The camera picks the edge, so the operator doesn't
Sub-pixel edge detection finds each edge in the image and fits the feature to it. Two operators loading the same part get the same result, because neither of them decides where the edge is.
Camera-based measurement, automatic edge detection, pass/fail reports
Fowler Baty vision systems. The camera finds the edge. The software writes the report.
A tray of stampings waits at first-article while someone measures each one with calipers and types the numbers into a spreadsheet. A vision system measures from a camera image, finds every edge itself and checks it against the tolerance, so the result is the same whoever loaded the part. Up to a thousand parts measured in one pass, in seconds.
Fowler Baty Venture FV vision system
Getting familiar with vision systems...
01 / Learn
Figure out which vision system fits your parts
Answer three questions about the parts and what you need to measure. You'll get a starting model.
Start the fit guide →02 / AskTalk it through with an application engineer
Describe the part, the features and the tolerance. Our application engineers love to solve tricky inspection challenges. Shoot us an email with and a copy of the drawing and our team will find the best solution for the best value.
Ask an engineer →03 / Prove itWatch your own parts get measured
Send us a sample part and the print/drawing. We measure them on the system we think is the best fit... and you can join in on a video call to watch how it's done (and see the results).
Request a part demo →Why a vision system?
The edge is found by the software, not by whoever is on shift.
Calipers and comparators depend on someone lining up on an edge, and two people line up a little differently. Every reading then has to be written down or typed in before anyone can act on it. While a lot sits at inspection waiting for that, the machine keeps cutting parts nobody has checked.
Measure what's in the field of view from one image
On the Velo and Venture FV, every programmed edge inside the field of view is measured from a single image, whether there's one part on the stage or a full tray.
The report is done when the measurement is
Results go to an Excel-compatible report with pass/fail on each dimension, a dimensioned image of the part and process capability (Cp and Cpk). Nobody retypes a number.
Two kinds of vision system
Flash measurement for batches. CNC for features the camera has to go find.
Both measure from a camera image with automatic edge detection. They differ in how the camera gets to the feature.
Velo, Venture FV and Venture FH
A large telecentric lens sees the whole field at once, Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) on most models. Put one part or a tray of parts anywhere in the field, press measure, and every programmed dimension comes back with pass/fail. Built for small parts in volume: stampings, fasteners, molded parts, seals and turned parts.
Venture XT CNC
A 6.5:1 zoom lens on a 3-axis CNC stage moves to each feature, changing magnification and focus as programmed, and a touch probe adds points the camera can't see. You measure the first part once and the system writes the program from it. Built for parts with features on several levels, small features that need high magnification, and 3D points.
What you can measure
Small parts in volume, parts with features on several levels, and anything that changes shape when you touch it.
A vision system is perfect for when the same features get checked on a lot batch of parts, or when the part is too small or too soft to put a gage on it
01↗
Stampings and flat parts
Hole positions, slots and profiles on stampings, gaskets and brackets.
02↗
Fasteners and threads
Head details, shank diameters and thread form, viewed from the side on the FH.
03↗
Turned parts
Diameters, lengths, shoulders and chamfers on shafts and pins.
04↗
Plastic and rubber parts
Seals, O-rings and moldings measured with no contact force.
05↗
Gears and springs
Dedicated software functions for gears, threads, O-rings and springs.
06↗
Implants and micro parts
Bone screws, implants and micro tools in the high-magnification field.
07↗
Height, flatness and thickness
With the confocal probe or the XT CNC touch probe, transparent parts included.
08↗
Round parts all the way around
Roundness, concentricity and runout with the rotary axis or the FH-1080AF.
Fit guide
Which vision system fits your parts? Three questions.
1. Helps pick the kind of system 2. The the size. 3. Needs beyond the outline.
1
How do you need to measure?
2
How big are the parts, and how do they sit?
Pick an answer above first.
3
Beyond the outline, what else do you need?
The lineup
Four flash systems, two CNC systems.
Velo, Venture FV and Venture FH measure everything in the field at once. The Venture XT CNC moves the camera and probe to each feature.
FLASH MEASUREMENT (Vertical)
Fowler Baty Velo
Built for repeat inspection of simple parts, in a compact bench unit that moves between cells. Fixed Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) field, ±0.00012″ (±3 µm).
