There are seven things to consider when selecting the right vision measuring system for your application:

Part Weight

Since a vision measuring system needs to have a glass workstage so that the light can pass through, there is a limitation on the part weight that these systems can handle. While small systems can easily handle upto 15kgs, bigger systems can take upto 30Kgs. For weights beyond that limit CMMs are the best option.

Part Size

The size of the part decides the X-Y-Z measuring range of the system. Check the largest part that you would like measure and accordingly specify the measuring range required for each axis.

Feature Size

The dimensions of the features on the part will decide the optical magnification, the screen size and the resolution of the scale. Specify the dimension of the smallest feature that you would want to measure and the provider will suggest you the best suited configuration.

Feature accessibility

Are the features one needs to measure, in the line of sight in z-axis. If yes then the CCD camera, installed on Z-axis, can visually access all the features. However if some features are not in the line of sight, then an additional touch probe would be required to access and measure them.

Feature number

The number of features that need to be measured in a single part and the time it takes to measure them decides if a motorised workstage with CNC control and joystick control is required. The automatic control allows for programming of the measurement steps, so that the system can automatically perform measurements for similar parts.

Feature location

If your part has features that are located on different planes, so that you need to constantly focus while moving from one plane to another, an autofocus feature would save much time and effort.

Software Features

Ask for a demo of the system for your samples and check to see if the metrology software can perform all the required tasks within the desired time frame. Also, compare the sample test reports obtained from the demo with the standard reports and check the accuracy.