USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
(OP)
Does anyone have one of these?
I am looking for some input regarding to magnification, lighting, easy-to-use tripod (or other pedestal), ...
It would be used for getting digital photos for reports of welding analysis.
a quick google search came up with this, which looks like it would do the job...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swo3Wo7nzUg
any thoughts/suggestions/ things to look out for?
all input much appreciated!
I am looking for some input regarding to magnification, lighting, easy-to-use tripod (or other pedestal), ...
It would be used for getting digital photos for reports of welding analysis.
a quick google search came up with this, which looks like it would do the job...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swo3Wo7nzUg
any thoughts/suggestions/ things to look out for?
all input much appreciated!





RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
Stupidity is the basic building block of the universe. F.Z.
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
I have been fighting with this thing for several years, taking lousy pictures. Got some images back from a customer this week that just blew me away. They have a Keyence VHX-600. I'm sure it costs a boatload.
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The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
@ dgallup: same question for the $300 one ?
a quick search informed me that a VHX-600 costs $32.500, let's say I'm more interested for one in the $100 - $300 price range
If they are worthless for making good, focused pics of a shiney piece of steel, it would be a shame for throwing money at them. And when buying on-line, there's not really an option for trying out a few... Hence my questions.
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
What type of analysis regarding welding? General locations of the weld and heat affected zone sizes? Maybe. If you are looking to characterize the microstructure, you need a portable microscope below
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RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
but it goes as follows: destructive testing, where you take a cross section of a weld, you grind and polish it which is followed by etching with a solution of nitric acid.
I'd like to put a visual "proof" of this testing in digital from in reports.
It isn't really a "true" microscope, you've got a point. That is the search term though when you google it... my mistake.
It ideally would produce pictures as the one in attachment (preferably a bit more magnification).
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
http://
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
Capital at this moment limits my choices to a few $100 .
Hence I was hoping for something that is more or less decent bang for the buck. I can always upgrade later.
I appreciate your opinion however, I should have made my point more clearer in the opening post.
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
My recommendation is to subcontract with one or more labs and have them do this activity if you intend to do consulting. If a resouce can do an activity faster and more efficient than you, work with them. Trying to do one-stop shopping in-house is risky.
At this point, I plan on finally retiring in July, and have already established contacts and a model for consulting.
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
I do understand your concerns, I plan on further learning the ropes from a local (on national level) authority and I know the value of collaborating with specialised firms (like placing and analysing strain gauges on bridges and such).
I gotta say, it's one of the gadgets I would like to have, I'm quite sure in a few years it'll be the favourite toy of my kids, and it'll come in handy any time of the day so I'll probably buy one just for the fun of it.
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
The problem is the people marketing this stuff don't know the difference, and neither do many of their clients, so I suspect there are many discarded units sitting in drawers in testing labs.
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
I hope you are not retiring from eng-tips! My consulting work could suffer!
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
I am focusing (pun intended) now on a second hand inverted microscope from a reputable brand.
I have a rather large network, I'll spread the question at all the firms I come in contact with. If nothing comes up in the next few months, I'll have to reconsider my "wanted"-list.
But I'll take your advice and save up for something that is more worth the money than that. But downside is, microscopes (trinocular) is a rather large $-step up if I want something that is capable of making digital pictures (and from a reputable brand)...
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
I face the same problem in my business, and (so far) I employ a met lab on an as-needed basis.
Your best option may be a cheap Indian- or China-made knock-off of a quality US or European 'scope.
RE: USB Microscope for checking etched steel samples?
They seem interesting (according to their website: These carefully crafted microscopes are made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus.)
However the reviews on the web are mostly very good but some very bad, and I feel it's too far away to take that chance. (If something goes wrong, I can't really hop over to clear things out...)
I'll see firstly locally for a good second hand 'scope, I'm not in a rush...
btw, a meth lab? Oh, I'm sorry, I read that wrong