Question 1

What is a video measuring machine? And how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A video measuring machine (VMM) is an optical inspection tool that does not physically touch a part, as it is a non-contact tool. It involves the use of a high-resolution camera, a precision optical lens, and measurement software to take measurements and analyse the dimensions of a part. The workpiece is imaged with the camera on a high-precision worktable, and the software recognizes geometric features such as points, lines, circles, arcs, and angles, and is used to compute dimensions and tolerances. The VMM product line of TASO supports the following variety of manual, semi-Automatic, and entirely automated configurations of video measuring machines to meet the requirements of any inspection conditions and volume of production.

Question 2

What is an automatic video measuring machine, and what is its use for?

Accepted Answer

In an automatic video measuring machine, the operator in no way physically moves the camera or the worktable, but rather the camera and the worktable are moved automatically over the programmed inspection paths with the use of a CNC servo-controlled 3-axis drive system. It is the appropriate option in cases where you need to check medium-to-large quantities of components repeatedly and often, minimize operator reliance, or conduct an inspection overnight or a 24-hour unattended inspection. The QVME series of TASO continues to be a fully automatic video measuring machine, which is specifically designed with such a high volume and high repeatability in mind.

Question 3

What is the distinction between a manual, semi-automatic, and automatic video measuring machine?

Accepted Answer

The variation is found in the method of driving the worktable axes and the amount of operator input needed. In a manual video measuring machine such as the QVMS series of TASO, the operator manually moves all three axes, and as a result is perfect in diversified parts in small batches. The semi-automatic QVMC series has electric control of the Z-axis and manual controls of the X and Y, which offers a compromise between convenience of use and cost. The QVME and QVME-H series are fully automatic series that control all three axes and allow programmable repeatable, 24-hour continuous operation without any manual intervention between parts.

Question 4

What is the meaning of the instant video measuring machine?

Accepted Answer

An instant video measuring machine can be defined as any type of system that can record and compute dimensional information as the part is put in place, with a minimum amount of setup or cycles per part. The automatic video measuring machines of TASO that have pre-programmed measurement routines provide immediate measurements by carrying out all feature measurements within one automated run when the program is activated. This renders them the choice of production settings where the speed at which they are inspected directly determines the line throughput.

Question 5

What is the accuracy and resolution of TASO video measuring machines?

Accepted Answer

Video measuring machines by TASO have 1.0um precision linear encoders on manual and semi-automatic (QVMS and QVMC), and 0.5um precision linear encoders on the automatic QVME and QVME-H series. XY axis linear accuracy is given by the formula E = (3.0+L/200)mm of the standard models, where L is the measurement length in millimetres. Such precision is appropriate in flexible applications in electronics, high-precision stamping, automotive parts, and inspection of tooling.

QVME

Fully Automatic Type VMM QVME Series

Fully Automatic Gantry Type VMM QVME-H Series