But how can operators ensure video will work for them? Like any system, video measurement has to be applied correctly, says Mark Arenal, president of Kinemetric Engineering LLC (Laguna Hills, CA). Certain applications work well with video or vision, while others are better suited to a coordinate measuring machine-style application. In general, with features that are mainly microscopic, or with flat parts where operators cannot physically touch an edge, such as 2-D, it is best to use a vision system. Vision is strong in these areas, and yields faster throughput than tactile measuring systems. When looking at a 2-D part, such as a thin gasket, video systems can grab many features in the field of view. Speed is an advantage, particularly with microscopic features, because the cameras can quickly capture all of the detail.
Arenal says video measurement may be the answer if the application requires the ability to resolve very small features. “Video lends itself very nicely to parts that are soft or pliable because you can’t always touch them,” Arenal says.