Flash VMM

Q1. What is a flash measuring machine, and the functioning principle?

A flash measuring machine is a non-contact optical inspection device that records a complete 2D dimensional data of a part in a single image – the manner in which a camera records a photograph – instead of measuring a part point-by-point. The flash measuring machine is used to measure all the feature dimensions in the field of view immediately using high-resolution CMOS cameras, telecentric lenses, and intelligent image processing software, and provides automatic OK/NG results. This technology is used in the Flash VMM range of TASO, such as the F100V and F4030, which are used in high-speed, high-accuracy production inspection.

Q2. What is a field of view measuring system, and what is its importance?

A field of view captures all the dimensions that are seen within the imaging area of the camera in a single shot; they do not have to move the part or scan the features individually. The broader and sharper the view, the greater the number of features that can be measured at once – this has a direct influence on inspection speed and throughput. The Flash VVM series of TASO provides a wide field of view up to 500mm stitched measurement area / F4030 / F5040 and 2D dimensional inspection, the most capable field of view measuring systems in the market, with a field of view up to Φ100mm / F100V and up to 80mm / F4030, respectively.

Q3. What is the difference between a flash measuring machine and a conventional CNC vision measuring system?

A classical CNC vision measuring system moves the camera or worktable to a single measurement point at a time – and is precise but slow, particularly on parts with numerous features. All measurements are registered at once in a flash in a single exposure, and the results are 10 to 20 times faster than normal CNC vision measuring systems. The Flash VMM line of TASO is a combination of speed of flash technology and the accuracy and repeatability of a full vision production system based on CNC, hence it is suited to high-volume production settings.

Q4. Are big parts within the reach of the flash measuring machines in TASO?

Yes. The F4030 and F5040 Large-Area Stitching Flash Vision Measuring Machines of TASO have a total overall measuring range of up to 500×400mm, significantly greater than the field of view that a single-shot field of view measuring system can provide. This allows them to be used on larger stampings, sheet metal components, PCBs, and multi-feature components that otherwise would have to be run on multiple setups on a typical CNC vision measuring system.

Q5. What are the accuracy and resolution of flash measuring machines sold by TASO?

The TASO Flash VMM models all provide a resolution of 0.0001mm. Accuracy is as tight as ±3mu meters wide field, and the high-precision models (F100VP, F4030P, F5040P) have static accuracy within ±1.2mu to ±1.5mu and repeatability within ±0.5mu. These features ensure that the flash measuring machine range of TASO will compete with conventional CNC vision measuring systems – at a fraction of the inspection cycle time.