Optomech Profile Projectors cast a magnified silhouette of your component onto a precision ground glass screen — enabling your quality team to inspect complex profiles, radii, threads, and forms without touching the part. Five models. Vertical and horizontal configurations. Backed by 45 years of metrology expertise.
A profile projector — also called an optical comparator or shadowgraph — uses a precision optical system and a halogen light source to project a magnified shadow image of a component onto a large measurement screen.
The operator can compare the part profile against a reference overlay chart, measure dimensions using digital readout (DRO) encoders, or capture data automatically via integrated metrology software. Unlike touch-based CMMs, profile projectors are non-contact — the part is never scratched or deflected.
They work equally well on opaque and semi-transparent workpieces, making them versatile for diverse manufacturing environments.
A 150W halogen lamp projects a collimated beam of light through (or onto) the workpiece.
A telecentric projection lens captures the shadow and magnifies it 5× to 100× onto the glass screen.
The operator reads XY coordinates from the DRO encoders, or compares against an overlay chart.
With the OP-1000 software, a full dimensional report with pass/fail tolerances is generated automatically.
For compact parts, tool room inspection, and general-purpose quality labs. Three screen sizes — pick the right one for your component range.
Engineered specifically for long, shaft-type, and turned parts. The part axis aligns with the optical axis — enabling full-length thread, lead, and contour inspection without repositioning.
Compare all five models side by side. Need help deciding? Talk to our applications engineers.
| Feature | PP 300TE | PP 400TE | PP 600VE | PP 400H | PP 600H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Vertical | Vertical | Vertical | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Screen Diameter | Ø300 mm | Ø400 mm | Ø600 mm | Ø400 mm | Ø600 mm |
| Stage Traverse | 200×100 | 250×150 | 250×150 | Motorized | 300×600 |
| Best for Long Parts | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓✓ |
| Overlay Chart Use | Good | Good | Best | Good | Best |
| Motorized Stage | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Twin Fibre-optic Surface Light | Option | Option | Option | Standard | Standard |
| Machine Weight | 90 kg | 120 kg | 160 kg | 175 kg | 250 kg |
| Projection Accuracy | ±0.05% | ±0.05% | ±0.05% | ±0.05% | ±0.05% |
| Linear Encoder | 1 µm | 1 µm | 1 µm | 1 µm | 1 µm |
Every Optomech profile projector is paired with a Digital Readout system. Choose the tier that matches your inspection requirements — and upgrade later without replacing the optical instrument.
2-axis or 3-axis LCD readout — direct X and Y coordinate display from linear encoders
Zero-set, absolute / incremental switching, inch–metric toggle
Linear error correction for glass scale calibration
No computer required — self-contained measurement display
All OP-250 features, plus automatic edge detection — eliminates operator-dependent edge identification
Circle measurement, distance functions, angle calculation on-screen
Significantly improves measurement repeatability in repetitive inspection tasks
Optional RS-232 data output to PC or quality system
AutoCAD DXF import — overlay nominal profile onto live projected image
Full geometric measurement: points, lines, circles, arcs, angles, distances
Automated dimensional report with pass/fail, tolerances, GD&T
Reverse engineering: trace actual profile → export as DXF
SPC integration — real-time control charts and trend monitoring
Optomech profile projectors use parfocal telecentric lenses — where the primary optical ray bundle is parallel to the optical axis across the full field of view. The practical benefit: image magnification does not change as the part moves along the Z axis.
This means minor Z-positioning errors do not introduce magnification errors — critical when inspecting parts of varying height or when the operator cannot precisely locate the part at the focal plane.
Available Magnifications:
Each lens is individually calibrated with a NABL-traceable calibration certificate supplied.
Profile (Transmitted) Illumination: 24V / 150W halogen lamp projects a collimated beam through the workpiece, creating a sharp shadow silhouette on the screen. This is the primary mode for all contour measurement — threads, radii, gear teeth, complex forms.
Surface (Reflected) Illumination: Twin fibre-optic conduits direct light directly onto the part surface from both sides. Reveals surface features, steps, holes, and markings that are not visible in silhouette. Standard on PP 400H and PP 600H horizontal models; available as an option on all vertical models.
Tip: For complete inspection of a part that has both external contour features and surface markings or holes, use both illumination modes in sequence — profile light first for dimensional measurement, then switch to surface light to verify feature presence.
Optomech profile projectors accept a comprehensive range of accessories. Configure the instrument for your specific inspection application.
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rotary Table | Enables 360° part rotation for thread lead angle and helix inspection on vertical models. Essential for checking the helix angle of threaded fasteners and worm gear teeth. |
| Tilting Support | Allows the stage to be tilted ±angle for inspecting taper threads and angled surfaces without repositioning the optical column. |
| V-Blocks (Various Sizes) | Prismatic support for cylindrical and shaft-type parts on vertical models. Securely holds round workpieces without clamping, allowing rotation for full-circumference inspection. |
| Live Centres | Precision tailstock and headstock to support long shafts between centres on horizontal models. Essential for accurate shaft alignment and rotation during inspection. |
| Overlay Charts | Transparent printed charts for DIN/ISO thread standards, gear tooth forms, and radius sets — placed over the screen for direct visual comparison against nominal profiles. Available for all standard thread and gear specifications. |
| Vertical Glass Support Plate | Holds thin, flat parts (sheet metal, PCBs, gaskets) upright for horizontal edge-profile inspection when the standard horizontal stage configuration is needed. |
| RS-232 / USB Interface | Data output from OP-500 and OP-1000 to PC or quality management system. Enables direct data logging to SPC software, ERP, or MES. |
| Anti-Vibration Pads | Passive vibration damping mounts for installation on non-isolated floors. Recommended for ground-floor installations near heavy machinery or in shared manufacturing bays. |
Every instrument leaves Hyderabad with a calibration certificate traceable to national standards. Your QMS audit is covered from day one — ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100 compliant.
Manufactured at our 10,000 sq. ft Hyderabad facility. Spares are stocked locally. Service response is hours, not weeks. No import lead times on critical components.
Since 1981, our engineers have installed Profile Projectors across automotive, aerospace, defence, and medical manufacturing. We understand your inspection challenge before you describe it.
Our parfocal telecentric lenses eliminate parallax error and Z-position sensitivity — the two most common sources of measurement uncertainty on inferior optical comparators.
Start with the OP-250 for direct inspection. Upgrade to OP-1000 metrology software when your SPC programme demands more. The optical instrument never changes — only the intelligence layer.
Vertical, horizontal, small screen, large screen — standardise on Optomech across all your profile projection needs. Common accessories, common service, single point of contact.
Talk to our applications engineers about the right model and DRO configuration for your parts and production volume.
Service: Chinthaya · +91-9032364140 · info@optomech.in