Ask about the Velo →
FLASH MEASUREMENT (Vertical)
Fowler Baty Venture FV benchtop
Built for batches of small parts and parts bigger than one field, on fixed or CNC stages up to 11.8″ × 8.3″ (300 × 210 mm). Seven models, single or dual field.
Compare the FV models →
FLASH MEASUREMENT (Vertical)
Fowler Baty Venture FV-5040
Built for large parts and large batches, on a floor-standing granite base with a 19.7″ × 15.7″ × 9.8″ (500 × 400 × 250 mm) range. Single or dual field.
Ask about the FV-5040 →
FLASH MEASUREMENT (horizontal)
Fowler Baty Venture FH
Built for fasteners, pins, connectors and tools viewed from the side, on a fixed or CNC rotating stage. Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) field.
Ask about the Venture FH →
CNC VISION (Vertical)
Fowler Baty Venture XT 2510 CNC
Built for smaller parts with 3D features, with 6.5:1 CNC zoom and a TP20 touch probe option. 9.8″ × 4.6″ × 5.9″ (250 × 118 × 150 mm) travel.
Explore XT 2510 configurations →
CNC VISION (Vertical)
Fowler Baty Venture XT 3030 CNC
Built for larger parts and fixtures holding several parts, with TP20 or SP25 probe options. 11.8″ × 11.8″ × 7.9″ (300 × 300 × 200 mm) travel.
Explore XT 3030 configurations →Specifications
Side by side, for those who love numbers.
| Model | Velo FV-1080V | Venture FV benchtop | Venture FV-5040 | Venture FH | Venture XT 2510 CNC | Venture XT 3030 CNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Flash, fixed field | Flash, single or dual field | Flash, single or dual field | Flash, horizontal light path | CNC zoom optics with touch probe | CNC zoom optics with touch probe |
| Platform | Compact benchtop | Benchtop, fixed or CNC stage | Floor-standing, granite base | Benchtop, fixed or CNC rotating stage | 3-axis CNC, joystick and touchscreen | 3-axis CNC, joystick and touchscreen |
| Measuring range | Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm), one field | Up to 11.8″ × 8.3″ (300 × 210 mm) | 19.7″ × 15.7″ × 9.8″ (500 × 400 × 250 mm) | Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm), one field | 9.8″ × 4.6″ × 5.9″ (250 × 118 × 150 mm) | 11.8″ × 11.8″ × 7.9″ (300 × 300 × 200 mm) |
| Field of view | Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) | Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) or Ø5.9″ × 4.3″ (Ø150 × 110 mm); see the model table | 3.6″ × 2.4″ (92 × 62 mm); dual field adds 0.79″ × 0.59″ (20 × 15 mm) | Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) | 6.5:1 CNC zoom | 6.5:1 CNC zoom |
| Accuracy in the field | ±0.00012″ (±3 µm) | ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) large field, ±0.00004″ (±1 µm) small field, on Ø100 mm models | ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) large field, ±0.00004″ (±1 µm) small field | ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) | Ask us | Ask us |
| Repeatability | ±0.00004″ (±1 µm) | Ask us | Ask us | ±0.00004″ (±1 µm) | Ask us | Ask us |
| Scale resolution | Ask us | Ask us | Ask us | Ask us | 0.00002″ (0.5 µm) | 0.00002″ (0.5 µm) |
| Camera | 20 megapixel | 12 or 20 megapixel by model | 12 or 20 megapixel | 20 megapixel | High-resolution color camera | High-resolution color camera |
| Profile light | Telecentric green LED | Telecentric LED | Telecentric white LED | Telecentric LED | Collimated under-stage light | Collimated under-stage light |
| Surface light | White LED ring | 4-zone white LED ring, motorized green ring, optional coaxial | 4-zone white LED ring, motorized green ring, optional coaxial | High-angle LED ring on the FH-1080AF | Programmable 64-LED ring, coaxial | Programmable 64-LED ring, coaxial |
| Focus | Autofocus | Motorized autofocus | Motorized autofocus | Autofocus on the FH-1080AF, 2.2″ (55 mm) travel | CNC autofocus | CNC autofocus |
| Probe and rotary options | Ask us | Confocal probe (FV-3020), rotary axis | Confocal probe, rotary axis | CNC rotating stage (FH-1080AF) | TP20 touch probe | TP20 or SP25 touch probe, probe changer rack |
| Software | Ask us | Fusion FV | Fusion FV | Fusion FV | Fusion 3D (MK4) | Fusion 3D (MK4) |
| Size and weight | 17.9″ × 8.5″ × 26.0″, 60 lb (455 × 215 × 660 mm, 27 kg) | Ask us | Ask us | 31.1″ × 9.1″ × 15.2″, 60 lb (790 × 230 × 385 mm, 27 kg) | Ask us | Ask us |
| Max part load | 6.6 lb (3 kg) | Ask us | Ask us | 6.6 lb (3 kg) | Ask us | Ask us |
Published Baty specifications. Flash system accuracy is within the field of view; accuracy across the full stage for each Venture FV model is in the next table.
