Looking for vision system

Don't know anything about Micro-Vu. Mitutoyo and OGP are definately worth looking at. I slam OGP's software but it does not make it an inferior machine just one that could (and should) be doing better.

I would not make a decision without at least checkign those guys out.

Bruce, I consider the Micro-Vu software to be some of the easiest to learn. After you set your alignment, or your part co-ordinate system, the software defaults to a 'self teach" mode and basically mimics every move the operator makes. And you can still translate, offset, mirror, rotate,ect. features if you want. Pretty darn simple and alot quicker than our CMM, mainly because of no clearance moves necessary. We helped Micro-vu demo this machine twice and that resulted in two new sales.

Bruce,

What are you accuracy requirements.

Make sure that you include a test of the systems ability to perform within those parameters first, then choose software from that short list. Dont start with software first.... easy to use doesnt mean accurate.

All vision systems are NOT built a like. It goes beyond the mechanics of the stage also. How do they handle Zoom lens Calibration, How do they handle field of view calibration, what are the specs on par-focal. If you plan to measure 3D parts, what are the squareness(ZX and YZ) specs and how do they verify it(Ask for specifics). There currently is no standard for Vision systems that anyone adheres to. Every manufacturer does their own thing.

Depending on the application, and if you have a particular type of Hexagon CMM, then Hexagons CMM-V probe (video probe attachment for a Global CMM) may be another option to investigate.

It's true easy to use doesn't mean accurate by any means,but it does mean one thing,it WILL get used. I've actually been to quite a few places where equipment just isn't used,because it is to hard to use or the perception of it being difficult to use is there.I don't know how many people I've heard say,well if its too hard to use i'll just do it the old way.They have no interest at all in learning new equipment whatsoever.This seems to apply to people who have been measuring things for a long time.
So accuracy is very important,true,but getting people to actually use eguipment is even more impotant.Hey our CMM right now is sitting in a corner collecting dust.The other machine I used to work on is also doing the same as all the mfg there has moved to Ireland.
As far as accuracy goes,probably out to .0001,or in rare cases out to .00001.We also had issues with seeing into and measuring blind bores and holes.You guys might just laugh out loud If you saw the comparator we use,its a Mitutoyo PH-350.For z axis it still uses an analog indicator which swings out of the way when not in use.Someone here said its over 20 years old.
Our height gage is a Fowler Trimos,which is probably 15-20 years old.So at this point getting something with a digital readout might just cause a parting of the waters here,If you know what I mean.