DIGIMICRO

MH-15M
User's Manual﻿
Thank you for purchasing the Nikon DIGIMICRO MH-15M.
Read thoroughly this user's manual before starting operation to be sure of getting optimum performanceand longer service life from the unit.
• Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without permission of Nikon is prohibited.
• The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
• This manual has been prepared with great care. If you have any questions or comments, or find any errors,
please contact your local Nikon representative.
• When you use the product in combination with peripheral devices, read the relevant user's manuals.
• This manual and the Nikon product(s) (hereinafter “the product(s)”), including technologies and software,
described in this manual are under export restriction. The export of this manual and the product is controlled
by the Japanese Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and international export control regimes. They
shall not be exported without authorization from the appropriate governmental authorities.

2nd Edition January 2023 eniAbout WARNING and CAUTION symbols used in the manual

1

About WARNING and CAUTION symbols used in the manual

Nikon products are designed with full consideration of safety. However, improper use or failure to observe
precautions may result in injury or damage to property. Thoroughly read this user's manual before you use theproduct, and use the product appropriately. We recommend that you download or bookmark the manual so thatyou can refer to it whenever necessary.
This manual uses the following symbols to highlight what requires special attention for safety. Be sure to follow
the instructions with those symbols.

SymbolDescription

WARNING

Failure to follow the instructions may result in death or a serious injury.

CAUTION

Failure to follow the instructions may result in injury or property damage.

2nd Edition January 2023 enii

WARNINGWARNING
1.

Purpose of Using the ProductThis product is precision measuring equipment. Do not use the product for any purposes other thanits intended use.

2.

Do Not Disassemble or Modify
Do not disassemble or modify the product. Such actions may cause a malfunction and/or electricalshock. If you notice an abnormality, contact your local Nikon representative.

3.

Do Not Splash Water or Allow Foreign Matter to Enter the ProductTo prevent the product from a failure or abnormal heat generated by a short circuit, never wet the
product or any devices used with it or allow them to be contaminated by foreign matter. If they should
get wet or foreign matter such as a piece of paper should get inside the product or peripheraldevices, immediately turn off their power supplies, and then remove the AC power cord of the AC
adapter. Avoid operating the product in this condition and contact your local Nikon representative.

4.

Do Not Excessively Bend or Twist the Cables
Do not excessively bend or twist the cables. Such actions may damage the cables, causing an
ignition or fire.

CAUTION1.

 urn the Power of the Peripheral Devices OFF before Installation or Cable Connection/
T
Disconnection
To prevent any failure or malfunction, always turn off the power of the peripheral devices when
installing the product or connecting or removing the cables.

2.

Precautions for Installation and Storage• Be careful not to get your fingers or hands pinched.
• This product is precision equipment. In order to prevent any failure and maintain accuracy, always
handle the product with sufficient care and avoid applying a shock or strong vibrations.
• If the product is not to be used for a long time, turn off the power switches of the peripheraldevices and remove the AC power cord of the AC adapter from the outlet.

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Notes on the use of the product1

Notes on the use of the productHandle with care
• This product is precision measuring equipment. Handle the product carefully to avoid applying excessive
force or shock.
• To make a continuous measurement with the product connected to an automated machine, secure the tip of
the spindle to the surface to be measured, where care should be taken not to allow radial load in excess ofthe specified value to apply to the spindle.
• Avoid tracing the surface to be measured with the use of only measuring force generated by the product.
• Contaminated spindle may cause a malfunction. Wipe the dirty spindle with a dry cloth. Furthermore, apply asmall amount of lubricant (turbine oil equivalent to SAE#20) regularly.

Installation
Install the product in a stable, vibration-free place. Do not install the product near direct sunlight, in anexcessively dusty environment, or in a place subject to extreme temperature change. Do not use the product inan environment that exceeds the operating temperature range (0°C to 40°C).

Disposal
When disposing of the product, follow the laws and regulations of your country or region.

