Verifying Specifications for Auto Parts and Components

Digital microscopes are optical microscopes without eyepieces which display the image directly on a monitor [4]. They enable suppliers and manufacturers to do investigation fast and share and communicate findings efficiently with each other, especially when current components are changed or new ones introduced.

They also facilitate the easy documentation of results and creation of reports which can be referred to at a later time if the need arises. Digital microscopes are versatile and can be used for the investigation of diverse materials, from bigger, less sophisticated parts, such as tires and interior panels, to smaller, more complex, multi-component parts like microelectronics [5].

There is also the ability to configure multiple user profiles for the operation of the same digital microscope by several users doing a variety of applications. In addition, standard analysis methods and report templates can be developed for the obtaining of comparable results no matter who does the work. These attributes of a digital microscope allow a very efficient workflow for investigation and documentation [6,7].

Why are investigation and documentation efficient with the DVM6 microscope? For the following reasons:

• Go quickly from an overview to fine detail due to powerful lateral (XY) image stitching and a simple way to change magnification over the entire range  (these videos on overview and mag change demonstrate how easy it is)
• View a part from multiple perspectives thanks to the fast microscope head tilting and sample stage rotation  (to see how it is done, watch the video on tilting and rotation) [7]
• Versatile illumination to see a part’s diverse characteristics using the fully integrated ring and coaxial light [5]
• Do analysis of parts easily with the intuitive software for analysis
• Save time with fast recall of imaging parameters (encoding) using automated tracking and storing
• Users need little training and microscope experience, because of the intuitive microscope operation [7]

Clutch disc

The clutch disc of an automobile was examined with the DVM6. Below are images (going from overview to fine detail and analysis) of the friction surface and the splined hub of the disc.

The table below shows the advantages when doing auto parts investigation and documentation with the DVM6 due to its key features.

The results reported here for investigation of auto parts demonstrate that an efficient workflow can be achieved with the DVM6 digital microscope when confirming auto part specifications. Suppliers of automotive parts and components and auto manufacturers can use the DVM6 to easily check that the parts meet specifications in order to maintain performance and safety standards.

Users can go easily from seeing an overview to fine details and analyzing during documentation and investigation of auto parts with the DVM6 . This efficiency results from a convenient way to: 1) change magnification rapidly over the full range , 2) tilt and rotate , 3) use the versatile, integrated illumination , 4) do analysis with intuitive software , and 5) operate the microscope with little training.

1. Production Part Approval Process
2. Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)
3. German Association of Automotive Industry (VDA)
4. J. DeRose, G. Schlaffer, What You Always Wanted to Know About Digital Microscopy, but Never Got Around to Asking, Science Lab
5. J. DeRose, G. Schlaffer, Digital Microscopy with Versatile Illumination and Various Contrast Methods for More Efficient Inspection and Quality Control: Example applications using the Leica DVM6 with integrated ring light or coaxial illumination system, Science Lab
6. J. DeRose, G. Schlaffer, Work Up to 3X Faster with the Leica DVM6 Digital Microscope
7. Technical specifications, DVM6 Product Page