How to
Imaging coins can be a little tricky to master as the reflective nature of coins can turn capturing a simple picture into a challenging task.
Read more “Helpful Tips for Imaging Coins with a Digital Microscope”
How to
Since 1590, the microscope has been used to examine items with immense detail at a close range. In today’s world, microscopes have countless applications across a variety of industries. They’re often used in the medical and scientific fields, of course, but they’re even utilized in everything from art identification to technological inspection. In today’s post, we’ll be discussing how PCB microscopes are used to improve the physical inspection of printed circuit boards — a pivotal part of just about every electronic gadget we rely on in the modern age.
The manual inspection of printed circuit boards is dependent upon the ability to magnify the components. Traditionally, this would require the use of a standard microscope device. However, those older devices do have their limitations. Microscope cameras, on the other hand, are far more flexible and allow the individual charged with inspecting a PCB to examine the board more freely. While these inspection microscopes can be mounted on stands, they can also move without restraint to zero in on specific board components in a way that’s far less rigid. The magnification power of these microscope cameras is often even more impressive than what the standard alternative can offer, as well. Many models even come with polarizers, which offers even greater image clarity for PCBs. That means an inspector may have the ability to identify an error they might otherwise miss.
Of course, these camera equipped microscopes provide other advantages. Because they also come with image capturing abilities, manufacturers can take high-quality photos and videos of their inspections to reduce future errors and to even train personnel. In addition, the flexibility of these microscope cameras can actually reduce the stress and fatigue experienced by PCB inspectors. Rather than being hunched over a traditional microscope and experiencing bodily strain as a result, this technology can move with the inspector. Since they’re able to make adjustments as needed, they’ll be able to be more productive and more accurate even over long periods of time. Ultimately, that means PCB quality and manufacturer efficiency will both increase.
In the printed circuit board industry, obtaining high levels of accuracy and quality will always prove necessary. In order to accomplish those goals, makers and inspectors deserve to have access to the technology that can make the process that much easier and clearer. To learn more about how our microscope camera equipment can support your needs, please contact Dino Lite today
How to
Traditional microscopes are often used in classroom settings and laboratories whereas digital microscopes may be used at home or in a personal lab. Both microscopes have their advantages and allow you to successfully study a given specimen.
But what exactly is the difference between a traditional and a digital microscope aside from the fact that one can be used with a computer?
Traditional microscopes, also known as optical microscopes, are commonly used to magnify small objects. There have been many attempts to improve the design of the optical microscope to upgrade its resolution.
But the optical microscope still remains fairly simple in design and it’s used everywhere from classrooms to chemistry labs.
What sets the digital microscope apart from the traditional optical microscope is that the digital microscope uses optics and a digital camera.
Using these two things, the microscope outputs an image to the monitor. Sometimes it does this by using computer software, but it isn’t always necessary.
Both digital and optical microscopes are similar when it comes to providing an enlarged view of a specimen. However, the magnification is different depending on which microscope you use.
Optical microscopes magnify the specimen using the ratio of the specimen’s actual size and the size that it appears under the microscope. A digital microscope uses the computer and the monitor while incorporating pixel resolutions, different physical dimensions, and software to resize the image of the specimen.
The digital version is great for speed, convenience, and high-quality images that need to be taken multiple times. The optical microscope is great if you don’t need any of the fancy hardware to get your job done.
For instance, science students in a Middle School classroom may not need to see 3D renditions of a specimen compared to a professional. That said, both microscopes can be great to have on hand and it can be beneficial to use both.
Most animal cells are invisible to the naked eye and can be measured between 0.001 to 0.003 centimeters in diameter. With digital USB microscopes, you can not only observe these cells but also capture images and view them in 3D.
Whether you’re looking for industrial microscopes for your business or USB digital microscopes for your own hobby, Dino-Lite has what you need. To learn more about our digital microscopes and USB digital microscope cameras, contact Dino-Lite today.
How to
A simple piece of jewelry can hold a lot of meaning for its owner, making any damage to the piece very distressing. Luckily, there are plenty of jewelry repair technicians ready to take on the job of restoring a beautiful ring, earring, or necklace to its original luster. In order to do the job well, these technicians need the proper tools.
While the very first microscopes were used to study insects in the 16th century and nicknamed flea glasses, jewelry repair technicians today need them in their daily work. The modern day’s more advanced version is the USB microscope camera, which allows technicians to see pieces of jewelry in extreme detail and store photos and video for later. These three common types of jewelry repair all require a closer look that digital microscope cameras provide.
