Vision Engineering, a leading global manufacturer of ergonomic inspection and non-contact metrology systems, today announces the launch of EDGE: a new range of compact vision measurement systems designed to bridge the gap between manual inspection and full-scale CNC automation.
Set to debut at MACH, the EDGE series addresses the growing demand for high-accuracy, non-contact inspection within the precision engineering, medical device, and plastics sectors.
Precision Without the Footprint
As manufacturers move toward Industry 4.0, the traditional “quality lab” is moving onto the production floor. The Vision Engineering EDGE series is “Compact by Design,” offering a focused 200 x 100 mm measurement envelope that fits seamlessly into high-pressure production environments where floor space is at a premium.
Scalable Automation: APEX, VISTA, and CORE
The EDGE series is structured into three distinct tiers, allowing businesses—particularly second and third-tier suppliers—to scale their quality control as their production volumes grow:
- EDGE APEX: The flagship 3-axis CNC system. Fully automated and featuring motorised zoom, APEX is designed for high-throughput, palletized batch inspection, significantly reducing operator dependency and error.
- EDGE VISTA: An automated 2-axis system with 3-axis CNC movement and motorised focus. Optimised for flat and turned parts, it features collimated lighting for precise edge detection on complex geometries.
- EDGE CORE: A manual 2 or 3-axis system designed for rapid, one-off measurements and setup checks. It’s built for the machinist who needs a “just made it, check it” solution without a steep learning curve.
Engineering-Grade Features
The Vision Engineering EDGE series isn’t just a downsized version of larger machines; it’s a ground-up redesign focused on practical productivity:
- Motorised 6.5:1 Zoom: Standard on the APEX model, this allows users to measure features of vastly different sizes on a single part without manual lens changes.
- Advanced Image Stitching: Users can capture and document features larger than the field of view (FOV), ensuring full traceability even for larger components.
- Matched Optics and Sensors: Unlike “parts bin” systems, EDGE utilises specifically matched 5MP (VISTA) and 2.3MP (APEX) cameras to optimise signal-to-noise ratios and edge-detection clarity.
Driving ROI in Challenging Markets
“With the global optical measurement market projected to nearly double by 2035, the pressure is on manufacturers to automate or be left behind,” says Stephen Sanderson, Group Product Manager at Vision Engineering. “EDGE provides a structured upgrade path. Whether you are a small workshop looking to ditch manual callipers or a high-volume manufacturer needing to eliminate inspection bottlenecks, EDGE delivers lab-grade precision in a shop-floor-ready package.”
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