The video measuring machine may seem highly precise, but it actually involves more intricacies than most people imagine. When I first started, I thought achieving high single-measurement accuracy was enough. However, practical operation quickly taught me that repeatability is the key. For example, when I was measuring the tip diameter of micro gears on the lab bench using a high-magnification microscope with a precision CCD camera, a single measurement could be very accurate. Yet, when measuring several similar parts consecutively, the results often fluctuated. I later realized that even slight changes in light intensity, inconsistent focusing, or minor differences in measurement paths could lead to inconsistent data. That’s when I truly understood that high precision without repeatability has limited value.
From my years of measurement experience, I’ve found that hardware stability is crucial. Granite bases and gantry structures are not decorative—they reduce errors caused by vibration and thermal expansion. I personally adjusted different machines and noticed that replacing them with high-rigidity frames made measurement results significantly more stable. Precision guide rails and high-resolution scales ensure accurate positioning and minimal mechanical drift. Optical components are also important: high-resolution lenses and sensors provide clear imaging, making edge recognition more reliable. In the past, using lower-resolution lenses often caused repeated measurements of the same part to vary significantly, while higher-resolution lenses minimized those differences.
Software algorithms are another daily concern. Sub-pixel edge detection and fitting algorithms help capture subtle dimensional differences and reduce pixel quantization errors. Features like autofocus, continuous zoom, and auto-exposure are used frequently in my measurements, ensuring consistent conditions and minimizing operator variation. I often measure several similar parts consecutively; after adjusting the measurement programs, data stability improved greatly. Batch measurement programs and standardized measurement paths are critical for repeatability. From personal experience, even the sequence of measuring identical parts can affect the results.
Standardized measurement procedures are also something I value deeply. I consistently place samples in the same way, maintain uniform light intensity and angle, and ensure even minor deviations don’t affect edge recognition. Environmental factors shouldn’t be ignored—temperature, humidity, or slight tabletop vibrations can introduce variation. When measuring electronic components, I noticed that without temperature control or vibration damping, consecutive measurements fluctuated noticeably.
In summary, accuracy and repeatability are not the same. High single-measurement precision does not guarantee consistent results. Through years of measuring micro gears, precision molds, and electronic components, I’ve come to realize that stable hardware, optimized software, standardized procedures, and controlled environments combined are what ensure both precise and reliable measurements. These seemingly minor adjustments often matter more than any single number and are the key to truly dependable measurement in practice.
This article shares my personal experience in measurement over many years and is provided for technical reference only. Measurement results may vary depending on equipment, environment, and operating conditions.