Vision Engineering Hawk Duo Dual Optical & Video Measuring Microscope

The Hawk Duo offers two measurement modalities in one system: optical measurement via its patented Dynascope™ eyepiece-less microscope for high contrast, detail-rich viewing (especially useful with difficult-to-view features such as black-on-black, white-on-white, or transparent materials), and video measurement via a high-resolution video camera which is ideal for routine or bulk measurement tasks where feature edges are clearly defined. This dual capability allows users to switch between modes in the same measurement routine, choosing the best tool depending on the feature.

Hawk Duo is available with stage size is 200 × 150 mm. The Z-axis travel is significant to accommodate taller parts; for example, measuring capacity includes Z up to ~ 244 mm in some configurations.

With a 200 × 150 mm measuring stage and under controlled conditions (higher magnification), Hawk Duo can achieve a repeatability of about 2 µm. The system uses high precision encoders (0.5 µm resolution) plus Non-Linear Error Correction (NLEC) on all measuring stages, which helps maintain accuracy across the full travel.

The Hawk Duo supports a range of macro and micro objectives. Some example macro lenses include 1×, 2×, 5×, 10×; micro lenses include higher magnifications. With macro objectives, working distances are long (e.g. 80-90 mm) and field of view is large; at very high magnifications (micro objectives), working distance is shorter and field of view narrower. Iris control is included on macro objectives to adjust depth of field.

It comes with PC-based metrology software (e.g. M3 “Touch2Measure”) that supports multi-touch interaction (pinch/zoom/pan etc.), intuitive controls, and the ability to run programmable measurement routines. There are features for CAD overlay (DXF import/export), digital overlays, thread/wire/profile analysis, edge detection tools for video mode, and reporting tools. The stage options also include factory calibration (NLEC) so results are consistent.

Hawk Duo offers configurable illumination: surface illumination via programmable LED ring lights (often quadrant style for smoother, shadow-reduced lighting); episcopic (through-lens) illumination for bore / detailed / reflective surfaces; sub-stage illumination (backlighting) with iris adjustments for sharper edge definition, especially for translucent or thin parts. Filters or colour contrast aids are also possible via configuration.

The dimensions of a typical Hawk Duo system are approx. 750 mm × 700 mm × 780 mm (W × D × H). It supports varying stage sizes (200 × 150 mm, 300 × 225 mm, up to 400 × 300 mm) depending on configuration. Maximum part load is in the vicinity of ~ 12 kg. Stability (bench/stand), vibration control, and space for comfortable operator posture matter. Also ensure sufficient power and PC interface / monitor space.

• High magnification reduces field of view significantly, which can make measuring very small features on large parts slower.
• The versatility comes at cost; more advanced optics, illumination, CNC stages (if included), and video detection options increase price.
• For extremely reflective, transparent, or low-contrast surfaces, optical mode is powerful, but lighting must be carefully tuned; sometimes a sample prep or coating may be needed for best contrast.
• For large scale automated measurement, throughput depends not only on the microscope but on the software routines, operator proficiency, and measurement planning. Also, switching between modes may incur small overhead in operator time.