Spherometers - Fast and efficient radius measurement of lenses
Spherometers made by TRIOPTICS are used worldwide in hundreds of optics companies and laboratories for the precise measurement of the radius of curvature of concave and convex lenses. The radius of curvature is determined by the tactile measurement of the sagittal height of the curved lens surface. This high-precision radius measurement by means of Spherotronic® and SpheroCompact®, which can also be used for calibrating test plates, represent the industry’s standard today. In addition, the long-term accuracy and automated functions of our spherometers are highly appreciated in laboratory and manufacturing environments.
Key Features:
- The tactile determination of the radius of curvature of concave and convex lenses permits the multi-purpose use of TRIOPTICS spherometers
- High measurement accuracy of up to ±0.005 % for radius measurement and calibration of test plates and test tubes
- Little sphericity deviations of less than 0.1 µm as well as ensuring sample integrity through a high-precision ruby gauge head
- Traceability of measurement accuracy to international standards through certified measuring rings and certified precision optical flats
- Quality control possible as early as during the manufacturing process because the sample does not have to be polished in order to perform the measurement
- Sophisticated technology that is regarded as the gold standard for laboratories and manufacturing
- Requirement-based selection of models and associated selection of measuring rings having various diameters increase the versatility of the device and ensure a very large measurement range for nearly all applications
Compared to other measurement methods, such as interferometry:
- Cost-efficient alternative with comparable accuracy
- Short setup times ensure fast processes
- Simple measurement method that reduces training requirements for users
Applications:
- Determination of the radius of curvature of concave and convex optical components all the way to spheres and balls from metal materials
- Calibration of test plates and test tubes
Product Overview
Precise and simple radius measurement of lenses in production
SpheroCompact®
- Accuracies of up to ±0.05 %
- Multi-purpose use, particularly for highly curved convex and concave surfaces because small radii of up to +2.5 mm and -4 mm especially can be measured
- Its compact design allows SpheroCompact® to be used flexibly
- Spherometer optimized with regard to price and performance for use in manufacturing
High-precision radius measurement
SuperSpherotronic® HR
- Excellent accuracies of up to ±0.01 % and high reproducibility through the use of a Heidenhain linear encoder
- Radius measurement of convex and concave surfaces up to +2 mm and -4 mm
- Excellent precision for the measurement of highly curved surfaces with a large lens diameter by means of an increased travel of 60 mm
- Extreme resistance to mechanical deformation thanks to the use of tungsten carbide balls in the ring
Highest precision in radius measurement
UltraSpherotronic®
- Highest measurement precision worldwide with an accuracy of ±0.005 %
- Radius measurement of convex and concave surfaces up to +2 mm and -4 mm
- Excellent precision for the measurement of highly curved surfaces with a large lens diameter by means of an increased travel of 60 mm
- Extreme resistance to mechanical deformation thanks to the use of tungsten carbide balls in the ring
SpheroPRO
The user-oriented software SpheroPRO was designed to fully meet the requirements in real-life applications. The intuitive user menu permits the easy, quick and error-free determination of the radius of curvature of lenses via pre-configured measurement programs. The current test step can be controlled directly by a schematic representation of the measured radius of curvature (concave or convex). Quality control is performed by means of a continuous statistical analysis of values.
Key Features:
- Very easy handling through pre-configured measurement programs for various applications, e.g.: test tube and single surface measurements
- Fast check of test step and measurement process for plausibility through schematic representaiton of radius of curvature (convex/concave) and current number of measurements
- Continuous quality control through statistical analysis of measurements, including mean value, standard deviations and pass/fail Analysis
- Compact but comprehensive documentation in measurement certificates that can be stored digitally and printed
- Ring calibration data are easy to import and, if necessary, update for product extensions or product checks
- To reduce general maintenance and space requirements, the software has also been designed for touch screen operation. This eliminates the need for a keyboard and mouse
SpheroCompact® | SuperSpherotronic® HR | UltraSpherotronic® | |
---|---|---|---|
Radius (convex) | +2.5 mm to ∞ | +2 mm to ∞ 1) | +2 mm to ∞ 1) |
Radius (concave) | -4 mm to ∞ | -4 mm to ∞ | -4 mm to ∞ |
Travel of linear encoder | ± 12.5 mm | ± 30 mm | ± 30 mm |
Diameter of part under test | 6 mm to 500 mm | 6 mm to 500 mm | 6 mm to 500 mm |
Resolution of the linear encoder | 0.1 µm | 0.1 µm | 0.02 µm |
Absolute accuracy of the linear encoder | ± 0.5 µm | ± 0.5 µm | ± 0.1 µm |
Measurement accuracy 2) | Up to ±0.05 % | Up to ± 0.01 % | Up to ± 0.005 % |
1) Radius measurement of < +4 mm requires exchange of the ruby gauge head an use of the precision ring 3.5 mm.
2) The maximum measurement accuracy depends on the sample’s radius and the ring used. For detailed information on specific measurement tasks, please contact your sales partner.
Upgrades & Accessories
Foot switch to activate measurement process
- Precision rings with ruby balls (SpheroCompact®)
- Standard set (diameter): 12.5 mm, 25 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm
- Special sizes (diameter): 6 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm 38 mm, 40 mm, 150 mm, 225 mm
- According to customer requirements
- Precision rings with tungsten carbide balls (SuperSpherotronic® HR / UltraSpherotronic®)
- Standard set (diameter): 7.8 mm, 14 mm, 20 mm, 28 mm, 38 mm, 60 mm, 90 mm, 120 mm
- Special sizes (diameter): 12 mm, 14+3.5 mm, 20+1.8 mm, 28+1.2 mm, 48 mm, 75 mm, 150 mm, 225 mm
- According to customer requirements
- Mechanical pressure pad for Spherotronic®
- Ensures a constant and fixed contact pressure between sample and ring
- Suitable for small lenses with a low weight