Measurement System Types and Characteristics

Profile Projectors
What is Profile Projector ?

Profile projectors are a type of optical measuring instrument. The measurement

principle is similar to that of optical microscopes. The target is placed on the stage, and
a light is shined on the target from underneath. This causes the target's profile, or
shadow, to be projected on the screen. A telecentric optical system is used to enable
accurate measurements.
Profile projectors were originally developed to inspect the outlines of targets. Models
equipped with measurement functions appeared later. Some large profile projectors
have screen diameters that exceed 1 m.

Profile projectors are also commonly known as an optical comparator or shadowgraph.

Profile Projector Advantages
• Non-contact measurement that doesn't skew measurement of flexible parts or
damage sensitive parts.
• Measurement is possible even for targets with small or complicated shapes.
Unlike measuring microscopes, there is no need to look through an ocular lens,
which makes it possible for multiple people to perform observations at the same
time.
• The use of profile projectors is widespread in the inspection and measurement of
items such as electronic components and precision components. Conventionally,
time and effort required for datum referencing and target positioning.
Profile Projector Principle (Telecentric Optical System)
• A typical profile projector illuminates from below and projects the shadow of the
measuring object placed on the stage through a projection lens onto a projection
screen. For this reason, it’s also known as an optical comparator or shadowgraph.
• At this time, the size of the projected image is an image magnified with a correct
magnification from the measuring object, and the dimension of the measuring
object is measured by measuring this image.
• An optical system called a "telecentric optical system" is used in the profile
projector so that it can be projected with accurate magnification from any position
on the stage. With a general lens, near objects look large and distant objects appear
small, which allows you to judge perspective. Telecentric lenses, on the contrary,
project the same size for near and far objects.
• This telecentric lens allows you to cast the shadow of an object at the correct
magnification without warping the image.
 Profile Projector Parts

A: Projection Screen
B: Projection Lens
C: Movable Stage
D: Stage movement
Handles
Profile Projector Accessories

Fixtures
• Fixtures used for profile projectors are used to fix the object in place to be
measured in the correct orientation. For example, a round object can be
fixtured horizontally by clamping it down, or for fixing an object whose
bottom surface is not flat in an orientation suitable for measurement.
There are various types of fixtures including clips, clamps and magnets.
Mylar Overlay Chart
• The overlay chart is used by matching it with the measurement image
projected on the screen. There are various types of charts. For example,
those with a grid or concentric scale are generally used.
In addition, by overlaying the diagram chart in which the design value of
the measurement target is magnified at the same magnification, it is
possible to see how the contour of the design value differs from the actual
measurement target by superimposing it on the projected image.
Profile Projector Accessories
Surface Illumination
• The profile projector can not only illuminate from below and transmit
light to create a shadow, but can also illuminate from above (lens side)
to project outlines.
Even if the measurement target is difficult to measure with only the
transmission (backlit) image, it is possible to measure it by using the
epi-illumination.
Curtain
• Blackout curtains are used to block light coming from outside. It is
used for the purpose of projecting a shape more accurately by blocking
ambient light.
Precautions, Maintenance and Calibration

• Conventional profile projectors require regular maintenance in order

to continuously and accurately perform measurements. Maintenance is
often performed onsite by a technician as the tool is generally to large
to send and receive regularly.
• In addition, regular calibration is required to confirm that the accuracy
is as specified. A profile projector’s calibration cycle is 6 months to 3
years. As with maintenance, calibration is generally performed locally.
How to Use (Basic)

• Place the object on the stage.

