown with Adjustable Quadrant Light

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Exploring the Options?

Thorlabs' Multisensor Video Systems are customized to meet the demanding needs of your application. If you do not see a product or specification that you require or you are looking for assistance selecting a system, please use the Contact Me button. Our Measurement Systems Team is happy to help and can provide system recommendations based on your needs.

In the Budgetary Phase?

System prices vary based on the exact components. Through our conversations, we can ensure your system quote is tailored to your requirements.

OEM or Custom Projects?

Click here to learn about our OEM capabilities.

Thorlabs Measurment Systems Manager
Ike Jariel
General Manager
Thorlabs Measurement Systems

I'm Happy to Assist!

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Want a System Demo?

Contact us to demo a system in our showroom or remotely.

Features

  • XYZ Measuring Range Options:
    • 460 mm x 305 mm x 200 mm (Air or Mechanical Bearings)
    • 711 mm x 610 mm x 200 mm (Air or Mechanical Bearings)
    • 965 mm x 760 mm x 200 mm (Air Bearings)
    • 1270 mm x 915 mm x 200 mm (Air Bearings)
  • All Systems Offer CNC or User-Driven Operation
  • High-Resolution Video Sensors for High-Contrast Imaging
  • Laser, Tactile, and Confocal Chromatic Probes for Multisensor Metrology
  • Multiple LED Options to Highlight Surface and Edge Features
  • Stable Granite Base Ensures High Accuracy and Repeatability
  • Floor-Standing, Ergonomic Workstation for Simple and Convenient Operation
  • Advanced, Feature-Rich M3 MetLogix®a Metrology Control Software
  • Installation Included

Build Your Coordinate Measuring Machine

  • Select a Base System (Required, See Table 1.1 for the Key Specifications and the Base Systems tab for Details)
  • Select Video System Options (Required, See Video Configurations tab for Details)
    • Lighting, Camera, Zoom or Bi-Telecentric Lens, Objective, and Software
  • Select Additional Sensors and Accessories (Optional, See Accessories tab for Details)
    • Touch Probes, Laser Sensor, Confocal Probe, Glass Platen, Software, and Hardware Upgrades

Table 1.1  Base Systems Key Specificationsa
Base System Item # VSA463 VSM463 VSA713 VSM713 VSA963 VSA1273
Stage Bearings Air Mechanical Air Mechanical Air
Stage Motors Linear Servo Linear Servo Linear
XY Measuring Range 460 mm x 305 mm
(18" x 12")
711 mm x 610 mm
(28" x 24")
965 mm x 760 mm
(38" x 30")
1270 mm x 915 mm
(50" x 36")
Z Measuring Range 200 mm (8")
Typical Unit Dimensions
Accuracyb X-Y
(E2)
(1.5 + 5L/1000) µm (2.5 + 5L/1000) µm (1.5 + 5L/1000) µm (2.5 + 5L/1000) µm (1.5 + 5L/1000) µm
Z
(E1)
(1.5 + 5L/1000) µm
Velocity X-Y ≤760 mm/s
Z ≤150 mm/s
Repeatability Z ±3 µm at High Magnification
Price Starting Atc $77,230.46 $71,391.47 $100,586.42 $83,069.45 $123,942.38 $170,436.02
  • The systems with air bearings are indicated with a green background. For complete specifications, please see the Specs tab. The base item number indicates the unit size, measurement range, and bearing/motor type of the chosen system. The magnification optics, camera, and lighting options can then be customized to suit a specific application. Contact TMS Sales for help in selecting system options and specifications
  • L is the point-to-point travel distance, or diagonal travel distance, in units of mm. This applies to a thermally stable system at 20 °C using a certified artifact, pixel value of 2 µm or less, evenly distributed load, and a standard measuring plane.
  • The base system starting price listed includes the base system, top ring lighting, profile lighting, 1.3 MP camera, a zoom lens with a 0.67X adapter with motorized, programmable 6:1 lens zoom levels, and the control system consisting of a computer with M3 software, 24" touchscreen monitor, keyboard, mouse, and control panel. Installation on site is also included with purchase.

Measurement Applications

Electronics

  • Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and PCB Assembly (PCBA)
  • Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC)
  • Batteries
  • Solar Panels

Plastics, Glasses, and Polymers

  • Molded Components
  • Films

Mechanical Components

  • Machined Parts
  • Stamped Parts
  • Hardware (Screws, Fasteners, Inserts, and Gears)
  • Medical Devices

Custom Applications

  • Send a Sample Part to us for Test Measurements
Video 1.2  This video outlines the features, options, and accessories for our line of VideoMic® video measurement systems.

