Falcon 5000 Precision Measuring Machine Overview
Vision Engineering's Falcon 5000 is a highly capable, yet compact 3-axis video measurement machine with a powerful PC-based microprocessor, ideal for both simple and complex quality control routines, where advanced data analysis and reporting is required, or where the flexibility of PC software integration is desired for easy file sharing with both customers and colleagues. 

With impressive repeatability and reproducibility, the Falcon will consistently perform, no matter how many operators use the system, making Falcon ideal for a both small or large quality control departments wishing to measure a variety of components.

A CAD import/export function also allows for simplified part programming or reverse engineering applications.

• Highly capable PC-based software with advanced data analysis and reporting
• High repeatable accuracy, value-for-money 3-axis video measuring machine
• ‘Best-in-class’ performance, with advanced capabilities, as standard
• Powerful, intuitive and affordable, delivering accurate results, with confidence
• High resolution indexed zoom optics offer precision and flexibility
• Large field of view for easy sample orientation
• Progressive motorised Z-axis control
• Factory-completed NLEC* and SLEC† calibration

'Best-in-class' performance
Compact with a small footprint, Falcon incorporates many advanced features designed to increase accuracy and simplify operation, delivering performance normally to be found with more expensive machines.

Falcon includes both surface and substage iris aperture control, motorised Z-axis movement, controllable quadrant LED illumination and both high and low magnification lens options as standard. 

* Non Linear Error Correction
† Segmented Linear Error Correction

 

A highly capable video measuring machine.

High specification, with advanced data handling capabilities
Vision Engineering's Falcon 5000 video measuring machine has been designed to provide accurate measurements to engineers who also require advanced data handling capability at their fingertips. Falcon 5000's powerful PC-based metrology software is ideal for more advanced applications, with powerful data processing to simplify complex routines, plus extensive reporting and analysis tools, including part programming, Statistical Process Control (SPC), CAD input/output and advanced image capture, archive and documentation tools.

Falcon 5000 incorporates all the advanced features you will find on the Falcon 300 including:

• Both surface and substage iris aperture control
• Motorised Z-axis movement
• Controllable quadrant LED illumination
• Both high and low magnification lens options

Falcon employs high resolution zoom optics (up to 100x magnification) to provide enhanced component edge definition, with a unique indexed camera iris control allowing depth of field to be reduced, increasing accuracy and repeatability of Z-axis results. A large field of view (13.5mm max.) simplifies component location and orientation.

Key features at a glance.

Camera/Optics

Camera	High resolution colour CCD camera with 5:1 zoom ratio
Camera Iris	5-position indexed camera iris allowing increased Z-axis accuracy and enhanced component edge definition
Standard Magnification	10x - 50x	20x - 100x
Field of View	13.5mm (max.)	6.75mm (max.)
Zoom Indexing	Repeatable 5-position indexed zoom

Measurement

Measuring Stage	150mm x 100mm	150mm x 150mm
NLEC* Stage Calibration	Standard	Standard
X/Y Quick Release	-	Standard
Maximum Stage Load	10kg	15kg
SLEC† Z-Axis Calibration	Standard	Standard
Z-Axis Capacity	125mm	115mm
Z-Axis Control	Progressive motorised Z-axis for fine & rapid movement

Illumination

Surface	Controllable quadrant LED illumination for detection of low-contrast edges with high precision - long-life LEDs with 10,000+ hours illumination
Substage	Controllable LED illumination with 5-position indexed iris, for accurate profile measurement - long-life LEDs with 10,000+ hours illumination

Processor

Part Programming	Simplify difficult or repetitive measurement sequences with an easy-to-use and robust programming interface. The QC5000 software can 'learn' measuring sequences, tolerances and reporting functions for subsequent parts. Import pre-existing part specifications from part programs to eliminate transcription errors.
Geometric Tolerancing	Easy-to-view graphical representation instantly views pass/fail performance details for critical part dimensions
Image Capture	Record and store graphic measurement results of parts, along with dimensions. Integrated tools allow capture, archive and retrieval of data in a variety of formats. Customized reports can be sent to a variety of applications, printers or databases.

* Non Linear Error Correction
† Segmented Linear Error Correction

Falcon utilises a high resolution video camera to provide enhanced component edge definition for fast and simple measurement, with an array of video measurement tools to simplify the measurement process. This ensures the highest possible accuracy of measurement plus consistency of results, no matter how many operators use the system. 

Precision Measuring Stages
Falcon, complete with Vision Engineering's renowned precision measuring stages include factory-completed non-linear error correction (NLEC) calibration as standard to ensure optimum accuracy, traceable to international standards for the purposes of ISO9000. 

