Basics of Industrial Microscopes

Industrial microscopes are basically just any of the variety of specialized microscopes configured for industrial applications. As such, there are so many uses, applications and configurations that can be imagined, one each for every field.

History

The uses of the microscope have their beginnings in the fields of science particularly biology. Thus, you often hear of scientific discoveries involving cells, fungi, algae and other microscopic organisms using the microscope.

As the industrial processes became more and more complex and the demand for precision became more and more stringent, basic microscopes were configured for industrial applications. Thus, the industrial microscopes were born.

Uses

Both high power compound microscopes and low power stereo microscopes are used for industrial settings. Low power stereoscopic microscopes are used in industries involved in circuit boards from their manufacture to repair as well as in small parts manufacturing specifically in quality control inspections. High power compound light microscopes are used in biological and clinical settings, thus, are more related to science and medicine.

There are also specialized microscopes:

* Metallurgical metallographic microscope – Used in foundries, metal heat treating facilities and metalworking shops
* Toolmakers microscope – Applied in the processes of tool and die manufacturers, machine shops, and small parts manufacturing facilities
* Video zoom microscope system – Used in manufacturing companies involved in small circuit boards

The video zoom industrial microscopes use low power microscopes connected to video cameras and to a closed circuit television monitor. The small parts to be checked are then placed under the microscope and viewed under various magnifications, of which the images are then broadcasted on to the CCTV monitor.

Types and Designs

Two of the most common types of industrial microscope are the upright microscope and inverted microscope. With high precision as their hallmarks, these microscopes are almost perfect in their magnification of the specimens under study.