Benchtop Vision System Functions in Vertical or Horizontal Orientation

Design structure allows for progressive, efficient, and practical measurements

Published: Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 12:00

(L.S. Starrett: Athol, MA) -- The L.S. Starrett Co. has introduced the HVR100-FLIP, an innovative large field-of-vision (FOV) benchtop vision measurement system that can be used in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. It features a high-resolution digital video camera and minimal optical distortion for accurate FOV measurements of up to 90 mm (3.65 in.). A video about the new FLIP system and a product brochure can be viewed here.

The “FLIP,” developed by Starrett Kinemetric Engineering, a subsidiary of The L.S. Starrett Co., made its North American debut at The Quality Show in Chicago, in October 2017.

“We are excited to introduce the FLIP system,” says Emerson Leme, head of the Metrology Equipment Division at Starrett. “With vertical or horizontal versatility, a large FOV, auto part recognition, and powerful, easy-to-use measuring tools, we offer users unlimited flexibility, increased inspection throughput, and reliable, accurate results.”

The FLIP’s horizontal or vertical orientation feature lends itself to an extremely wide array of applications from flat parts such as gaskets and seals, to turned and threaded parts. The system can be easily changed over from vertical to horizontal and back within minutes, and can be placed on most sturdy workbenches.

The compact Starrett HVR100-FLIP has a 24-in. LCD touch-screen monitor, a 348 mm x 165 mm (13.7 in. x 6.5 in.) stationary top plate, and 165 mm (6.5 in.) optics travel with a motorized power drive for accommodating various part sizes and enhanced performance. A LED ring light provides surface illumination, and a LED backlight offers transmitted illumination.

The main operator interface of the FLIP displays a live video image with software measurement tools and graphical digital reading of measurements. A part image can be resized using pan, zoom, and measurements by simply tapping a feature on the monitor screen. A wireless keyboard and pointing device are also provided for entering file names and targeting key functions. MetLogix M3 software includes 2D geometric functions such as points, lines, circles, arcs, rectangles, distances, slots, angles, and skew; utilizing the part design DXF/CAD file digital overlay makes part inspection simple.

Additional features and options that offer enhanced measurement capability and increased throughput include:
• Auto part recognition, where the user simply places the part anywhere in the FOV without any fixturing, and the system recognizes and inspects the part in a few seconds.
• Digital comparator-DXF overlay
• Profile fitting
• Thread measurement

“The HVR100-FLIP video-based measurement system is rugged and innovative, as equally effective on the manufacturing floor as it is in the quality lab,” says Mark Arenal, general manager at Starrett Kinemetric Engineering. “The design structure allows for work handling and part fixturing, as well as an operator interface typical of an optical comparator and vision metrology system, to measure parts in a progressive, efficient, and practical way.”

For more information about the HVR100-FLIP, including a video and product brochure, visit the product’s web page or contact The L.S. Starrett Co., 121 Crescent Street, Athol, MA 01331 U.S.A. Tel.: (978) 249–3551, fax: (978) 249–8495, email: general@starrett.com.

About The Author

L.S. Starrett Co.

The L.S. Starrett Co., founded in 1880, manufactures more than 5,000 variations of precision tools, gauges, measuring instruments, and saw blades for industrial, professional, and consumer markets worldwide. Starrett, a company that has set the standard for fine precision tools in industry for more than 123 years, has rightfully earned the title “World’s Greatest Toolmakers.”