A Optical Comparator is where a machining process proves itself: dimensions are checked against the drawing before parts leave the shop. The Optical Comparator described here is built with a Renishaw probe head and calibrated scales and specified for medical device validation. metrology with calibrated equipment and documented uncertainty sits behind the numbers below, which are stated as delivered rather than as a best case.
The parts that matter most are the interfaces: bores, sealing faces, threads and mounting patterns. Those are held to measurement uncertainty 2–3 µm, verified against the drawing, and recorded before anything is packed.
Specification
| Process | Metrology with calibrated equipment and documented uncertainty |
|---|---|
| Material / configuration | a Renishaw probe head and calibrated scales |
| Size / capacity | scanning rates to 500 points per second |
| Tolerance | measurement uncertainty 2–3 µm |
| Surface finish | calibrated and certified |
| Application | optical comparator for medical device validation |
| Inspection | Dimensional report, material certificate, first article report on request |
| Lead time | 7–15 working days for samples, 3–4 weeks for production |
| Minimum order | 1 piece for prototypes, from 50 pieces for production pricing |
Manufacturing process
The operation sequence is decided before the first chip is cut: roughing to leave even stock, semi-finishing, then metrology with calibrated equipment and documented uncertainty as the final operation. That order is what keeps measurement uncertainty 2–3 µm stable as the batch runs and the machine warms up.
Material is purchased against a certificate and checked on receipt, so the composition is known before any cutting starts. Work in progress is identified by part number and operation, and the finished parts are deburred, cleaned and protected before they leave the machine area.
Typical applications
Most of the work supplied in this category falls into the following examples.
- First article inspection reports.
- Incoming goods verification.
- Tool wear trend monitoring.
- Capability studies on critical dimensions.
- Reverse engineering of legacy parts.
Quality control and documentation
Every batch is measured against the drawing with calibrated equipment, and results are recorded against the part number rather than kept on a scrap of paper.
Material certificates to EN 10204 3.1, dimensional reports and first article inspection reports are issued with the shipment where the application requires them. Calibration dates and measurement uncertainty are recorded alongside every result.
Ordering, lead time and packaging
Quotations are returned within one working day of a complete drawing package. Lead time is quoted from drawing approval, not from the date of enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is shop floor measurement?
A CMM in a controlled room gives uncertainty around 2 to 3 micrometres. On the machine, probing is accurate enough to detect drift, which is the reason to use it, rather than to replace the CMM.
What documentation comes with inspection?
A dimensional report listing every measured feature with nominal, actual and deviation, plus the equipment used, its calibration date and the environmental conditions.
Do you keep tooling and programmes for repeat orders?
Fixtures, tool lists and verified CAM programmes are retained for the life of the part number, so a repeat release runs on the same setup as the first batch without a new proving run.
To discuss optical comparator requirements, send the model and the drawing with the quantities required. Feedback on manufacturability is given free of charge before any order is placed.