For many people, a ring is something that they never take off. However, when a ring is constantly on someone’s finger, the prongs can wear and become loose. With loose prongs, the possibility of losing the ring’s precious gemstone increases. Jewelry repair technicians can reverse prong wear by replacing worn prongs, adding metal to the top of a prong to re-tip it, or replacing the prong head. Technicians need the assistance of a USB microscope camera to properly fit the prongs over the crown of the gemstone and ensure that all prongs match in shape, size, and dimension.
Repairing a worn or broken chain may seem like the simplest fix a technician needs to do, but there are many types of chains that make this simple job rather complex. Link chains, including rope and cable chains, and herringbone chains are typically more difficult to repair because of their intricate design. Small or lightweight chains require a careful touch as well and a digital microscope in order to see the minuscule links.
Jewelry repair technicians often have the task of resizing a ring when it is too loose or too tight for the wearer. One way to do this is by cutting and soldering the metal of the ring to adjust the size to the perfect fit. Another option is by placing spring inserts into the ring shanks, adjusting the rink one to two full finger sizes. For slight adjustments, technicians can place sizing beads on the inside of the shank’s bottom, necessitating the use of a USB microscope camera for proper precision.
Most jewelry is made of tiny, precious parts that need to be handled with care. While repair technicians will have the skills to do just that, they need tools like a microscope to magnify the details and make the jewelry look brand new once again.
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Microscope technology has rapidly advanced since the Italian scientist Francesco Stelluti made the first recorded microscopic observations of a bee in 1625. While seeing the microscopic details of this bee may have been the big news of 1625, today’s microscopes can magnify much smaller objects. Digital microscopes take the technology even further with microscope cameras and the integration of USB capabilities. Learn the significance of digital microscopes and you’ll never be one to underestimate their power.
As computers became more compact and precision optical sensors were effectively developed, microscopes were able to enter a digital age. Rather than relying solely on optical lenses, digital microscopes use CCD sensors, also known as charged coupling devices. When outfitted with microscope cameras, digital microscopes incorporate light-sensitive pixels with these sensors to capture images.
These images can be magnified, viewed in real time motion, measured in 2D and 3D, and even displayed as 3D images. By capturing real-time images, users can observe the visual progression of a subject’s life cycle and observe a specimen over an extended period of time.
While the advanced technology allows users to view subjects in real time, it also makes it possible to capture images and look back at them later. This feature is possible through using USB microscope cameras, which can transmit captured images to a computer or through email. The luxury of being able to view microscopic images is extremely important for professionals in a variety of industries. Whether a forensic scientist needs to review evidence or a student needs to study a series of images, the storing capability is essential.
During the time of traditional microscopy, the devices ran at higher costs and were limited to use by professionals. This exclusivity left out those trying to learn and hobbyists in certain fields. The accessibility of digital microscopes has opened to doors of advanced microscopy to students and hobbyists alike, while still benefiting researchers, medical technicians, and manufacturers.
When it comes to conducting research with modern techniques, there is no better tool than a digital microscope. This technology revolutionized the field of microscopy, and it can transform your experience in the field too.
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In Part One of this series, you discovered three classroom lessons that use digital microscopes. These tools are essential for young students to explore the world around them and learn valuable skills in a variety of disciplines. Bring inspection microscopes into your classroom and engage your students in these fun lessons.
Read more “How Digital Microscopes Can Be Used In The Classroom (Part Two)”
How to
When working with a microscope, taking a picture and working with a sample can prove difficult at times!
This article goes over easy and complex ways to take images with your Dino-Lite USB digital microscope.
Read more “How Can I Take Pictures With a Digital Microscope?”
How to
Looking at a specimen can sometimes require multiple magnification levels, and sometimes even multiple cameras.
Whether you are looking at your sample for inspection, cataloging, or for fun, consider looking at your sample in different ways! Experiment with different angles and lighting. With a digital microscope, you can also experiment with different magnification levels.
Read more “Techniques for Macro to Micro Digital Photography”
Applications
Portability is a huge factor for many users, especially when fieldwork in involved. With a portable digital microscope set-up, taking petrographic samples can be done easily and quickly in the lab as well as the field.
Read more “USB Microscope in the Field as a Petrographic Set-Up”
Events
Portable dermatology microscopes are suitable for rapid, detailed images of the skin, that can be stored, edited or analyzed. This allows professionals to work more efficiently and makes DermaScopes ideal for quick scans, screening or pre-screening of potential patients. Read more “Digital Microscopy for Dermatology”
