What are toolmakers microscopes? For starters, they are multi-functional devices that can be found in a wide range of manufacturing facilities involved in the manufacturing of tools, electronics, and machines. They are also easily identifiable by their robust base and being capable of facilitating a great array of measurement and observation procedures. If you are new to toolmakers microscopes, read on to find out more about the basics of this stellar equipment!
What is a Toolmakers Microscope?
A toolmakers microscope is different from conventional light microscopes. They are typically utilized as a measuring device. With that, the microscope can be used to measure up to 1/100th of a millimeter. This makes toolmakers microscopes ideal for measurement and inspection procedures of various electronic and miniature mechanical parts. For example, these microscopes have been used to measure and view thread angles, thread pitch, and more.
How does it Work?
Toolmakers share one similarity to conventional light microscopes, i.e. they are also dependent on optics. As such, light from a source will be focused upwards on to the object. This allows you to see the shadow of the object. Note that this shadow enables measurements to be made. The level of magnification with these microscopes largely dependent on the objective at hand. In many cases, they are needed to provide an approximate magnification range of between 10 and 100x. Higher magnifications provide clearer images for good measurements, while lower magnifications allow for the object under observation to be viewed (most parts).
Another great thing about these microscopes is that they can be fitted with a variety of attachments to suit various applications. These attachments include things like diaphragms, coatings, lens, filters, and more. These additional items ensure that you acquire more accurate information from raw images.
Common Features of Toolmakers Microscopes
Toolmakers microscopes are made by leading brands such as Mitutoyo and SPI. Some of the common features include:
- Ground glass screens
- Micrometer screws (one for lateral movement of the stage table or surface, and the other for longitudinal movement)
- Eyepieces
- Objective lens
- 360-degree rotary circular stage surface made of transparent glass (makes up the upper part of the base)
- Hollow base to accommodate an illumination unit
Benefits of Using Toolmakers Microscopes
As mentioned, a toolmakers microscope is an important device to have for many technicians and manufacturers. Some of the advantages provided by this type of microscope includes:
- Easing the process of measuring hardness test indentations
- Providing precise measurements and can be adopted for a wide array of applications
- Being a better option to measure z-axis height
- Can be equipped with linear scales
- Easily adapt to cameras CCTV’s to meet photo documentation requirements
- Effectively verifies surface finishes and measure any defects
- Offers higher magnification resolutions (better measurement accuracy)
Common Applications
- Scale comparisons
A scenario where images of several objects are compared with the scale shown in the projection screen.
- Measurement comparisons
Compares diameters, pitch measurements, thread forms, etc. The microscope achieves the task by using the master profiles engravings in the eyepiece.
- Angle measurements
Technicians use the microscope to measure angles via the protractor eyepiece. This allows for the object’s angles to be determined and viewed without hassle.
- Relative positioning
Determining the elative positions of different points. You can do this by measuring the travel that’s compulsory for conveying a second point to a certain position that was formerly occupied.
