Using a Microscope for Dimensional Measurements

There are several different ways to use a microscope to take dimensional measurements. Which one is right for you will depend on your accuracy requirements, the physical size and characteristics of your target and the feature involved, your magnification requirements, and of course your budget.  Fortunately, we offer a wide variety of solutions to fit your particular application.

Below we will discuss four of the most common methods of microscopic measurement:

Measuring Microscopes

We offer the complete line of Japanese-made Meiji Techno performance microscopes. These are world-class systems with the best optics, yet are surprisingly affordable. They allow measure­ment in the X, Y and Z axis.

Features Include:

• Superior optical performance
• High accuracy
• Metallurgical style illumination (reflective & transmissive)
• Digital calipers available on X, Y & Z axis
• Magnification to 1000x
• Can add a camera, reticle, polarizing filter, etc.
• Price range - $5K-$9K

Visit the Meiji Techno factory web page for product details, and please contact us for assistance with a specific configuration and quotation.

Cameras & Software

You knew technology would step in and offer a great solution at a great price!  These cameras have the ability to mount to virtually any micro­scope, and connect to your computer via the USB port.

By calibrating the software with the included optical calibration standards, you then have the ability to take accurate measurements from the image on your computer screen with the click of a mouse.

Length, angle, area, you name it. Plus you can annotate your image, draw arrows and features on it so everyone can understand exactly what you're seeing. Need someone across the building, or the world, to see what you see? Video Conferencing is built in!

Cost a fortune?...how about $398.95 for our S−05165 1.3 megapixel live microscopy camera with software, cables...everything you need. See more in our camera section and our software details page, plus we have a line of microscopes with digital cameras built in.

Shop Microscopes

Another simple and inexpensive method of measuring is with our line of shop microscopes.  They are designed to work by setting the microscope itself on the target and then measure using a built-in, non-removable optical scale. They are available in a variety of fixed magnifications.

Features include:

• Low cost.
• Portable - battery powered light.
• Various magnifications available.
• Each includes both inch and metric scales.
• Measures at the point of contact - at any orientation.
• Quality, durable construction. Metal and glass.
• Includes protective case.

Our price on the 40x model is only $144.95. If it fits your application, this method can be a real time and money saver.  See our selection here.

Eyepiece Reticles & Stage Micrometers

Then there's always the old standby...the eyepiece reticle, a.k.a. eyepiece micrometer. We have almost 400 different designs, and each design is available in a couple dozen different diameters. Measuring with a reticle takes a little math, but it's far and away the least expensive method (if you already have a microscope), and the huge variety of patterns available allow tremendous flexibility.

For the measurement to be accurate, you must calibrate the reticle to your microscope's optics with another optical standard called a stage micrometer. It is typically a 1 x 3in. glass slide with a highly accurate pattern printed on it in chrome. Confused on how it works? We can help:

• Help with calibrating reticles
• Reticle Section
• Stage Micrometer Section
• Sample Stage Micrometer Patterns (Adobe Acrobat file)