Anyone working in a quality control department knows that inspecting a small part can sometimes be more challenging than producing it. It’s not just about being accurate—it also needs to be fast and repeatable across dozens or even hundreds of batches. That’s where the profile projector comes in.
Though not a new technology, the profile projector is still widely used in modern manufacturing for precise 2D measurement. Whether you're in plastics, metal parts, mold making, or electronics, if you're dealing with small, complex geometries, this classic tool remains a solid choice.
This article takes a closer look at the vertical profile projector from JATEN, exploring its practical features, optical performance, software integration, and real-world applications.
What Can a Profile Projector Do?
At its core, a profile projector magnifies the contour of a workpiece onto a screen or camera, allowing for dimensional comparison or measurement. It’s a non-contact, high-magnification, and intuitive tool, ideal for:
Plastic components with small clips or snaps
Stamped or machined metal parts
Tiny electronic connectors or PCB features
Mold inserts or cutting tools
JATEN’s vertical profile projector is specifically designed for repetitive inspections of small parts on production lines or in QC labs.
Easier to Use: Dual Operation Modes
Traditionally, profile projectors are adjusted manually. But JATEN’s system supports both mouse + keyboard and touchscreen operation, which suits modern user habits.
The built-in, self-developed measurement software simplifies tasks like auto focus, edge recognition, dimension calculation, and data export. Results can be exported in Excel or Txt formats, making it easy to integrate with ERP or MES systems.
Smarter Structure: Z-Axis Lens Movement
One key improvement is the Z-axis movement of the lens, instead of raising or lowering the stage. This design enhances stability during height adjustments and offers several benefits:
Higher load capacity on the stage—suitable for heavier workpieces
Improved repeatability during measurements (±2μm)
Enables auto focus between different height layers of a part
This seemingly small change makes a big difference in measurement precision and repeatability.
Clearer Imaging with Optical Zoom
Equipped with a 1/3" color CCD camera and a 0.7X–4.5X zoom lens, this projector offers video magnification from 30X to 230X and an object field of 7mm to 1.1mm.
Lighting is handled by adjustable LED surface and transmitted light sources, ensuring uniform brightness and long lifespan. Lighting options allow for:
Transmitted light: Ideal for transparent or semi-transparent items like O-rings and thin films
Surface light: Best for opaque objects like metal edges or molded plastic features
Trusted Accuracy for Daily QC Tasks
With a repeatable accuracy of ±2μm, this projector is well-suited for batch inspections.
For example, a plastics factory uses it to check the snap-fit areas of smartphone housing parts. Using the auto focus function, they quickly identify dimension differences between layers. Measurement speed increased by 40%, and operator fatigue was reduced.
In another case, a cutting tool manufacturer used it to inspect blade angles and edge finish. Combined with the high magnification and LED lighting, they were able to spot minor burrs and ensure tool consistency.
Safety and Maintenance
The projector uses cool, low-voltage LED lighting, eliminating the risk of burns associated with older halogen systems. The lens and optics are protected by a dust-resistant design, and the software includes safeguards to prevent incorrect operations.
With regular cleaning and basic maintenance, measurement accuracy can be maintained over the long term.
Summary: A Simple but Powerful Tool
Profile projectors might seem old-school, but they remain incredibly effective—especially when upgraded with better optics, improved mechanics, and modern software like in JATEN’s model.
If your parts are small, relatively flat, and require high precision, this is a tool that delivers results. It's reliable, efficient, and easy to use, even in high-throughput environments.