Venture FV models
Comparing the FV Models
Fixed-stage models measure within one field. CNC stage models stitch images across the stage. Dual-field models add a second, higher-magnification view.
| Model | FV-1080 | FV-1080D | FV-1511 | FV-2020 | FV-2113P | FV-3020 | FV-3021 | FV-5040 | FV-5040D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | CNC | High-precision CNC | CNC | CNC | CNC, floor-standing | CNC, floor-standing |
| Fields | Single | Dual | Dual, large lens | Dual | Dual | Dual | Dual, large lens | Single | Dual |
| Measuring range, large field | One field | One field | One field | 7.9″ × 7.9″ (200 × 200 mm) | 8.3″ × 5.1″ (210 × 130 mm) | 11.8″ × 7.9″ (300 × 200 mm) | 11.8″ × 8.3″ (300 × 210 mm), R75 corners | 19.7″ × 15.7″ (500 × 400 mm) | 19.7″ × 15.7″ (500 × 400 mm) |
| Measuring range, small field | n/a | One field | One field | 5.1″ × 5.1″ (130 × 130 mm) | 7.9″ × 3.9″ (200 × 100 mm) | 9.1″ × 5.1″ (230 × 130 mm) | 7.9″ × 5.3″ (200 × 135 mm) | n/a | 16.9″ × 13.8″ (430 × 350 mm) |
| Large field of view | Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) | Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) | Ø5.9″ × 4.3″ (Ø150 × 110 mm) | Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) | 0.98″ × 0.67″ (25 × 17 mm) | Ø3.9″ × 3.1″ (Ø100 × 80 mm) | Ø5.9″ × 4.3″ (Ø150 × 110 mm) | 3.6″ × 2.4″ (92 × 62 mm) | 3.6″ × 2.4″ (92 × 62 mm) |
| Small field of view | n/a | 0.79″ × 0.63″ (20 × 16 mm) | 1.97″ × 1.38″ (50 × 35 mm) | 0.79″ × 0.63″ (20 × 16 mm) | 0.31″ × 0.20″ (8 × 5 mm) | 0.98″ × 0.79″ (25 × 20 mm) | 1.97″ × 1.38″ (50 × 35 mm) | n/a | 0.79″ × 0.59″ (20 × 15 mm) |
| Accuracy in the field, large | ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) | ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) | ±0.0002″ (±5 µm) | ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) | ±0.00008″ (±2 µm) | ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) | ±0.0002″ (±5 µm) | ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) | ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) |
| Accuracy in the field, small | n/a | ±0.00004″ (±1 µm) | ±0.00008″ (±2 µm) | ±0.00004″ (±1 µm) | ±0.00003″ (±0.7 µm) | ±0.00004″ (±1 µm) | ±0.00008″ (±2 µm) | n/a | ±0.00004″ (±1 µm) |
| Accuracy across the stage, large field | n/a | n/a | n/a | ±(5 + L/50) µm | ±(4 + L/50) µm | ±(5 + L/50) µm | ±(7 + L/50) µm | ±(5 + L/200) µm | ±(5 + L/200) µm |
| Accuracy across the stage, small field | n/a | n/a | n/a | ±(3 + L/50) µm | ±(2.7 + L/50) µm | ±(3 + L/50) µm | ±(4 + L/50) µm | n/a | ±(3 + L/200) µm |
Published Baty specifications. L is the measured length in mm. The confocal probe is offered on the FV-3020 and FV-5040.
What happens before the data starts flowing
A vision measurement is only as good as the image under it: whether the lens distorts the edge, how the light hits it, and whether the software knows which part it's looking at.
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Telecentric optics
The lens collects light running parallel to its axis, so an edge measures the same size in the corner of the field as in the center, and a part sitting slightly high doesn't read large.
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Programmable lighting
Profile light from below and segmented ring lights at several angles from above. The program stores which light each feature needs, so faint edges and chamfers light up the same way every run.
