Starlite is comparable in price to traditional measurement equipment, but boasts many of the features normally associated with higher value, fully automatic systems
For manufacturing companies that use manual measurement methods such as microscopes, contour projectors and optical scale devices, OGP UK has just launched Starlite, a range of semi-automatic, non-contact video measurement machines.
Starlite is comparable in price to traditional measurement equipment, but boasts many of the features normally associated with higher value, fully automatic systems.
A world leader in non-contact, video measurement systems, OGP UK's Starlite range starts from under £10,000.
The machines are manually operated but offer many semi-automatic features such as auto-edge detection and focus which help speed up the measurement process for the user, improving productivity, while also offering the accuracy and repeatability of automatic machines.
The latest Starlite 250 and Starlite 300 machines will have a very wide appeal, from small jobbing shops and tool rooms, through to R+D labs, goods inwards inspection, rapid prototyping companies, medical device manufacturers, injection moulders and low-to-medium volume manufacturers.
Starlite is designed to meet the needs of any company that cannot justify the cost of a fully automatic machine.
Andy Fulton, managing director at OGP UK comments: "The Starlite machines are simple, low cost systems that offer users high accuracy and high repeatability, but at an affordable price.
"Our aim was to put the benefits of semi-automatic, non-contact video measurement within the reach of virtually every manufacturer.
"With the Starlite range, we've managed to achieve this".
The Starlite 250 and Starlite 300 machines are manually operated by moving the component into the video field of view.
The operator, using simple software tools, selects the relevant points on the part to be measured and the software then automatically detects and measures the feature.
Tolerance information is then input and reported along with geometry, position and deviation from nominal.
Inspection reports can be printed, saved in a digital format or used for statistical evaluation.
Component images can also be collected and stored in a variety of formats for visual defect analysis.
Productivity and repeatability will improve and the risk of human error eliminated.
The ongoing measurement sequence is recorded so that subsequent parts can be inspected in the same way.
After the first sequence, the user is then led by the machine using on-screen prompts.
OGP's patented 'Gage-X' metrology software gives the user powerful functions for general purpose dimensional measurement with an easy-to-use graphical interface.
The software guides users through measurement routines with clear pictorial instructions and prompts, using part model and destination symbols and icons.
Superior zoom optics are included in the form of a precise, 6.5:1 motorised, programmable zoom lens, which has an ample working distance of 55mm, although optional lenses are available to expand the magnifying range further.
Full colour imaging and advanced lighting also ensure that even the smallest feature can be viewed and inspected to the tightest of tolerances.
Accurate depth measurements can also be made using the machine's advanced auto-focus technology, 'CompuFocus'.
A simple 'red-to-green' on-screen prompt informs the operator when the part is in focus and ready to be measured.
As with all OGP machines, the Starlite machines are robust and stable, with granite bases and columns.
Mounted on the base are precision mechanical XYZ transports or guides and 1.0mm linear scales, manual quick-release X-Y motion controls for rapid positioning of parts.
Fine and coarse Z motion adjustment knobs enable simple focussing.
