Microscopes, Lighting and Optical Inspection

Digital inspection microscopes play a key role in quality control when it comes to medical device manufacturing. Invasive medical devices must meet the highest of standards due to the potential for putting human lives at risk since they are acting as reinforcements in maintaining bodily functions.

The purpose of a digital microscope is to be able to inspect the surface of medical devices so that any defects can be easily detected. They are also used to measure and save data to be recalled whenever needed. Digital microscopes are ideal in this scenario because they offer advanced features making it an efficient, reliable, and precise inspection tool.

Types of Digital Inspection Microscopes

There are various designs of digital inspection microscopes with varying features. Some of these microscopes include the following:

Scienscope Macro SmartCam

The Scienscope Macro SmartCam features Smart Camera technology that captures field of view measurements without the use of a computer. The camera is designed with a version of Linux that performs an inspection & capture and calibration & measurement interface.

Scienscope MAC3 Preconfigured

The Scienscope MAC3 Preconfigured system is a digital/video inspection system with HD video technology and macro video optics. It features HD monitor inspection, high resolution USB camera caption, and annotation configured directly at the camera. This camera features a wide field of view and is ideal for applications that require a long working distance.

Scienscope MACRO 4K

The Scienscope Macro 4K features a wide field of view and is designed for applications requiring long working distances. The Macro 4K is designed for quick and easy imaging and features an ergonomic design. Other features include a Crosshair Generator, Picture in Picture, Digital Zoom, and Versa Cam with built-in SD Card Image and Movie Capture.

Scienscope Macro VersaCam

The Scienscope Macro VersaCam features a magnification that ranges from 5x to 60x with 8 inches of working space. There’s also an Auto Focus Camera for when you move a part in the field of view, the camera automatically brings it into focus.

Scienscope Macro Auto-Focus

The Scienscope Macro Auto-Focus features an adjustable zoom, aperture, and fine focus. It is designed with an extended post stand, a Polarizer which is great for reflective parts, and a high resolution flat screen LCD monitor.

Improving Stent Inspection Using a Digital Microscope

There are several things that can go wrong during the manufacturing process of stents. Some of these include pits, cracks, scratches, and score marks.

When considering a digital microscope for stent inspection there are several things to keep in mind. Some of these include the following:

• The recommended specifications for the camera are Full HD 1080p with 60 frames per second.
• Diffused LED lighting to reduce the reflection on the stent surface.
• A large field of view and magnification range for quick transitions from overview to close-up.
• A rolling stage so that the stent can be rotated and inspected from all sides.
• Measurement software for measurements and annotation.
• Capture to USB or PC to save an image for record keeping or sharing.

Improving Balloon Catheter Inspection Using a Digital Microscope

Just like stents, there are some defects that can occur during the manufacturing of balloon catheters. These include fish eyes, foreign particles, and gel spots. Digital microscopes are ideal for measuring and inspecting balloon catheters.

Here are the things to keep in mind when considering a digital microscope for the inspection of balloon catheters:

• The recommended specifications for the camera are Full HD 1080p with 60 frames per second.
• Polarized lighting that uses polarized interference patterns to detect defects.
• A large field of view and magnification range for quick transitions from overview to close-up.
• A rolling stage so that the stent can be rotated and inspected from all sides.
• Measurement software for measurements and annotation
• Capture to USB or PC to save an image for record keeping or sharing.

Things to Keep in Mind During an Inspection

There are some things to keep in mind during an inspection. An ergonomic design will improve workplace efficiency and increase productivity. High resolution ensures that even the smallest defect can be detected. A high frame rate reduces any lag effect. Built-in encoded calibration tracking eliminates the possibility for human error. A large magnification and field of view range make it quicker and easier to switch between an overview to a close-up so that a problem can be quickly identified. Data that can be saved to external and internal memory can be quickly called up whenever it is needed.

Where to Buy

Lab Pro offers a large variety of chemicals and laboratory supplies. For over 40 years, Lab Pro Inc. has been committed to delivering the highest quality microscopes, chemicals, tweezers, hard-wire cutters, lab supplies, and cleanroom PPE apparel to medical device and electronic manufacturing companies and laboratories worldwide. To learn more, visit the biggest Lab Supply showroom in California, or contact us online at 888-452-2776.