Digital Profile Projectors For Better Edge detection
Since 2008, RB Metrology has been exporting and wholesale supplying tremendous quality metrology and industrial solutions. Our subcategory portfolio spans Contour Measuring Machines, Conveyor Systems, Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), Laser Marking Automation, LED Lens Flood Light, Profile Projector, Video Measuring Machines, Street Light, and many other testing equipment. With a strong pan-India presence, we are known for dependable quality, ready inventory, and experienced application support for precision measurement tasks across manufacturing, tooling, and QA labs.
Business Details
- Business Type: Exporter, Wholesale Supplier / Wholesaler
- Year of ESTD: 2008
- Major Markets Covered: India
What Is a Digital Profile Projector?
A Digital Profile Projector (also called an optical comparator) is a precision optical measurement system that magnifies the silhouette and surface features of a part onto a built-in screen or camera system. Modern digital variants pair bright, low-distortion optics with digital readout (DRO), encoder scales, and often a camera/sensor, enabling accurate 2D measurements, geometric tolerancing, and pass/fail inspection of complex profiles, gears, threads, and stamped parts—without contacting the component.
Key Features of Our Digital Profile Projectors
- High-accuracy optics with low distortion for crisp edge detection and repeatable measurement.
- Digital Readout (DRO) for X-Y stage coordinates, angle, and geometric functions (radius, diameter, pitch, distance, intersection, angle between lines, etc.).
- Screen or camera view with selectable magnifications (commonly 10×, 20×, 50×, 100×).
- Illumination options: transmitted (contour) light for silhouettes and reflected (surface) light for features, with adjustable brightness.
- Rotary screen/rotary table and protractor overlay for angle and thread measurements.
- Precision X-Y measuring stage with linear scales and quick-lock clamps.
- Edge detection (manual or automatic, depending on model) to reduce operator variation.
- Software connectivity for data logging, SPC charts, report generation, and tolerance matching (on camera/DRO-enabled models).
- Robust build for shop-floor conditions, with vibration-resistant stand and dust-protected slides.
Technical Specifications (Typical Ranges)
| Parameter |
Typical Specification Range |
Notes |
| Screen Diameter |
300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm |
Larger screens improve view for big parts and overlays. |
| Magnification Lenses |
10×, 20×, 50×, 100× |
Interchangeable; custom lens kits available. |
| X-Y Travel |
150×100 mm to 300×200 mm |
Higher travel for larger workpieces or nesting multiple parts. |
| Resolution |
0.001 mm (1 micron) DRO |
With linear encoders; camera models can sub-pixel compute. |
| Accuracy (EXY) |
±(3+L/50) μm to ±(5+L/50) μm |
L in mm; varies by model and environment. |
| Illumination |
Transmitted & Reflected LED |
Long-life LED, adjustable intensity; surface ring light optional. |
| Workstage Load |
3–25 kg |
Benchtop vs. floor-standing variants. |
| Screen Protractor |
0–360°; 1′–5′ least count (model-dependent) |
Digital angle readout on advanced models. |
| Data Output |
USB / RS-232 / Ethernet |
For data logging and printer/report interface. |
| Software |
2D measurement & SPC suite |
Geometric tolerancing, templates, pass/fail reports. |
| Power |
AC 220V, 50 Hz |
India-ready configuration; stabilizer recommended. |
Size / Dimensions
Benchtop digital profile projectors usually feature a 300–400 mm screen with a compact footprint suitable for inspection benches and small QA labs. Floor-standing or heavy-duty units offer 400–500 mm screens with taller columns and larger stages to accommodate bulkier components or fixtures.
Material & Build
- Cast-iron or granite base for rigidity and thermal stability.
- Hardened steel guideways and preloaded bearings for smooth, backlash-free stage movement.
- Anti-glare glass screen with precision graticules/overlays.
- LED illumination modules engineered for low heat and long life.
Design / Type Variations
By Optical Orientation
- Vertical Profile Projector — Light path vertical; best for flat parts, gaskets, stampings, PCB, and thin components.
