Starrett Introduces Versatile Large-Format Multi-Sensor Vision System for Accurate, Fast Measurements

New AVX550 system combines best features of vision and touch-probe inspection

Published: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 - 11:00

(The L.S. Starrett Company: Athol, MA) -- The L.S. Starrett Company, a global manufacturer of precision hand tools and gauges, metrology systems and more, has introduced the new AVX550 Multi-Sensor Vision System equipped with dual optical systems and touch-probe capability to measure parts with a diverse range of feature sizes and geometries.

The large-format AVX550 system can be equipped with two cameras and lenses to be used sequentially in the same program along with touch-probe options, making this system one of the most versatile multi-sensor platforms available today. For accuracy, durability, and stability, including under demanding requirements, the AVX550 system features a granite base and bridge design.

“We are pleased to offer our customers a powerful, easy-to-use multi-sensor measurement system which streamlines and optimizes the QC [quality control] process,” says Mark Arenal, general manager of the Starrett Metrology Division, “Using a single system, production parts can be examined on the shop floor or in the QC lab on macro and micro levels as one comprehensive process.”

Starrett AVX550 Multi-Sensor System

The new Starrett AVX550 Multi-Sensor System features dual optical systems that work in tandem to measure a broad range of features. The primary zoom lens enables small intricate features to be inspected with high precision and resolution of up to 2 microns. A secondary large field-of-view camera is equipped with a telecentric lens that can simultaneously inspect large areas of a part, or an entire part itself. A broad range of zoom options also means that measurement configurations can be custom tailored to meet specific application requirements and eliminates the need to change lenses or recalibrate the system. Throughput is further enhanced with fast platform travel speeds and dual collimated profile lights which are essential to the effectiveness of the dual optical systems.

Equipped with the M3 software package from MetLogix, a traditional mouse as well as a touchscreen monitor makes user interaction easy and intuitive. Auto-part recognition enables creating a part measurement program that comprises the desired features of a part for inspection, which can automatically be saved in the system or to a network. Programmable light-output options can be built into the program as defined steps, including being called up as the part recognition program initiates. For fast, accurate, and repeatable results, once the program is created, placing that part within the camera’s field of view allows for the saved program to initiate and run the inspection. Features such as a “Superimage” function allows piecing together multiple camera frames to view a large part as one single image. A Renishaw touch probe may also be utilized for quick acquisition of discrete points along a part’s profile and 3D geometry mapping.

The Starrett AVX550 Multi-Sensor System has several options for lens configurations. For inspection of small, intricate areas, a powerful 12:1 zoom optics lens is equipped with a 26× to 310x magnification range for precise resolution. The fixed magnification telecentric lens comes with magnification options of 0.14x, 0.3x, 0.5x, 0.8x, 1.0x 2.0x and 4.0x. Systems can be configured in a larger measurement range on the X, Y, and Z axes, and can also be equipped with Q-axis rotary positioners for increased capability.

For more information, visit starrett.com/avx.

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.”