What Is an Optical Comparator?
Optical comparators are instruments used for measuring dimensions and evaluating the shapes of objects. They are commonly employed in quality control and dimension inspection, particularly for assessing mechanical components and products.
These devices work by illuminating an object with a light source. The light that reflects off the object is captured, magnified, and then projected onto a screen or similar surface. With the aid of scales and crosshair lines on the screen, measurements of the object’s dimensions are taken, allowing for accurate shape evaluation. The objects are usually placed on movable stages, which permit horizontal and vertical adjustments, enabling observations from different angles. This process of magnification and projection facilitates precise dimension measurements and detailed shape analysis of the objects.