Controllable Quadrant LED Illumination
Controllable quadrant LED surface illumination optimises lighting conditions, enhancing edge definition, inclusions and fine scratches, with an indexed substage iris aperture allowing precise edge contrast of profiled and turned parts. 

Fully controllable surface and substage illumination can be programmed as part of a measurement routine, ensuring accurate and repeatable measurements. 

Construction and Ergonomics
Falcon's robust, dynamically engineered design reduces stress points to optimise accuracy. Rugged in construction, the sealed unit has been designed to cope with the demands of a busy production environment.

 

 

Quadra-Chek 5000 PC-based Measuring Software
Quadra-Chek metrology software is the premier system for the measurement and inspection of 2-D and 3-D geometric components, providing a commanding solution to empower operators along every step of the measurement process.

Patented features reduce repetitive measurements and simplify complex work steps, with an intuitive interface plus an array of video measurement tools to simplify the measurement process. QC-5000 features intuitive drag-and-drop data fields, macros and database templates, plus programming and automation tools.

Architecture & Input

Intuitive Displays
The core of QC-5000 is a simple, visual part view window with conventional toolbar to define measurement processes. A consistent, intuitive interface ensures operator accuracy and reduces training time. 

Software Training & Support
Full on-site or off-site training is offered with every installation, which can be tailored to individual requirements. Additional application support is also available for the development of custom routines and processes.

Measurement
Sound and colour cues, with animated "next-step" prompts help to streamline operator action without interrupting workflow.

Intersections & Constructions
Select two or more features to create intersections or constructions. 

Advanced Calculations
Results fields can be customised for special measurement needs and complex calculations by embedding formulas (e.g. automatically calculate area or circumference dimensions with each circle measurement, or perform compound calculations based on coefficients extracted from multiple features).

Programming & Automation

Part Programming
Simplify difficult or repetitive measurement sequences with an easy-to-use and robust programming interface. Programme a measurement sequence once and run it back as often as you need. Measure the same number of points per feature, in the identical sequence, part after part. 

Simplified Program Creation
Turn on the Record function to enable the software to 'learn' measuring sequences, tolerances and reporting functions for subsequent parts. 

CAD File Import
Import pre-existing part specifications from part programs to jumpstart the part programming process and eliminate transcription errors.

Data Management & Output

Part Image Archive
Record and store graphic measurement results of parts, along with dimensions and other information for up-to-date records for convenient, ongoing quality control and archival reference. 

Data Management
Integrated tools allow capture, archive and retrieval of data in a variety of formats and incorporate custom spreadsheets to simplify the management of complex or non-standard calculations. 

Output
Streamline communication among operators, management, departments and quality control teams. Customised reports can be sent to a variety of applications, printers or databases, with the ability to exchange formatted data throughout the company or around the world. 

Tolerance Displays
QC-5000 translates data-intensive reports into informative graphics so operators can quickly see the results of tolerances applied to geometric features. Colour-coded results show green/red for pass/fail. 

Integrated Database
Store, retrieve and manage enormous amounts of measurement data on the shop floor. 

Report Generator
Build high-quality reports with drag-and-drop report templates to simplify data selection and formatting. Save, print or email measurement result reports to team members for review. 

Data Export
Conveniently transfer measurement data to CAD for reverse engineering applications, or to Microsoft applications for enhanced data processing.

 

Falcon 5000
Measurement Uncertainty (X,Y)	Repeatable accuracy in X and Y axes, 4µm or better - Uncertainty formula U952D = 3+(6L/1000)µm where L = length in mm, using controlled conditions
Measurement Uncertainty (Z)	Z-axis accuracy 10µm, using highest available magnification under controlled conditions

Zoom Magnification Range	10x - 50x	20x - 100x
Maximum field of view	13.5mm	6.75mm
Minimum field of view	2.7mm	1.35mm
Working distance	91mm	61mm

Video Camera

High resolution colour CCD camera with 5:1 ratio,  5-position indexed zoom and iris aperture control

Surface Illumination	Quadrant controllable surface illumination provided by 20 x high intensity LEDs (10,000+ hours)
Substage Illumination	Controllable substage illumination provided by 1 x high intensity LED (10,000+ hours)

Stage Capacity (X,Y,Z)	150mm x 150mm x 115mm - (15kg maximum load)
Stage Capacity (X,Y,Z)	150mm x 100mm x 125mm - (10kg maximum load)
Encoder Resolution	X = 1µm     Y = 1µm     Z = 1µm

Power

Power supply: 85 - 264V AC 47/63Hz

System Weight	Falcon with 150mm x 150mm stage 24.5kg
	Falcon with 150mm x 100mm stage 19.0kg