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Part recognition and OCR
On the Venture FV, the software recognizes which part is on the stage and loads its program, whatever the orientation. Character recognition reads the part number on each piece and files the results against it.
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Program from CAD
Import the .dwg with its dimensions and tolerances and the inspection is built before the first part is made.
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Confocal probe and rotary axis
Options on the Venture FV. The confocal probe measures height, flatness and thickness without contact. The rotary axis turns round parts between images.
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Teach and repeat on the XT CNC
Measure the first part once and the XT writes the CNC program, zoom and focus changes included. Touch probe points and camera points combine in one inspection.
Venture FV optics and lighting
From a tray of parts to a filed report, without typing a number.
This is how a run goes on the Venture FV. On the Venture XT CNC, the run is a stored program the machine plays back.
Put the parts down
Place one part or a batch anywhere in the field. The software doesn't need them lined up.
The software picks the program
Automatic part recognition matches each part to its stored inspection, and character recognition reads its part number.
Every edge in the image
Edge detection measures every programmed dimension on every part, each under the lighting it was programmed with. On CNC stage models, parts bigger than the field get stitched images.
Pass, fail or grade
Each part shows pass or fail on screen. Part grading sorts parts into size classes for matched assembly.
The report files itself
Single-part reports with a dimensioned image, batch reports listed by part number, and SPC with Cp and Cpk, saved as Excel-compatible files where you tell it.
Talk to Fowler
Bring us a part (or parts) and we'll show you what a vision system can do .
Most vision system questions get answered fastest with parts in hand. If you can't send any yet, send us a drawing and we'll 3D print a prototype part and our application engineers will take it from there.
1
Tell us about the parts
The print, the CAD file, the features you can't measure well today, the tolerance, and how many parts you check per shift.
2
Send samples, or watch live
Ship sample parts to Fowler in Canton, Massachusetts, and schedule a live video session with the parts on the stage.
3
Get the results and a recommendation
You get the measurement results from your own parts and the model, optics and options we'd quote for them.
Requests go to the Fowler application engineer who covers your state. Prefer the phone? Call (800) 788-2353.
Tell us about the parts, the features that are tricky and how you want to see them measured. An application engineer will get back to you with a plan and and schedule a time for a live video demo
From the fit guide:
Vision system FAQs
Flash systems (Velo, Venture FV and Venture FH) measure everything inside a large field of view from one image, which suits batches of small parts and repeat inspection. The Venture XT CNC moves a zoom lens and touch probe to each feature, which suits parts with features on several levels, small features that need high magnification, and 3D points. If your parts could go either way, send one and we'll show you both.
A single-field Venture FV has one large view of the stage. A dual-field model adds a second, higher-magnification view for small features, with tighter accuracy in that view: ±0.00004″ (±1 µm) against ±0.00011″ (±2.8 µm) in the large field on the Ø100 mm models.
A telecentric lens collects only light that runs parallel to the lens axis, so the image doesn't grow or shrink when the part sits a little higher or lower, and an edge near the corner of the field measures the same as one in the center. That's what lets a flash system measure a whole tray from one image.
Yes, on the CNC stage models. The Venture FV-2020, FV-2113P, FV-3020, FV-3021 and FV-5040 move the stage and stitch images together across the measuring range. The Velo and the fixed-stage FV models measure within one field. The Venture XT CNC moves to each feature, so the limit is its travel.
A camera measures in the plane of the image. For heights, depths, flatness and thickness, the Venture FV-3020 and FV-5040 take the optional confocal probe, which also measures transparent parts, and the Venture XT CNC takes a TP20 or SP25 touch probe.
A comparator puts the magnified shadow on a screen in front of the operator, which suits profile work like threads, radii and form tools where seeing the whole outline helps. A vision system measures from a camera image under a stored program and writes the report, which suits repeat runs of many features. If you're weighing both, an application engineer can walk you through them with your part.
Yes. Send sample parts and the print, and we'll measure them on the system you're considering and send back the results with a recommended setup.
Not sure where to start? Start with the part.
Prove it
Request a part demo
Send samples and the print. You get the results from your own parts.
Request a demo →AskTalk to an application engineer
Describe the job and get a recommendation from the engineer who covers your region.
Ask an engineer →LearnGet the brochure
Every model, option and accessory, with full specs.
Open the vision system brochure →