Thorlabs' VideoMic® Multisensor Video Measurement Systems provide high-speed, non-contact 3-axis coordinate measurement with industry-leading accuracy. These multisensor measuring machines can easily verify critical dimensions on first articles, production samples, or entire runs. Automated inspection protocols utilize the system's large field of view and high-resolution sensors to easily inspect large volumes of parts sequentially or simultaneously. With tolerance reports and export utilities, thresholds can be set to enable timely corrections to a production process or, when necessary, interruption of production to minimize scrap. With over 1000 systems installed worldwide, each system has a long lifetime, is completely modular, and can easily scale with the demands of any quality assurance or production facility. Product installation is included with purchase.

Six base systems are available, each utilizing a granite, split-axis base and gantry; see the Base Systems tab for details. Item numbers beginning with VSA utilize balanced linear motors with air bearings to position each axis of travel, while item numbers beginning with VSM utilize servo-driven ground-ball-screws to position each axis of travel. Each of the three motor axes and associated encoders is bonded directly onto the granite to create a system that is extremely accurate, stable, and resistant to environmental factors.

Once a base system is selected, Thorlabs offers a wide selection of CMOS cameras, zoom lenses or bi-telecentric lenses, objectives, and lights to customize the video system to the demands of the application. For further details, see the Video Configurations tab. A number of optional accessories are also available to increase the versatility and functionality of the system. These include Renishaw®b tactile probes; laser sensors; a hinged, pneumatic glass platen; statistical process control software; and import/export utilities. See the Accessories tab for additional details about these options.

Please contact TMS-Sales@thorlabs.com for help selecting or customizing a base system or to inquire about other options. We offer live demonstrations of our VideoMic systems for acquiring test images of your samples at our Sparta, NJ facility, either in person or online; please see the Live Demonstrations tab for more information.

  1. Metlogix is a registered trademark of Metlogix, Inc.
  2. Renishaw is a registered trademark of Renishaw plc.

Exploring the Options?

Our base systems can be customized to meet the needs of your application. If you would like a custom system, e.g. longer travel range, or would like to discuss our options, please contact me. Our team can provide system recommendations based on your needs.

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Thorlabs Measurment Systems Manager
Ike Jariel
General Manager
Measurement Systems


Click to Enlarge

Figure 2.2  A VSA713 VideoMic System with the Hood Removed
(Shown with a Subset of Video System Options and Accessories: 12X Zoom Lens System and 0.67X Extension Tube, 1.3 MP Camera, Motorized Quadrant Light, Ring Light, Profile Light, M3 Software, and a Hinged Glass Platen)

Base System Features

All base VideoMic® Multisensor Video Measurement Systems are video Coordinate-Measuring Machines (CMMs) that utilize a split-axis gantry design wherein the Y-axis (stage) extends below a granite bridge that supports both the X- and Z-axes (imaging system and lights) of travel. Granite, a material commonly used in quality control and metrology departments, provides a number of advantages for long-travel stages, such as those utilized in our video CMM systems. Granite resists changes in environmental temperature due to its low coefficient of thermal expansion; exhibits minimal warping over time, particularly over longer distances; and can be made extremely flat to create a near-ideal 2D plane, leading to a flatness specification of ≤5 µm over any 700 mm x 700 mm square area.


Click to Enlarge

Figure 2.1  VSA Series' Non-Contact Magnetic Track Shown Above the Gold 0.10 µm Encoder 

Small and large format systems are offered to support any application. The smallest format, offering an XY measuring range of 460 mm x 305 mm (18" x 12"), is ideal for facilities with lower volumes or smaller parts to be inspected. Our largest format, offering an XY measuring range of 1270 mm x 915 mm (50" x 36"), is designed for high-volume, high-throughput facilities with large or small parts to inspect. Please see the Specs tab for the full specifications of our base systems.

Granite-Bonded Translator and Encoder
Each motor axis and associated encoder are bonded directly onto the granite, with the X- and Z-axes engineered onto the gantry and the Y-axis built onto the base. This geometry reduces the amount of machined components throughout the closed-loop control system, which increases the stiffness of the system and reduces the working distance of the Y-axis stage off the base and the camera system off the gantry. Decreasing the working distance results in a compact design that reduces the Abbe error for enhanced positioning performance.

Each axis is center-driven to reduce the influence of off-axis forces. This reduces wear and tear and improves the overall functionality of motors in each axis. When air bearings are used, a granite center guide can be seen under the Y-axis stage that the air bearings float on, as shown in Figure 2.1. This guide must be offset to the side to properly center-drive the stage when using this bearing type.