2nd Edition January 2023 eniv

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
About WARNING and CAUTION symbols used in the manual...................................

ii

WARNING.............................................................................................................. iii
CAUTION............................................................................................................... iii
Notes on the use of the product.................................................................................. iv
1

Names and Functions of Components....................................................................................................... 1

2

System Configuration................................................................................................................................. 1

3

Methods of Use.......................................................................................................................................... 2
3.1

Securing the DIGIMICRO................................................................................................................ 2

3.2

Connecting the lifting release........................................................................................................... 2

3.3

Connecting with a Counter............................................................................................................... 3

3.4

Turning off the power supply............................................................................................................ 3

3.5

Moving the spindle........................................................................................................................... 3

3.6

Release clamp................................................................................................................................. 3

3.7

Turning on the power supply............................................................................................................ 3

3.8

Measuring examples........................................................................................................................ 44

Options....................................................................................................................................................... 5

5

Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................... 66

Performance and Specifications................................................................................................................ 77

Output Connectors..................................................................................................................................... 9

8

Accessories................................................................................................................................................ 99Repair......................................................................................................................................................... 10

10Contact information.................................................................................................................................... 10

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2 System Configuration

1 Names and Functions of Components
39
25.5

24

R-R-NEc-MH-15M

Release hole cap screw

Stem
Secured to the arm in theprocess of installation.
Output cord Length: 1500 mm

15

Nｏ.

MH-15M

MADE IN JAPANø8h6

SpindleProbe mounting bracket

76.5

ø30

45

137.5

DIGIMICRO

ø5.5

CasingPlease do not rotate thecasing while the stem isfixed. There is a possibilityof malfunctioning.

85

Lifting release mounting
screw hole

16.3 191

SR 1.6Probe
The probe mount conforms to dial gauge JIS B 7503, andallows use of other (optional) probes.
Use care not to forcibly turn the spindle or damage it whenreplacing the probe.

Release button
Press this button toraise the spindle.

Release clamp screw
Lifting release Length: 500 mm

Figure 1 Component names

2

2 System Configuration
MS-51CDIGIMICRO Stand

MH-15M
DIGIMICRO
Lifting release(included)

MU-TC cable
0.3 m(optional)

TC-200
TC-101A*Counter* Discontinued modelNote:• Counters, DIGIMICRO Stands, probes, and cables other than the standard probe are optional.
To purchase optional components, contact your local Nikon representative from which you
purchased the DIGIMICRO.
For details about connection with other devices, contact your local Nikon representative as well.

Figure 2

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1

3 Methods of Use

3

3 Methods of Use
TC-200 Counter(optional)PO
OF WER
F
ON

DIGI

MIC

RO

TC

-200

Support

FU

NC

RE

SE

T

Arm
Release clamp screw

Arm clamp screw

Release button

Vertical motion nut

MH-15M
DIGIMICRO
Lifting release
Probe

Measuring object

Stem clamp leverMS-51C (optional)
DIGIMICRO Stand

Surface plate

Figure 3

3.1 Securing the DIGIMICROCAUTION• When securing the DIGIMICRO, see the DIGIMICRO Stand user's manual.
• Do not exert excessive force when tightening the stem. Overtightening might cause a failure suchas impaired spindle operation.
• Do not tighten the arm clamp screw without the DIGIMICRO installed. Failure to follow this
instruction might cause a failure in the DIGIMICRO Stand and the product.
Tighten the stem of the DIGIMICRO by using the stem clamp lever.
When using the MS-51C DIGMICRO Stand, insert the stem in the arm’s φ8 mm hole after loosening the stem
clamp lever, and then turn the stem clamp lever right to secure it.
The brake of the stem clamp lever is disengaged when pulled in the direction of the axis of rotation, so the levercan be stopped at your favored position.

3.2 Connecting the lifting release
Note: Attach the release hole cap screw when you are not using the lifting release.
Remove the release hole cap screw (M3 pan head screw, head diameter: 5.5 mm) attached to the lifting release
mounting screw hole at the back of the DIGIMICRO. Screw the tip of the lifting release into the same screw hole.