- Horizontal Profile Projector — Light path horizontal; ideal for shafts, turned parts, gears, and long components mounted between centers or V-blocks.
By Operation & Readout
- Digital DRO Model — Manual optics with digital readout for X-Y, angle, and basic geometry.
- Camera-Assisted Digital Model — Adds high-resolution camera, automatic edge detection, on-screen measurement, and report software.
- CNC / Motorized Stage Model — Programmed measurement paths, batch inspection, SPC integration for higher throughput.
Capacity / Performance
Performance depends on stage travel, optical magnification, and encoder resolution. For most shop-floor tasks, 1–3 μm repeatability is achievable under controlled conditions with calibrated lenses and clean edges. Camera-assisted models reduce operator influence, improving repeatability for high-mix inspection.
Types / Variants Available
- Benchtop Vertical Digital Profile Projector (300 mm)
- Benchtop Vertical Digital Profile Projector (400 mm)
- Horizontal Digital Profile Projector (400–500 mm)
- Camera-Integrated Digital Profile Projector
- CNC Motorized Digital Profile Projector
Model-Wise Details & Use Cases
1) Benchtop Vertical Digital Profile Projector (300 mm)
- Best for: Flat parts, press tools, gaskets, washers, small plastic and metal stampings.
- Why choose: Compact, economical, ideal for small-batch QA and tool rooms.
- Best for: Larger sheet-metal profiles, dies, and fixtures needing extra screen space.
- Why choose: Larger view area and longer stage travel without moving to a floor stand.
3) Horizontal Digital Profile Projector (400–500 mm)
- Best for: Shafts, gears, splines, turned components, and threaded parts.
- Why choose: Horizontal optics handle longer parts mounted on V-blocks or centers.
4) Camera-Integrated Digital Profile Projector
- Best for: Frequent documentation, customer audits, and SPC-driven lines.
- Why choose: On-screen measurements, auto edge detection, data export, and reports.
5) CNC Motorized Digital Profile Projector
- Best for: High-volume inspection, repetitive parts, multi-feature programs.
- Why choose: Automated measuring cycles, reduced cycle time, consistent results.
Industry Applications
- Automotive & EV: Gears, sprockets, cams, shafts, bushings, pressed components.
- Aerospace: Turbine profiles, fasteners, precision turned parts, airframe brackets.
- Medical Devices: Orthopedic implants, cannulae, surgical tools, precision plastics.
- Electronics: PCB patterns, connectors, stamped leads, micro-components.
- Tool & Die / Mould: Punches, dies, inserts, profile matching to drawings.
- Sheet-Metal & Fabrication: Gaskets, washers, complex contours, template matching.
Advantages / Benefits
- Non-contact measurement — No risk of marring or deforming delicate parts.
- Fast inspection — Visual comparison using overlays or on-screen templates.
- High accuracy — Low-distortion optics and encoder scales ensure repeatable results.
- Operator-friendly — Simple alignment, edge detection aids, and clear DROs.
- Versatile — Measures diameters, radii, pitch, angles, distances, threads, profiles.
- Data-ready — Digital output for traceability, SPC, and customer reporting.
- Cost-effective — Lower acquisition and maintenance cost than many CMM/vision systems for 2D profile tasks.
Digital Profile Projector vs. Video Measuring Machine
While both are optical and non-contact, profile projectors excel in quick silhouette inspection and angle/thread checks using large screens and overlays. Video measuring machines (VMM) provide higher automation for micro-features and complex edge detection with programmable routines. Many shops use both: projectors for fast shop-floor checks and VMM for detailed metrology.
Buying Guide
Key Factors to Consider
- Part Type & Size: Flat vs. long parts decides vertical or horizontal optics; ensure adequate stage travel.
- Accuracy & Repeatability: Check encoder resolution (0.001 mm typical) and optical quality.
- Magnification Set: Ensure required lenses (10×/20× standard; 50×/100× for fine features).
