Optical Measurement
Keyence IM-7000 — what we run on it.
Telecentric image-based 2D dimensional measurement. Drop the part on the stage, hit start, walk away with ~99 features measured in seconds — repeatably, with no operator-dependent technique. The right tool when the CMM stylus is too large or the part has too many small features to make CMM economical.
01 · What we use it for
Production verification at speed.
The IM-7000 is the right tool when measurement throughput matters — when the alternative is a CMM that would run 15 minutes per part, or a manual operator with calipers and a comparator chart. Place the part on the stage in any orientation; the system auto-aligns, recognizes features against the master, and reports pass/fail with full dimensional output.
- Swiss-type production verification — hex flats, threads, OD steps, undercuts on small turned parts
- Stamping & punched-feature inspection — slot widths, hole patterns, edge breaks
- Sub-millimeter features — anywhere a CMM stylus tip is larger than the feature being measured
- Operator-independent measurement — same number every time, regardless of who's running the part
- AS9102 supplemental dimensions — paired with the Hexagon CMM where 2D optical is faster than tactile
02 · Why telecentric optics matter
No parallax. No focus drift.
A telecentric lens images only rays that are parallel to the optical axis — so the measured size of a feature doesn't change with how close the feature is to the lens. That's the whole game for accurate 2D measurement: a part placed slightly higher or lower on the stage reads the same dimension. Standard cameras don't do this. Comparators with conventional lenses don't do this. It's why optical-measurement-grade instruments cost more — and why they belong in the AS9102 toolchain.
03 · When something else is better
Pick the right tool.
- 3D form / surface profile → Keyence VR-6200. The IM-7000 is 2D — for surface form and Z-axis features, the VR-6200 takes over.
- Full GD&T evaluation → Hexagon Global S CMM. True position, datum schemes, and full 3D GD&T need tactile probing on the CMM.
- Cosmetic / surface-finish inspection → human eye + profilometer. The IM-7000 measures geometry, not Ra.
- Thru-hole / threaded depth → pin gauges + thread plug gauges. Faster than IM-7000 for pass/fail go/no-go.
Production lot with many small features?
If the math says CMM-only would dominate your inspection budget, we'll route the small-feature checks through the IM-7000 and the GD&T through the Hexagon. Both reports ship with the parts.
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