Motor and Bearing Options
Base item numbers beginning with VSA utilize balanced, non-contact, magnetic linear motors with air bearings to position each axis of travel (see Figure 2.4), while item numbers beginning with VSM utilize brushless, servo-driven ground-ball-screws to position each axis of travel. Both options will position the stages accurately, quietly, and quickly.


Click to Enlarge

Figure 2.4  VSA series systems include frictionless air bearings that do not wear or require lubrication. A clean source of pressurized air or nitrogen is required.

Air bearings will not wear, do not require lubrication, and do not generate any particulates during use, and thus will require less long-term maintenance. Air bearings are not recommended for unclean environments where dust, dirt, debris, or other fluids may be present. They will also require a source of clean, pressurized air or nitrogen. Periodically lubricating the mechanical bearings and rails on the base systems starting with VSM is recommended.


Click to Enlarge

Figure 2.3  Each control panel includes a joystick and trackball for control. The trackball provides a superior feel for smaller, precise movements.

Ergonomic Workstation Design
Each VideoMic system includes a workstation that can be rotated or vertically adjusted for most operator heights (see Figure 2.2). The workstation has a 24" touchscreen monitor, keyboard, mouse, and control panel. Note that the touchscreen functionality is available only when using the M3 metrology software. The control panel, shown in detail in Figure 2.3, includes a joystick and trackball to manually position the stage and camera, an emergency stop switch, a power button to turn the entire system on or off, two sets of three buttons to configure the actions of the joystick or trackball, and enter/ok buttons for selecting data.

Joystick and Trackball
The joystick and trackball can both be used at any time to control the motion of the stage and the camera system mounted on the gantry. When to use one or the other is operator dependent; however, the trackball is designed to minimize the signal delay between its movement and the system's response, allowing operators to have a high level of precise control over their actions. The joystick can be configured for two or three axis adjustments. If a three-axis joystick is chosen, rotating the handle left or right will translate the Z-axis position of the camera assembly.

Control Buttons
A set of three equivalent control buttons are included under both the joystick and track ball. From left to right these are a Z-axis toggle, axis lock, and fine position toggle. The light under each will turn green when a specific button is active. The Z-axis toggle will switch the joystick or trackball function from X/Y to Z. If a three-axis joystick is chosen this will only affect the trackball. The axis lock button is used to toggle between single-axis linear motions. The fine position toggle reduces the responsivity of the joystick and trackball to aid in fine positioning of the system. The enter and ok buttons are used to quickly access the software controls, allowing operators to quickly select data points (measurement positions) and create inspection protocols.

Emergency Stop
This button will cut power to the entire machine and should only be used in case of emergency.

Exploring the Options?

Thorlabs' Multisensor Video Systems are customized to meet the demanding needs of your application. If you do not see a product or specification that you require or you are looking for assistance selecting a system, please contact me. Our Measurement Systems Team is happy to help and can provide system recommendations based on your needs.

Contact Us Button
Thorlabs Measurment Systems Manager
Ike Jariel
General Manager
Thorlabs Measurement Systems

Base Systems Specifications

Our Video Measurement Systems come in five base system sizes. All are available with air bearings and linear motors as a standard, except for the VSM463 and VSM713, which include ball-bearings and a servo motor. The specifications specific to the air bearings are highlighted in green.

For complete specifications for all of the ways that Thorlabs' video measurement systems can be customized, please see the Video Configurations and Accessories tabs or contact us using the "Contact Me" link.

