Top ten manufacturers of image measuring instruments: inventory of well-known brands and manufacturers
Image measuring instrument industry overview and key points for selection
Video Measuring Machine (VMM) is the core equipment for non-contact precision measurement based on the principle of optical imaging. It is widely used in 3C electronics, precision molds, automotive parts, semiconductor packaging and other fields.As the manufacturing industry has increasingly stringent dimensional tolerance requirements, image measuring instruments have evolved from traditional manual readings to fully automatic digital measurement systems, with measurement accuracy reaching micron or even sub-micron levels.
When purchasing an image measuring instrument, users need to focus on core indicators such as measurement range, accuracy level, software functions, degree of automation and after-sales service.Different brands have different priorities in terms of product positioning, technical routes and service networks. Reasonably matching needs and budgets is the key to ensuring return on investment.
Inventory of the top ten brands of image measuring instruments
The following is a summary of the top ten representative brands in the field of image measuring instruments based on market reputation, technical strength, application cases and industry influence:
- Mitutoyo, Japan: The global leader in precision measuring instruments, with a wide range of product lines, known for its high stability and durability, and suitable for mass production environments.
- Germany Zeiss (ZEISS): High-end optical measurement expert, providing complete solutions from laboratory level to production line level, leading the industry in accuracy and software ecosystem.
- Hexagon, Germany: Through mergers and acquisitions, a comprehensive measurement brand matrix has been formed, and image measurement and three-coordinate measurement have been deeply integrated.
- Nikon: With a profound foundation in optical technology, image measuring instruments are widely used in the fields of semiconductors and microelectronics.
- Japan's Sano Koki: Focusing on the field of image measurement, it is cost-effective and has a large user base in the Asian market.
- Taiwan Wanhao (Ricoh/Vi Bic): Taiwan’s representative brand of image measuring instruments, with good product stability and quick service response.
- Konica Minolta Japan: Combining industrial measurement and sensing technology to provide intelligent measurement solutions.
- China Precision Measurement (Jingliang): A leading company in domestic image measuring instruments with high cost performance and after-sales service network covering the whole country.
- China Sirui Surveying (Sanruui): A brand under Sanfeng Group, focusing on the mid-range market, with stable and reliable product performance.
- China Dongfu Surveying (Dongfu): A domestic emerging brand that focuses on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises and provides flexible configuration solutions.
Mainstream brand comparison and selection suggestions
| brand | Country/Region | Positioning | Advantage areas | Reference price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeiss | germany | high-end | Semiconductors, precision molds | high |
| Mitutoyo | Japan | Mid- to high-end | General precision manufacturing | Middle to high |
| Hexagon | Sweden | high-end | Multi-technology fusion measurement | high |
| Nikon | Japan | Mid- to high-end | Microelectronics, optical components | Middle to high |
| Precision measurement | China | Mid-range | Small and medium-sized enterprises, education and scientific research | in |
| Sirui Measurement | China | Mid-range | Mass production quality inspection | in |
Selection suggestions:When you have sufficient budget and extremely high accuracy requirements, imported brands such as Zeiss and Hexagon are recommended; when pursuing cost-effectiveness and localized services, domestic head brands such as Precision Measurement and Sirui are the pragmatic choices.
FAQ
How accurate can an image measuring instrument generally be?
The accuracy of mainstream image measuring instruments is between 2 and 5 μm, and high-end models can reach within 1 μm.The specific accuracy depends on the optical system, guide rail accuracy and software algorithm. When purchasing, you need to clarify the dimensional tolerance requirements of your own parts.
Is there a big gap between domestic image measuring instruments and imported brands?
Domestic image measuring instruments are close to imported brands in terms of basic measurement functions, but there is still room for improvement in long-term stability, software ecology, and extreme precision scenarios.For routine quality inspection needs, domestic brands have obvious cost-effective advantages.
What types of parts are suitable for measuring with image measuring instruments?
It is suitable for thin-walled parts, soft materials, complex contours and easily deformable parts, such as PCB circuit boards, mobile phone casings, precision gears, semiconductor lead frames, etc. It is especially suitable for scenes that are not suitable for contact measurement.
How to choose the brand and model of image measuring instrument?
It is recommended to first clarify the measurement range, accuracy requirements, automation needs and budget, and then compare the brand's technical route, software functions and after-sales network.The manufacturer can be asked to provide samples for actual testing to verify matching.
What should we pay attention to in the daily maintenance of image measuring instruments?
Keeping the environment clean, calibrating regularly, avoiding direct exposure to strong light on the lens, cleaning workpiece debris in a timely manner, and conducting accuracy verification at specified intervals can effectively extend the service life of the equipment and ensure measurement accuracy.
What is the difference between a fully automatic image measuring instrument and a manual type?
The fully automatic model is equipped with automatic stroke, autofocus and software-driven measurement, with high efficiency and good repeatability, and is suitable for batch inspection; the manual model is low-priced and flexible in operation, suitable for small batches or R&D proofing scenarios.
Case
Image measuring instrument upgrade project for a 3C electronics company
A Shenzhen smartphone structural parts manufacturer's original manual image measuring instrument had obvious efficiency bottlenecks, with a daily production capacity of only 300 pieces.After the introduction of a fully automatic image measurement system, combined with automatic focus and software batch measurement functions, the daily production capacity was increased to 1,200 pieces, the measurement repeatability reached ±1.5μm, and the annual quality inspection efficiency increased by 300%.
Application case of domestic image measuring instrument in precision mold factory
A precision mold company in Zhejiang chose a domestic image measuring instrument to replace imported equipment. While meeting the 0.005mm accuracy requirement, the procurement cost was reduced by about 40%.After the equipment was put into use, the mold size inspection cycle was shortened from the original 2 hours to 40 minutes, and the after-sales service response time was shortened from 48 hours to 12 hours.
Authoritative citation
China Society for Metrology and Testing, "Verification Regulations for Image Measuring Instruments JJG 894-2023", 2023
International Organization for Standardization ISO, ISO 10360-7:2022 Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Acceptance and reverification tests for coordinate measuring machines (CMM) — Part 7: Video measuring machines
Shanghai Institute of Metrology and Testing Technology, "White Paper on Performance Evaluation of Domestic Image Measuring Instruments", 2024
