Optical comparator for tooling reverse engineering
A leading tooling manufacturer in Melbourne recently found the Starrett HE400 system to be instrumental in helping to document their existing range of tools.
Optical comparators, also known as profile projectors or shadow-graphs, are measurement systems that use both lenses and mirrors to project part profiles onto a screen. They are used either to compare projected images of parts to mylar overlays on the screen or alternatively as a way to measure features on parts using a digital readout (DRO) or Tablet device.
The Starrett range of optical comparators or visual measuring devices are manufactured in the Starrett Precision Optical facility in the UK. They renowned the world over for their quality and performance.
Starrett profile projectors are available in both vertical and horizontal formats and in screen sizes up to 750 mm in diameter. Optical comparators are versatile, easy to use and a highly repeatable 2D measuring system. They form the mainstay of any measuring system in most tool rooms.
Horizontal Benchtop:
HE400, HB400, HD400
Vertical Benchtop:
VB300, VB400
Horizontal Floor-Mounted:
HF600, HF750, HF650SB, HF750SB
Vertical Floor-Mounted:
VF600
Accessories and Software
Starrett’s range of optical comparators is commonly supplied with the Metlogix M2 series Tablet display. However, the traditional Heidenhain QuadraChek DRO platform is also available.
The new Mx100 and Mx200 DRO systems from Metlogix are also gaining in popularity.
Horizontal Benchtop:
HE400, HB400, HD400
Vertical Benchtop:
VB300, VB400
Horizontal Floor-Mounted:
HF600, HF750, HF650SB, HF750SB
Vertical Floor-Mounted:
VF600
Accessories and Software
Our aim is to provide the best possible customer service experience for every interaction.
The range of services offered starts with basic technical telephone consultation and progresses through to on-site calibrations, repair and maintenance. Finally more complex tasks such as machine or equipment upgrades complete the picture.
The Metlogix M2 software makes the Starrett optical comparator range simple to use and very user-friendly.
Starrett’s range of comparators are widely used in a range of applications in the industrial, aerospace, medical, mining and automotive sectors.
A leading tooling manufacturer in Melbourne recently found the Starrett HE400 system to be instrumental in helping to document their existing range of tools.
Starrett are world-famous for their range of optical comparators. Choose from either horizontal or vertical formats in screen sizes from 300 to 750 mm in diameter.
As well as comparator systems an extensive range accessories and software is available.
Optical comparators are found in most tool-rooms and workshops and have been the stalwart for many years. They are an easy and quick way to measure angles and other features on tools and cutting edges using clear overlays on the projector screen.
Today’s range of Starrett comparators builds on this tradition by providing robust and rock solid measuring systems. The latest innovations includes fibre-optic edge detection, the option of video-camera systems and Windows-based measurement software. These advancements allow the comparator to be far more repeatable than ever before. The new generation of software enhances productivity and enables the measurement and reporting of complex features and dimensions.
Horizontal comparators are the most versatile and a frequent choice. Vertical systems are chosen when flexible components such as gaskets, o-rings and flat parts need to be measured.
Fibre-optic edge detection is a worthwhile optional extra to consider. It helps to improve repeatability in the measurement process.