Keyence UK, Measuring between 10 and 80 microns on seals
04/06/2014 Keyence UK
Created through a partnership between CEA and Technetics Group, the Maestral laboratory uses Keyence's VHX-1000 digital microscope to analyse seal surfaces quickly, simply and accurately.Located in the French town of Pierrelatte, Maestral is a state-of-the-art laboratory that combines the strengths of Technetics Group France, a leading name in high-performance industrial sealing solutions, and CEA (the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission), a major player in innovative research and development of energy technologies. The Maestral laboratory is active in developing the tightest seals, which are characterised by extremely low leakage rates of 10-12 to 10-8 mbar.l.s-1."We examine the minuscule characteristics of seal surfaces to look for irregularities, which can compromise seal integrity. For example, we analyse appearance, groove width, compression behaviour, roughness and even the indentations made by fitted flanges. The technical challenge is that we have to examine targets that measure between 10 and 80 microns in height. We used to do this with an optical microscope and a 3D laser displacement sensor, but we weren't fully satisfied with either of them. The optical microscope was limited in terms of magnification (50x), this did not allow 3D observation and took a long time to calibrate. As for the 3D laser displacement sensor, the laser's power had to be adjusted, which involved complex adjustments. It was rather time-consuming and not very intuitive to use and our customers had difficulties interpreting the results obtained with it," says Philippe Myslik of the Maestral laboratory.
"We now use Keyence's VHX-1000 digital microscope. It delivers much more: it is around ten times faster, allows observation 1000x magnification and creates high-quality 3D images that are easy to interpret. It is also very intuitive and observations are simple to perform. I'd like to point out that, after just one day of training, we were already using VHX-1000 in the lab."
The VHX-1000 digital microscope captures ultra-high-resolution images of up to 54 megapixels in minimum time. Its 16-bit HDR function delivers extremely sharp images. Consisting of 16 bits-per-pixel encoding and unique HDR (high dynamic range) technology, it creates perfectly exposed images (neither too bright nor too dark) regardless of the contrast of the target. Its depth-of-field is at least 20 times larger than that of optical microscopes. As a result, the VHX-1000 can accurately observe targets (even with large height differences) that conventional microscopes cannot even bring into focus.
"The VHX-1000 makes it easy for us to observe the various materials that make up our seals even when they have very different reflectivity properties."
"For us, image quality is essential. Internally, it allows us to share results for R&D purposes or to optimise manufacturing processes. Externally, it allows us to communicate more effectively with our customers. When they ask us about a defective seal, the images make it easier for us to show them the source of the problem. For example, if a defect is caused by incorrect assembly, we can now show images to support our findings," continues Mr. Myslik.
The VHX-1000 offers outstanding ease of use. Its control console features buttons for accessing commonly used functions - glare removal, 3D composition, lighting shift, HDR and image optimisation. The motorised stand and autofocus algorithms place the lens in the best position very quickly and with micron accuracy so that targets can be observed from any angle.
In addition, the e-Preview mode (activated by pressing the optimise button) displays targets under nine different lighting scenarios so that the ideal scenario can be chosen more easily.
"3D composition is one of the VHX-1000's functions that we use most in our laboratory because we have to analyse the shapes of surface irregularities. This entails making accurate measurements of dimensions and angles. The auto edge selection function makes these measurements much easier because it allows us to see exactly where they need to be taken. We also regularly use the image stitching function to capture larger fields-of-view," adds Mr. Myslik.
The VHX-1000 also allows 2D and 3D images to be stitched together in real time to create high-resolution images over larger areas. As the sample is moved the VHX-1000 captures images of adjacent observation areas and stitches them together to create a field-of-view 50 times larger than that possible with conventional systems. This function creates both 2D and 3D images. This system stands apart from the conventional - and more complex - method of piecing together a specific number of images obtained with external software.
"Digital microscope technology brings a lot of added value to our research. We were interested in a direct competitor of the VHX-1000, but quickly realised that the ease-of-use of other, microscopes and the quality of the technical support were not up to our standards," concludes Mr. Myslik.
The Technetics Group's seals are designed for demanding sealing applications. They are used in many industries, including nuclear power, aeronautics, aerospace, semiconductors, oil and gas and pharmaceuticals.
For more information, please contact:
Keyence UK
Avebury House
219-225 Avebury Boulevard
Milton Keynes
MK9 1AU
United Kingdom
Adnell Masuku
Tel: +44 (0)1908 696900
Fax: +44 (0)1908 696777
Email: ukinfo@keyence.co.uk
Web: www.keyence.co.uk
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