With 30 years' experience in high-magnification observation, Keyence launches its 5th generation of digital microscopes, combining high-performance image processing algorithms, a 4K camera and new features.
"Keyence takes high-magnification observation to a new level. Its new digital microscope, the VHX-7000, benefits in particular from its powerful REMAX NEO graphics engine (electronic board and image processing algorithms), unique in the world. And there's much more, drawing on the digital microscope manufacturer's 30 years' experience in high magnification. The VHX-7000 also benefits from a number of major new features", says a press release.
A 4K CMOS sensor
Generations of digital microscopes using traditional image sensors offer up to 1600 x 1200 pixels (UXGA technology). With a 4K sensor (CMOS technology) the resolution rises to 4000 x 3000 pixels, i.e. around six times as many points to capture the image of the same part.
"The VHX-7000 offers very high resolution and, thanks to CMOS technology, very low noise levels. Add to this the full range of Keyence image processing algorithms, and the surface analysis possibilities offered by the VHX-7000 are exceptional", boasts the manufacturer.
New image processing
The VHX-7000 inherits the optical performance of its predecessors in the Keyence range, and benefits from new features such as the all-new shadow enhancement function. By combining the superimposition and processing of image series obtained with different lighting angles, powerful calculations on cast shadows make it possible to highlight and locate surface defects, usually imperceptible, even in wide field. In this way, the OPTO SEM function enables fine topography to be visualized over the entire sample without the need for high magnification.
Four integrated objectives
Digital microscopes are generally equipped with zoom lenses, offering the advantage of being able to vary magnification with a single lens. The VHX-7000 covers the magnification range from 20x to 6,000x without any intervention on the instrument, thanks to four automatically selected objectives. When changing lenses, the digital zoom means there's no interruption to the image.
As with previous generations, the VHX-7000's stand can be tilted. This allows the optical head to be oriented in relation to the surface of the part to be inspected, facilitating observation from all angles. The optical head it supports consists of the CMOS sensor and a combination of modules made up of blocks of pre-mounted lenses, combined 3 by 3 to form magnification families. The combination of these elements means that, with just four lenses mounted on a motorized selector, it is possible to cover magnifications ranging from 20x to 6,000x: 20-100x, 100-500x, 500-2500x, 2500-6000x. All settings are made without manipulating the camera, using a small ergonomic console.
Augmented reality to help with settings
The VHX-7000 is easy to handle and operate.
The stand's support arm houses a small camera that helps visualize the focal plane and the sample, materialized in augmented reality on the screen. This facilitates the focusing operation, and saves time when locating the sample in space.
"The ease with which the VHX-7000 can be used opens up the range of potential users who can use the microscope to make observations", notes the manufacturer.
What's more, the power of the microscope means that reproducibility of controls can be guaranteed without the presence of an expert. Within the same project, the expert can spend less time preparing samples and controls, and more time observing and analyzing results.
Applications in all industries
Micrography, contamination analysis, particle counting, study of ancient materials, analysis of fine structures, and more. There are many possible applications in a wide range of sectors, including metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, microelectronics, automotive, aeronautics, public research, archaeology and forensics.
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