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2

3 Methods of Use

3.3 Connecting with a CounterNote:• Be sure to turn off the Counter’s power before connecting to or disconnecting from the TC-200
Counter.
• Be sure to connect to ground the earth terminal of the Counter’s AC power cord to prevent the main
unit from malfunctioning due to noise.
Connect the MU-TC connection cable (optional) and the Counter's AC power cord in accordance with the user's
manual of the Counter.

3.4 Turning off the power supply
Turn off the power supply of the connected devices.
The product does not have a power supply. For details about how to operate the power supply of the connected
devices, see the relevant user's manual.

3.5 Moving the spindle
The included lifting release is used to manually operate the spindle. Take care because operating it too rapidly
may result in an error due to overspeed.

3.6 Release clamp
Gently tightening the release clamp screw when the spindle has been raised with the lifting release will keep thespindle in this raised state.
This is convenient at times such as placing measuring objects.

3.7 Turning on the power supply
Turn on the power supply of the connected devices.
The product does not have a power supply. For details about how to operate the power supply of the connected
devices, see the relevant instruction manual.

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3 Methods of Use

3.8 Measuring examples
Simple measuring examples using basic combinations are shown below (see Figure 3).
(1)

DIGIMICRO travel
Note:• Use the probe after it has been sent at least 0.2 mm. If the probe has been sent less than 0.2 mm,a measurement error might occur.
• Not taking into consideration factors such as temperature and dust in the air may lead to
unforeseen measurement errors.
• When conducting a high-precision measurement of a mirrored plane surface like a block gauge,
prepare a reference plane made from the same materials and with the same surface state.
Thoroughly clean this reference plane and the measuring object surface and then bring theminto close contact (linking) to carry out measurement.
Confirm that the vertical motion nut is adjacent to the arm and loosen the arm clamp screw while supporting
the arm. Turn the vertical motion nut to move the arm up and down.
Apply the DIGIMICRO probe to the surface plate, send the probe at least 0.2 mm, and then tighten the arm
clamp screw securely.
When the vertical motion nut and arm are distanced, carelessly loosening the arm clamp screw will cause
the whole arm and the DIGIMICRO to fall down and damage the device.

(2)

Zero reset
Press the lifting release button, raise the spindle and lower it again. Then apply the probe to the surface
place.
Press the Counter reset switch to reset the Counter to zero.

(3)

Measuring
Press the lifting release button, raise the spindle and place the measuring object under the spindle. (If therelease clamp screw is used at this time, the spindle will be held at a raised position.)
Next, release the release button and apply the probe to the surface you want to measure. (Spindle speed
is suited to the measurement by the lifting releases’ own damper function.)
The value displayed then will be the height from the surface plate.

2nd Edition January 2023 en

44 Options

4

4 Options

Options shown in Figure 2 are available.
• Probes (optional)
Probes shown in Figure 4 are available in addition to the standard probe.
Pin measuring probe

Flat measuring probe

Plastic measuring probe

Plastic

Off-center measuring probe

Roller measuring probe
Kunurled head

(Unit: mm)

Figure 4• DIGIMICRO Stand (optional)
Maximum measuring height

Size of surface plate

Approx. 110 mm

Ø100 mm

MS-51C• Counter (optional)
TC-200• Extension cable (optional)
MU-TC cable (0.3 m)

2nd Edition January 2023 en

55 Troubleshooting

5

5 Troubleshooting

Should the product fail to operate properly, locate a possible cause of the trouble by referring to the table below.
Table 1
TroubleCheck to see if:• Spindle binds.

• Spindle is not dirty.

• The motion of spindle suddenly
becomes stiff.

• Excessive radial load is not applied to the spindle.

• Measurement error• The measuring probe is securely installed.

• Bad repeatability• The stem is securely installed.

• The stem has not been overtightened.

• The DIGIMICRO, DIGIMICRO Stand, and other components are installed
properly.
• Excessive load is not applied to the DIGIMICRO.
• Faulty counting• Power switch of the Counter is turned on.

• A message. “Error X”, appears
frequently.

• The DIGIMICRO and Counter are properly connected.
• Travel speed is appropriate.
• There are no sources generating noise in the vicinity of the product.
• The cable is not defective.
• The dedicated AC adapter for the DIGIMICRO Counter in use is used.