- Illumination: Need both transmitted and reflected LED for silhouette and surface features.
- Throughput: Manual DRO for low volume; camera/CNC for high volume with reporting.
- Data & Compliance: USB/Ethernet output, report templates, SPC integration, calibration certificates.
- Environment: Stable bench, low vibration, clean optics; consider a stabilizer/UPS.
- After-Sales Support: Availability of lenses, screens, lamps/LEDs, calibration, training.
Suggested Model Selection
- Tool Room / Maintenance: 300 mm vertical, DRO; cost-effective, simple, reliable.
- Production QA (Mixed Parts): 400 mm vertical with camera module; faster documentation.
- Shafts/Gears: 400–500 mm horizontal; accommodates fixtures and longer components.
- Mass Production: CNC/motorized with auto edge detection and SPC.
Indicative Wholesale Price Range (India)
Final pricing depends on screen size, optics set, stage travel, DRO/software, and automation. Typical wholesale ranges:
- Benchtop Vertical (300 mm, DRO): ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Benchtop Vertical (400 mm, DRO): ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000
- Horizontal (400–500 mm, DRO): ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,80,000
- Camera-Integrated Models: ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000
- CNC / Motorized: ₹3,50,000 – ₹6,50,000+
Note: Prices are indicative wholesale ranges for guidance. Request a formal quote for current offers, import duties (if any), and bulk discounts.
Maintenance & Care Tips
- Clean optics routinely: Use lens wipes and air blower; avoid touching lenses with bare fingers.
- Keep stage debris-free: Wipe slides; use dust covers when idle.
- Check calibration: Verify DRO and magnification with certified artifacts (e.g., glass scales) every 6–12 months.
- Verify illumination: Maintain LED brightness; replace modules only with approved parts.
- Avoid vibration/heat: Install on solid benches; use a voltage stabilizer/UPS for electronics.
- Document results: Use data export for traceability and trend monitoring.
- Established Expertise: Serving Indian industry since 2008 across metrology and automation categories.
- Wholesale Advantage: Competitive pricing for dealers, traders, and OEMs with bulk-ready stock.
- Application Support: Lens selection, fixturing guidance, overlay/graticule recommendations.
- Calibration & Training: Installation, on-site training, and periodic recalibration services.
- Complementary Portfolio: Upgrade pathways to VMM, CMM, laser marking automation, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which magnification should I choose?
Start with 10× and 20× for general contour/diameter checks. Add 50×/100× for small radii, thread roots, and micro-features. Many users keep a 3- or 4-lens kit ready and swap based on job needs.
Q2. When do I need a horizontal projector?
Choose horizontal for long components (shafts, axles, gears) mounted between centers or on V-blocks; it provides better clearance and fixturing options than vertical systems.
Q3. Can I export measurement data?
Yes. Digital models support USB/RS-232/Ethernet outputs; camera-enabled versions also generate on-screen reports and SPC datasets for audits and traceability.
Q4. How accurate are digital profile projectors?
Under controlled conditions, typical accuracy is within a few microns (model-dependent). Use proper calibration artifacts and keep optics/stage clean to maintain repeatability.
Q5. Do you provide installation and training?
Yes. As an Exporter and Wholesale Supplier, we coordinate installation, operator training, and ongoing calibration services through our technical team and partner network.
Order & Contact
For wholesale enquiries, dealer pricing, or to schedule a live demo, share your part drawings, tolerance requirements, and expected throughput. Our team will recommend a suitable Digital Profile Projector configuration—screen size, magnification set, stage travel, and software—aligned to your quality and budget goals.
Summary
RB Metrology offers a wide range of Digital Profile Projectors—from compact benchtop DRO models to camera-equipped and CNC motorized systems—covering precision 2D measurement needs across automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, and toolroom applications. With our 2008 legacy in exports and wholesale supply across India, we deliver reliable quality, strong application support, and competitive pricing. Whether you need quick silhouette checks or automated batch inspection with SPC, we have the right optical comparator solution for your shop-floor and QA lab.