• A scale is applied to the image projected enlarged on the screen to
measure the dimensions. Alternatively, you can use the XY stage
together and measure the dimensions from the amount of movement.
• A profile projector with a computerised calculation function, you can
obtain various measurement results such as width, diameter, and angle
by taking measurement points while moving the stage.
How to Measure a Length/Width
• Place the object to be measured on the screen and adjust the height of the table
to focus.
• Next, align the orientation of the side you want to measure on the projected
image with the orientation of the screen reference line, and adjust the value of
the XY stage to 0.
• Next, move the stage using the stage movement handle and align the other
side of the projected image to be measured with the screen reference line.
• At this time, the movement amount of the stage is displayed in each of the X
and Y directions, so this value becomes the measured value. In the case of
simple measurement in only one direction, the amount of movement in only
the X or Y direction is used.
How to Measure a Radius/Diameter
• Place the object to be measured on the screen and adjust the height of the
table to focus.
• Next, align the centre point of the circle on the projected image with the
point where the screen reference line is public.
• In the case of radius, take 0 points here and move the stage to check the
movement amount at the point where the edge of the circle was at the
centre of the stage. In case of diameter, move the stage once from here to
the edge of the circle, take 0 point, and move to the opposite edge to check
the amount of movement. In either case, it is common to measure in four
directions in a cross shape.
• It is also possible to measure by applying a concentrically graduated sheet
called a "chart" to the screen.
In the case of a profile projector with a calculation function, the diameter
and radius are automatically calculated by taking three measurement points
at the edge of the circle.
How to Measure Angles
• There are several ways to measure the angle.
• A method of checking the amount of rotation of the stage by rotating
the stage in the θ direction by aligning the straight line of the projected
image with the reference line of the screen.
• There is a method of checking by putting a sheet called "chart" with
fine scale like a protractor on the screen.
• On a profile projector with a calculation function, the angle is
calculated by specifying two straight lines.
How to Use Overlays
• There are several types of charts.
• For measuring the diameter and radius, there are concentric circle marks, for
measuring angles, there are radial marks, and for both.
• In addition, some of the scales are written in a grid to see the XY coordinate
values. Both are placed on the screen and measured by matching them with
the projected image.
Comparator Disadvantages
• While the profile projector is a convenient measuring instrument that can perform
various measurements.
• There are a few obstacles users can encounter.

Measurement Stability
• The position to focus on differs depending on the person, causing a measurement
error.
• Work efficiency and measured values differ depending on the skill of the person.
• Responsiveness :
• When comparing shapes, it is necessary to superimpose a 10x enlarged drawing on the
projected image and visually confirm the difference.
• It is not possible to acquire the numerical values of the differences from the dimensions
and drawings with the measuring instrument.
• It is difficult to store and compare data, such as transferring contour shapes to trace paper.

• Cost and Effort :

• It takes time to manually move the XY stage to adjust the position and orientation of the
target object and acquire the coordinates of the measurement points one by one to
measure.
• In the case of an object with a step, it is necessary to focus on each change in the height of
the measuring point.
• Writing various documents and contour shapes is a manual process, which requires a lot of
man-hours.
Measuring Microscopes (Toolmakers
Microscopes)
• Overview
Measuring microscopes combine an optical microscope with a table capable of
precise movement to measure targets.
As with optical comparators, a telecentric optical system is used to enable accurate
measurements.
Measurements can be performed in a non-contact manner, so there is no risk of
damaging the target.
Different types of measuring microscopes

• Toolmakers microscopes: Originally used to measure tools, these were

the first measuring microscopes.
• Factory-use measuring microscopes: These microscopes are suited to the
measurement of small, processed parts and similar items.
• General-purpose measuring microscopes: These microscopes support a
wider range of applications than toolmakers microscopes and can
measure large objects.
Construction and Applications

A: Measured data display

B: Objective lens
C: Movable stage
D:Stage movement handles
How to Use a Measuring Microscope
• Place the target on the stage.
• As with general-purpose optical microscopes, subject the target to transmitted
light or reflected light, and then align the edge of the shadow with the reference
lines to perform measurement. Use different lighting (such as backlighting and
coaxial illumination) depending on the target.
• The measured values can then be output as various types of CAD data.
Handling Precautions
• Just as with general-purpose microscopes, measuring microscopes must be used
in an environment free of dust. The stand on which the measuring microscope is
installed must also be level and free of oscillations.
• After use, cover the measuring microscope to prevent dust from adhering to it.
• The calibration interval for measuring microscopes is 1 to 3 years.
The Latest Measuring Microscopes
• Recent models of measuring
microscopes are able to instantly
measure dimensions without XY stage
movement or focusing, enabling the
measurement of many objects in a
short amount of time.
 THE END
THANK YOU
Submitted by :- KAMLESH MEENA