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66 Performance and Specifications

6

6 Performance and Specifications

Recommended minimum reading: 0.1 μm

Measuring range				: 15 mm

Accuracy						: 0.7 μm at 20°C

Response speed (at 0.1 μm resolution) : 100 mm/s
Direction of measurement		: Any direction

Measuring force				: Downward Approx. 0.64 N
Lateral Approx. 0.44 N
Upward Approx. 0.25 N

Standard measuring speed		: When using the included lifting release in a downward direction
Approx. 15 mm/s

Weight						: Approximately 0.22 kg (excluding the release)

Permitted spindle load			: Radial 0.98 N

Probe						: Probe conforming to dial gauge JIS B 7503

Temperature					: 0 to 40°C in use-20 to 60°C in storage

Conforming standards			

: CE
EMC Directive
RoHS Directive
This product conforms to EN standards and shows the CE
Marking.
This product has been tested and found to comply with thelimits for a Class A device, pursuant to EMC DIRECTIVE.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This product mustnot be used in residential areas.

KC사용자안내문이 기기는 업무용 환경에서 사용할 목적으로 적합성평가를받은 기기로서 가정용 환경에서 사용하는 경우 전파간섭의우려가 있습니다 .

WEEE
This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected
separately.
The following apply only to users in European countries.
• This product is designated for separate collection at an
appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as
household waste.
• For more information, contact the retailer or the local
authorities in charge of waste management.

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6 Performance and Specifications							UKCA

FCCThis device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) thisdevice must accept any interference received, includinginterference that may cause undesired operation.
CAN ICES-3 (A)/NMB-3 (A)

2nd Edition January 2023 en

88 Accessories

7

7 Output Connectors• Model: SRCN6A16-7P (Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd.)		
7-pin circular connector (plug)• Matching connector: SRCN1A16-7S (Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd.) (receptacle)
Table 2 Pin assignment and signal names

8

Pin No.

Signal name

Description

Pin No.

Signal name

Description

1

A

Signal phase A

5

LED

LED power supply

2

B

Signal phase B

60V

0V power supply

3

Vcc+12V power supply

7

N.C.

OPEN

4

N.C.

OPEN

Housing

FG

Frame ground8 Accessories• Standard probe x 1• Lifting release x 1• Safety Precautions x 1• Product warranty x 1

9

2nd Edition January 2023 en

910 Contact information

10

9 RepairIf you need repair, contact your local Nikon representative.
Repairs covered by the warranty• A natural failure occurred within the warranty period (one year after the date of purchase), and the productwarranty is present.
• After repair, the same part failed in normal handling conditions within six months after the date of return fromthe previous repair, and the relevant documentation for the previous repair is present.
Any other cases constitute out-of-warranty repairs. Store the product warranty so that it is not lost.
For details, contact your local Nikon representative.

11

10 Contact information
Table 3 Contact information
RegionCompany name

Address

Phone

Japan

NIKON CORPORATION

Shinagawa Intercity Tower C, 2-15-3,
Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-6290, Japan+81-3-6433-3726

China

NIKON PRECISION(SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.

11-12F, Tower 5, Crystal Plaza No. 36, Ping
Jia Qiao Road, Pudong New District,
Shanghai 200126, China+86-21-6841-2050

Korea

NIKON INSTRUMENTS
KOREA CO., LTD.

21F, City Air Tower, 36, Teheran-ro 87gil,
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06164, South Korea+82-2-6288-1900

Europe (Belgium)

NIKON METROLOGYEUROPE NV

Interleuvenlaan 86 3001 Leuven Belgium+32-16-74-01-01

Europe (UK)NIKON METROLOGY UK LTD.

Nottingham EMA, Argosy Road Castle
Donington Derby DE74 2SA United
Kingdom+44-1332-811-349

USA

NIKON METROLOGY, INC.

12701 Grand River, Brighton Avenue, MI
48116 U.S.A.

+1-810-220-4360

2nd Edition January 2023 en

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2nd Edition
EC17E
January 2023

Shinagawa Intercity Tower C, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108- 6290, Japan