Non-contact measuring system

The Kestrel from Vision Engineering is an easy-to-use, 2-axis non-contact measurement and inspection system that provides measurement accuracy and repeatability. The non-contact method provides a solution to accurately gauge precision-machined parts, like aerospace components, without deforming them.

The system has been designed to inspect and measure components next to the production line and, with its dynascope viewing head, allows operators to inspect and measure in comfort, promoting accuracy and productivity. The operator views the component through a large, clear viewing head which presents a high-resolution, bright image of the subject.

The system is claimed to provide stage accuracy at 0.001 µm per 10 mm and repeatability at 0.006 µm. Reflected illumination for the surface is provided by bright, white LED illumination. Additionally, illumination is transmitted by a 30 W spotlamp through the substage illuminator.

An optional digital camera with image capture archiving software can capture and catalogue each component for complete traceability.

The Kestrelfit software package uses reverse engineering to provide a component profile generated as a CAD file from measured data points. This fill can be exported into a wide range of standard CAD packages, reducing development timescales.

A graphical configurable display provides reports that can show tables of captured data and tolerances along with images of the CAD file and measured features. This allows results to be stored and printed with information such as inspector ID, date, batch number and component number, improving traceability and quality control systems.