Starrett optical comparators or profile projectors are manufactured without compromise and provide true and time-tested, cost-effective solutions for non-contact measurement. At the heart of such systems is precision optics, superb lighting, and a highly accurate work stage. They combine to ensure bright, sharp images and exceptional accuracy. With a vast selection of styles, sizes, stages, lenses, and other accessories, Starrett has a comparator for almost any application.
Starrett produces a wide range of optional accessories for its range of optical comparators such as work-holding devices including precision vices and centres.
A complete range of lenses for differing magnifications including x5, x10, x20, x33-1/3, x50 and x100 are available. The magnification of the lens determines the size of the projected object that appears on the screen. For example, a 20mm diameter hole would appear as a 100mm diameter feature with an x50 lens on the screen and only cover 25% of a 400mm diameter screen system.
Mylars or plastic overlays are also available for Starrett optical comparators including the extensive range from VP Charts in the USA. They can be supplied as NIST certified overlays at an additional cost.
In addition to optional accessories and spares, the Starrett systems can be fitted with an optional video lens system, called OV2 which converts the optical system to a vision system, with the supply of M3 software, with improved accuracy and repeatability. Systems such as the Starrett HD400 comparator with two lens apertures can operate as both an optical system using a conventional lens as well as a video system with an OV2 system in the other aperture.
Software offered on Starrett range of comparators now focuses on the M2 range from US-developer Metlogix. This software platform is fast becoming the industry standard across the optical and vision systems equipment range with large numbers of equipment manufacturers opting for this software package due to its ease of use and stability as well as its fully featured capabilities. Users can write simple programs or measurement routines with the software or simply measure simple features such as points, lines, circles, radii and angles. The M2 software package is based on a touch-screen, either Tablet or PC, allowing users to quickly and easily document measurement tasks and create informative measurement reports.