Vision Engineering launches PicoZoom, a new autofocus digital inspection microscope for global quality control

Manufacturers are under growing pressure to meet tighter quality control requirements and to document inspection results more thoroughly, without slowing down production. PicoZoom has been developed to meet that need, sitting between low-cost USB microscopes and higher-end digital inspection platforms and giving manufacturing and quality control teams access to autofocus imaging, measurement and reporting within one accessible system.

One-click autofocus and a motorised 0.7× to 4.5× optical zoom (18.9× to 121.8× system magnification) allow operators to move between parts, surfaces and magnification levels without changing lenses or manually refocusing, reducing set-up time and helping keep results consistent between operators and shifts.

Quadrant-controlled LED lighting gives operators directional control over illumination and automatic exposure, making edges, marks and surface detail easier to see on reflective or low-contrast parts.

On parts with depth, such as solder joints, stepped surfaces and threaded components, a single image often only shows one area in sharp focus. PicoZoom's focus stacking function combines images captured at different focal planes into one sharp composite, extending depth of field across the part without manual refocusing.

Built-in dimensioning and annotation tools, together with custom report output, let operators capture on-screen measurements and images and compile them into formatted reports without leaving the system, supporting quality control documentation and traceability.

PicoZoom connects via HDMI, USB 3.0 and LAN. It uses a 2 MP CMOS sensor delivering 1080p resolution at 60 fps, and occupies a compact benchtop footprint of 320 x 308.6mm.

"Manufacturers today face increasing pressure not only to carry out inspections consistently, but also to demonstrate and document the results," said Sam Crossley, MD of Vision Engineering. "PicoZoom combines imaging, illumination and reporting in a single, easy-to-use system that can be deployed quickly and adopted with minimal training. By making documented, repeatable inspection more accessible, it enables a wider range of manufacturers to benefit from capabilities that have traditionally required a significantly greater investment. PicoZoom is a natural extension of our digital inspection portfolio and reflects our commitment to helping customers improve quality, traceability and efficiency."

Typical applications for PicoZoom include PCB and solder joint inspection, medical device inspection, incoming goods inspection and defect analysis, alongside broader use in component inspection and quality control across aerospace, motorsport, welding, automotive, research and education environments.

PicoZoom is available now through Vision Engineering's global network of branches and authorised distributors, with a UK list price starting at £3,250.

www.visioneng.com