Accredited Profile Projector Calibration Services
In precision manufacturing, the profile projector is a vital tool for 2D inspections of complex parts like gears, threads, and gaskets. At DRS Technologies, we provide expert profile projector calibration services to ensure your optical measurements are beyond reproach. Our laboratory verifies the critical relationship between the physical part, the magnification lens, and the coordinate movement of the workstage.
Why Optical Integrity and Table Linearity are Critical
A profile projector relies on “Shadowgraph” technology. If the lens has radial distortion or the projection screen is not perfectly perpendicular to the optical axis, your measurements will be skewed. Furthermore, the precision of the lead screws or encoders in the XY stage can drift over time due to mechanical wear. Regular calibration by DRS Technologies ensures that your magnification factors (10x, 20x, 50x, etc.) are exact and that your stage travel is linear across its entire range.
Our Technical Profile Projector Calibration Process
Our metrology specialists employ a multi-step protocol using precision glass scales and magnification masters:
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Optical Magnification Verification: Using a precision “Glass Scale” or “Circle Grid” master, we verify that the image projected on the screen matches the expected magnification. We test each lens in your inventory to ensure consistency.
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XY Stage Linearity and Squareness: We use NIST-traceable “Step Gages” or “Standard Glass Scales” to verify that the coordinate movements (X and Y) are accurate and that the axes are perfectly orthogonal (90 degrees to each other).
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Screen Protractor and Alignment Audit: We verify the accuracy of the rotating screen protractor to ensure angle measurements are precise. We also check the screen for “Parallax” errors and ensure the crosshairs are correctly aligned.
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Illumination and Focus Verification: We audit both the contour (backlight) and surface (reflected) illumination for uniformity. We also verify the Z-axis focus stability to ensure the image remains sharp during stage movement.
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Certification and NIST Traceability: Every service includes a detailed calibration certificate featuring “As-Found” and “As-Left” data, magnification error percentages, and documented NIST traceability.
Comprehensive Support for Leading Comparator Brands
DRS Technologies provides elite-level calibration for a wide array of optical measurement systems:
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Horizontal and Vertical Projectors: Support for all optical configurations.
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Digital and Analog Models: Verification of both glass-scale encoders and manual micrometer heads.
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Brands Supported: Expert service for Mitutoyo (PH/PV Series), Nikon (V-12/V-20), Starrett (HE/HB Series), and Baty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Magnification Error” tolerance?
Industry standards typically require magnification to be accurate within $\pm$0.1% for contour illumination and $\pm$0.15% for surface illumination. DRS Technologies verifies these tolerances using calibrated glass masters to ensure your 100x magnification is truly 100x.
How often should a profile projector be calibrated?
The standard calibration interval is twelve months. However, if the machine is located on a shop floor near heavy machinery (subject to vibration) or in a non-climate-controlled environment, a six-month interval is recommended to monitor for mechanical and thermal drift.
Does the screen overlay need calibration?
While the plastic overlays themselves are not “calibrated” in the traditional sense, they must be checked for shrinkage or warping over time. We recommend using your calibrated glass master to periodically verify that the overlay’s printed dimensions still match the projected image.