Table 3.1  VideoMic® Base Systems Specifications
Base System Item #a VSA463 VSM463 VSA713 VSM713 VSA963 VSA1273
XYZ Control
Stage Bearings Air Mechanical Air Mechanical Air
Stage Motors Linear Servo Linear Servo Linear
Measurement
(Travel) Range
X-Y 460 mm x 305 mm
(18" x 12")
711 mm x 610 mm
(28" x 24")
965 mm x 760 mm
(38" x 30")
1270 mm x 915 mm
(50" x 36")
Z 200 mm (8")
Accuracyb X-Y
(E2)
(1.5 + 5L/1000) µm (2.5 + 5L/1000) µm (1.5 + 5L/1000) µm (2.5 + 5L/1000) µm (1.5 + 5L/1000) µm
Z
(E1)
(1.5 + 5L/1000) µm
Velocity X-Y ≤760 mm/s
Z ≤150 mm/s
Repeatability Z ±3 µm at High Magnification
Granite Flatness ≤5 µm (Over Any 700 mm Area)
Roughness Ra0.4 (Equivalent to RMS16)
Waviness ≤1 µm / 100 mm x 100 mm
Unit Dimensions
Footprint Width 40" (102 cm) 50" (127 cm) 60" (152 cm) 85" (216 cm)
Depth 40" (102 cm) 62" (157 cm) 67" (170 cm) 75" (191 cm) 92" (234 cm)
Total Height 68" (173 cm) 73" (185 cm) 76" (193 cm)
Approximate System Weight
(Crated / Uncrated)
2300 lbs (1000 kg) / 1600 lbs (700 kg) 3600 lbs (1600 kg) / 2700 lbs (1200 kg) 4500 lbs (2000 kg) / 3500 lbs (1600 kg) 6600 lbs (3000 kg) / 5400 lbs (2400 kg)
Approximate Footprint Overhangc Control
Station
Up to 25" (64 cm)
Top Clearance Allow for Approximately 48" (122 cm) for Servicing
Rear Clearance Allow for Approximately 24" (61 cm) for Servicing
Typical Unit Dimensions
General
Operating Temperature Range 20 ± 0.5 °C (67° - 69 °F)
Rate 0.25 °C/hr (0.5 °F/hr)
Relative Humidity
(Non-Condensing)
30% - 80%
Line Voltage 115 / 230 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz, Single Phase, 1.0 kW
Air Supply
(Air Bearings Only)
Velocity 85 L/m (3 CFM)
Dry Air
- 85 L/m (3 CFM)
Dry Air
- 85 L/m (3 CFM)
Dry Air
Pressure 7 - 8.25 Bar
(100 - 120 PSI)
- 7 - 8.25 Bar
(100 - 120 PSI)
- 7 - 8.25 Bar (100 - 120 PSI)
  • The base item number indicates the unit size, measurement range, and bearing/motor type of the chosen system. The magnification optics, camera, and lighting options can then be customized to suit a specific application. Contact TMS-Sales@thorlabs.com for help in selecting system options and specifications.
  • L is the point-to-point travel distance, or diagonal travel distance, in units of mm. This applies to a thermally stable system at 20 °C using a certified artifact, pixel value of 2 µm or less, evenly distributed load, and a standard measuring plane. 
  • The control station includes the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and control pad; it is mounted at the front of the unit.

Customize Your Video System

Exploring the Options?

Our base systems can be customized to meet the needs of your application. If you do not see a product or specification that you require or you are looking for assistance selecting a system, I'd be pleased to provide system recommendations based on your needs.

Contact Us Button
Thorlabs Measurment Systems Manager
Ike Jariel
General Manager
Measurement Systems

A customized VideoMic® multisensor video measurement system requires the selection of surface and/or profile lights, a camera, a zoom lens system, and a metrology software package. Click on the expandable sections to browse all of our options to customize your system.

Video 4.1  Thorlabs' video measurement system inspecting a metal stamping. A motorized quadrant light was used to illuminate the surface of the stamping.

Optional Accessories

Exploring the Options?

Our base systems can be customized to meet the needs of your application. If you do not see a product or specification that you require or you are looking for assistance selecting a system, I'd be pleased to provide system recommendations based on your needs.

Contact Us Button
Thorlabs Measurment Systems Manager
Ike Jariel
General Manager
Thorlabs Measurement Systems

Thorlabs' video measuring machines can be enhanced with the addition of tactile touch-trigger probes and non-contact laser probes in a single machine. This multisensor capability increases the flexibility of the system, allowing it to precisely measure and inspect the most complex parts without the need to switch systems. Our selection of accessories can be viewed by clicking on the expandable sections.

Video 5.1  Thorlabs video system inspecting a production item with a Renishaw® touch-trigger probe.

VideoMic® System Live Demonstrations at Our Sparta, New Jersey, USA Location

Send Your Samples or Bring Your Samples to Us

  • Thorlabs Measurement Systems (TMS) is located in Sparta, New Jersey, and has a demo room with VideoMic systems for customer samples, in addition to our warehouse and machine room.
  • Our VideoMic systems are built at our Sparta location, from parts produced mainly in the USA.
  • Send us your samples, and we will do an online live demonstration with you and send your sample data to you.
  • Or bring your samples to us, and we will perform the demonstration on-site with you. 
  • During your demonstration, you can tour our TMS facility, where our employees will build your system.

Contact TMS Sales if you are interested in sending us your samples or bringing your samples to us for a live demonstration of the features and capabilities of our VideoMic systems for your video CMM needs, or if you are interested in a custom VideoMic system configuration for your application. We can arrange custom demonstrations so that you can see what your sample data will look like when measured with a custom configuration.


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