VHX Integration
Measure more with your VHX microscope
Have you ever wanted to use your VHX microscope to measure larger parts, automate your process, or combine additional capabilities with the off-the-shelf Keyence unit? Well, we build large format stages and accessories that unlock more power from these already useful microscopes.
Large travel stages
Your parts are big! We build motorized positioning stages with travels between 300 millimeters and 2.5 meters in length.
More automation
Add more to your automated data acquisition process. Reduce the amount of operator interaction and speed up your measurement cycle.
Easy installation
Our equipment is thoughtfully designed to be plug-and-play with the VHX microscope and its controller. Take the easy route this time!
Support
Worried about technical support? Our people, help guides, and how-to videos will make sure your equipment is optimized for your needs.
LF-D
Large Format - Digital Stages
This product is ideal for users requiring larger measurement volumes underneath a digital VHX microscope from Keyence.
Through the use of larger travel motorized stages, a precision motion controller, and an optional software interface this product increases the working area of the microscope.
Have questions? Contact an expert.
Step 1: Choose your capabilities
Option #1
Keyence stage controller
A stepper motor controller from Keyence is used for XY motion
How does it work?
Stepper motor driven stages are commanded to move using the VHX-7000N controller and VK-S1000K stepper motor module. The VHX software and stage controls are used for XY motion. Optional handwheel driven or motorized longer travel Z stage (driven via joystick above).
When would this option be ideal for me?
- The goal is to extend the stage travel while using only Keyence software
- Limited automation is required for image acquisition processes
- No tilt axis is needed
Option #2
Scan automation software control
A software interface is used to jog and program the stages
How does it work?
A software interface (ScanX) is used to communicate between the VHX microscope and the motion controller. The motorized stages can be jogged from this interface and an image acquisition routine can be programmed for automated scanning.
When would this option be ideal for me?
- When automated scanning (teaching, stitching) is required
- When limited operator interaction is valued
- When large area stitching is required
Step 2: Check off important considerations
Your application is unique. It is important to understand what decisions can impact the performance and capability of the equipment you buy.
Do you need a vibration isolation system?
You want to maintain the performance of the microscope over a larger measurement area. We will help you understand your options.
- Larger travel stages tend to show more vibration
- Additional isolation systems are available to counteract vibration
- We will help you measure and understand your floor vibration levels
A report describing how to quantify floor vibration can be found here.
Have you reviewed the technical documentation?
We’ve put the information you need to make your technical decisions into a short catalog.
- Equipment dimensions and footprint information
- Ordering options and descriptions
- Technical specifications and performance information
Have you seen the stages in action?
Take a look at how these stages move. Sometimes it’s more helpful to see the equipment in action more than anything.
- See a 300mm stage in motion
- Watch the optional tilt stage change the viewing angle
- See a brief introduction to ScanX ( scan automation software for VHX)
Do you need a wafer/part chuck?
It is important to hold the surface being imaged stable as the XY stages move. Our customers look to us for their part and wafer holding needs. We supply standard designs and custom manufactured chucks for a variety of part and wafer sizes.
- Hard coated aluminum and porous ceramic designs
- Zone selectable vacuum areas for part size flexibility
- Breadboard mounting plates also available
Software for automated scan control
ScanX handles communications between the Keyence VHX and the larger travel stages’ motion controller. It is also loaded with many useful features to further automate image acquisition routines.
In Partnership With
Enabling features
Motion controller support
Native support for the the external motion controller enables larger and more industrial positioning stages to be used.
Scan setup tools
Program modules, patterns, or load in a table of image positions to direct the stages where to move. Stitching and autofocus are supported.
User tools
Define image file nomenclature, file save location, and use predefined reference marks to align each part before executing an automated scan.
Large area stitching
Stitch areas much larger than the off-the-shelf system from Keyence. Built-in stitching software gives you the flexibility to expand the area captured.
See what VHX features are supported
Demonstration of primary ScanX functions
ScanX is a software user interface that enables the VHX microscope to be used with larger travel positioning systems.
Stage positioning and jogging
Use the jog pad to move the motorized stages. XY comes standard. VT (vertical and tilt) come optional.
Position lists and teaching routines
Use tables to predefine imaging areas to be captured. Reuse the position list for repetitive measurements.
Large area stitching
Specify an image area and overlap % and ScanX will create a stitched image.
More power for more application
ScanX will run on the VHX controller PC, but for memory intensive applications it can be run on its own dedicated PC and monitor. This is ideal for small batch production and intensive R&D applications.
- Larger image file sizes
- Faster image capture times
- Faster image stitching
Additional Resources
Educational articles, white papers, and videos to help you make more informed decisions about your equipment purchases.