OGP, a manufacturer of optical and precision multi-sensor metrology systems for industrial quality control, is releasing its SmartScope E45, a floor model addition to the all-new SmartScope E-Series family of automatic digital-zoom metrology systems.

With the launch of the benchtop SmartScope E7 model in September 2022, OGP says it reimagined its trusted SmartScope line-up, making it accessible to all skill levels and budgets. Along with E7, E45 features the brand-new fixed lens IntelliCentric optical system, a fully telecentric optical system providing super high-resolution imagesin video edge detection metrology. The digital zoom allows for instantaneous magnification changes, while the standard all-LED lighting system illuminates parts from every angle. As a point of note, the E45 features a generous stage to handle large parts or a variety of smaller components.

The E45 offers sturdy, stable construction whereby parts move on a precision DC motor-driven Y-axis stage, while the optics travel in the X axis mounted on a rigid bridge support structure for metrological integrity.

Jim Stern, director of OGP applications engineering, says: “SmartScope E45 combines innovative optical design, advanced camera technology and OGP’s class-leading image processing algorithms. E45 has the same feature size range as mechanical zoom optical systems, but without moving parts, increasing throughput and system longevity. The IntelliCentric optical system produces outstanding optical performance at low zoom, with fantastic image quality, telecentricity and distortion-free imaging.”

OGP is accepting orders for SmartScope E45 systems now.
For further information www.ogpnet.com/e45

Vision Research, manufacturer of Phantom high-speed cameras, has made a major update to its published product specifications. By incorporating EMVA 1288 testing standards to measure sensor characteristics, a scientific overview of image performance is now available. This further enables users to choose the best camera for their challenging applications.

EMVA 1288 has long seen use in measuring the performance of machine vision cameras, but Vision Research is the first manufacturer to apply it to RAM-based high-speed cameras.
As a result of providing EMVA 1288 report summaries, Vision Research will no longer be including ISO 12232 measurements for its products moving forward. ISO 12232 has been used by high-speed camera manufacturers to indicate sensitivity; however, it has limited usefulness in practice. Significant indicators of image quality are not included, particularly when it comes to capturing images with high contrast and in low-light situations.

Kevin Gann, VP of R&D at Vision Research, explains: “We’ve always had a strong focus on image quality and EMVA 1288 provides a deep understanding about how a camera will perform in a particular application. It also provides consistency when comparing cameras and includes data about the imaging trade-offs inherent in the sensor design. As the leaders in high-speed imaging, we felt incumbent to implement these measurements across our primary product lines so that our customers can truly understand their camera’s image performance.”

Quantum efficiency, temporal dark noise, dynamic range and absolute sensitivity threshold are among the parameters specified in an EMVA 1288 report. Referencing these in addition to pixel size, resolution and throughput provides the information necessary to compare cameras in terms of image response.
For further information www.phantomhighspeed.com

With the advancement of Industry 4.0 and its focus on automation, the IoT and smart factories, manufacturers and system integrators are under continuous pressure to improve efficiency, optimise production processes and increase productivity.With a standardised interface to any PLC, HBK’s newly released, digital, compact, robust and ready-to-go force sensors are suited to industrial environments and for measuring fast processes.

Although digitisation is high on everyone’s agenda, it not only has challenges but also takes time and investment to implement. It is therefore fitting that the U9C and C9C with IO-Link have identical mechanical dimensions and threads to that of their analogue counterparts, making it easy to upgrade existing set-ups to the new technology when the time is right.

By opting for HBK miniature force sensors with IO-Link, users can expect all the benefits of digital signal processing. The sensors have the capability to detect and identify instances of exceeding technical limits, such as maximum usage forces or peak-to-peak values, and subsequently issue appropriate warnings. In addition, predictive maintenance helps to streamline and optimise machine maintenance schedules, reducing costs and decreasing disruption.

Further cost savings are possible due to ease of installation and the use of standard cables, eliminating the need for the special cables required by analogue sensors. More resistant to EMC interference than their analogue predecessors, HBK says that U9C and C9C with IO-Link provide accurate and consistently reliable data, only delivering the data requested, thereby increasing data efficiency and reducing data processing volumes.

Product manager Thomas Kleckers says: “Built with the high-quality technology and expertise of HBK, these intelligent miniature sensors not only enable successful digital transformation but also herald the start of a new chapter in force measurement technology.”
For further information www.hbm.com/en

Creaform, a business unit of Ametek Inc and a specialist in portable 3D measurement, is releasing a new version of VXintegrity, its solution for surface damage assessments that is accessible to all non-destructive testing (NDT) service companies across multiple sectors.

VXintegrity is a powerful NDT software platform, launched by Creaform last year, which integrates all analytical functions and tools into an intuitive, user-friendly interface for inspection teams and service companies. Composed of four software modules, VXintegrity solves the challenges of asset owners in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, oil and gas, power generation, and mining.

According to Creaform, the most significant change is VXintegrity’s game-changing algorithm, which eliminates the need for human interaction to analyse any surface and ensures highly repeatable results. It also removes all the limitations of simpler algorithms, paving the way to inspection applications on complex components, such as very aggressive double-curvature geometries, elbow pipes, T-joints, valves, advanced nozzles and boiler tubes. Creaform says that the algorithm is revolutionary for 3D surface assessments as it does not require a CAD model reference or any manual interventions with the data to identify the area of interest.

‘’By developing a dedicated NDT software platform, Creaform is showing the world its commitment to the NDT market and willingness to invest in developing the most innovative 3D scanning solution for surface damage assessment,” says François Lachance, product manager at Creaform.“Version 1.1 is in alignment with this commitment. Our newly reconstructed algorithm beats all other approaches on the market.”
For further information www.creaform3d.com