11 Dimensional Inspection Equipment Factors to Consider Before Purchasing

Purchasing dimensional inspection equipment requires making a big decision, and in most cases a significant financial investment. It is important to be certain that the equipment you buy will serve its intended purpose and provide the results you need.

Because there are so many different types of equipment that can be used for a broad range of purposes, it helps to know what questions to ask before you buy.

11 Dimensional Inspection Equipment Questions You Need to Ask

1. What sensor type do you need? Depending on the surface characteristics of the objects you intend to measure, you may need either a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor. Within each of these two categories are several other options and different sensor types. The more you know about the objects you will be measuring, the better able you will be to select the right types of dimensional inspection equipment.
2. What tolerance levels are required for your application? There is a big difference between replicating an antique to sell in a gift shop and mass-producing components that will be used in a medical device. In the former case, a certain amount of inaccuracy is tolerable, while in the latter case the requirements are more stringent. Make sure you know how precise you need to be, especially if you have to maintain regulatory compliance.
3. Does your equipment need to be portable? Do you need a machine that will always sit at the end of a production line, or do you need a more portable unit that can take measurements in the field?
4. What size(s) are the objects you need to measure? Some objects are small enough to be put into a machine, while others are simply too large or heavy. However, objects on the nano scale will require specialized equipment.
5. What shape(s) are the objects you need to measure? Does your object have internal geometry that you need to measure? Bore holes, threads, and other complex geometry cannot always be measured by certain types of dimensional inspection equipment or without certain accessories.
6. How fast do you need results? Measuring the occasional prototype is a different scenario than inspecting every component that comes off a production line. It is important to know how quickly you will need results so you can purchase a machine that can meet your needs.
7. Does your equipment need to be automated? Some dimensional inspection equipment can be automated, but not all of it can be. If this is an important factor for your application, make sure it is a high priority in your purchasing decision.
8. Who will be using the equipment? Ease of use should be considered if you are weighing multiple options. Will you need to hire new staff or train employees to use this new equipment? Does your budget support that?
9. What is required to maintain the equipment? High-precision measurement equipment needs to be properly set up, regularly maintained, and periodically calibrated. Does your staff have the skills to do this, or can you outsource it?
10. How durable and reliable is the equipment? Dimensional inspection equipment is an investment. It is important to compare multiple manufacturers and work with an expert who has experience will all of them.
11. What is your budget? Perhaps one of the most important factors is your budget, however, be sure to weigh all of the above before you make a decision.

If you would like to learn more about selecting the right dimensional inspection equipment for your application, schedule a consultation with one of our dimensional inspection experts who can walk you through the entire process.

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