Sensor Systems

High-resolution Digimatic Measuring Unit

Catalog No. E13006(4)Low and constant measuring force of 0.01 N, 0.15 N, or 1 N

Providing low and constant measuring force for high-accuracy
inspection of delicate workpieces

Example Measurement Applications

FEATURES

Rubber and plastic• Patent registered (Japan), Patent pending (Japan)

Ideal for measuring the thickness or height of a workpiece that can be easily affectedby the measuring force• With a measuring force of only 0.01 N, the Litematic is ideal for measuring easily deformed workpieces or high-accuracy components.
• For workpieces for which 0.01 N is insufficient, either the 0.15 N or 1 N model is recommended.
• The spindle is motor-driven and stops when the contact point touches the workpiece. From then on, the maximum, minimum, or difference
value can be measured using a constant measuring force.

If the workpiece is soft the risk of indentation may be
reduced by replacing the standard contact point with oneof larger radius, such as an optional carbide-ball type.

Glass

Film and sheet

For this type of workpiece the smallest measuringforce available is recommended.

Plastic
Rubber

If the workpiece flexes, making accurate measurement
impossible, using a type with a larger measuring force
or adding a weight to the spindle may be effective.

Blue plate glass
LensesContact lenses

KeypadFilm
Flexible substrates
Various types of sheet

High-accuracy measurement• High resolution of 0.01 μm, and wide measuring range of 50 mm.
• The measuring table supplied with VL-50-B is ceramic, which is corrosion free, for easier maintenance and storage.
• The spindle is made of low thermal expansion material.

Precision components

Litematic Head
VL-50S-B

The Litematic can be used as a high-precisiondisplacement gage.

Thin sheet metal

Media discs

Because the measuring force is small, deformationof the workpiece can be minimized.

For this type of workpiece the smallest measuringforce available is recommended.

ChassisShimming materials
Blade springs
Beverage can materials

Media tape
Hard disks
Various types of disks

If the workpiece flexes, making accurate measurement
impossible, using a type with a larger measuring force
or adding a weight to the spindle may be effective.

For this type of workpiece the smallest measuringforce available is recommended.

Bearing
Shaft

Litematic
VL-50-B
Note: The stand (957460) is sold as an option.

Separate type VL-50S-B
Because the measuring unit and the display unit are separate, they can be integrated
into the user's measurement system. An optional dedicated stand is also available.

Constant measuring force principle
An unbalanced, parallel-link structure enables theLitematic to offer a low and constant measuring force.
The Litematic's measuring force is not provided by aspring but comes from a structure resembling a balancescale. We call this a "parallel linkage." A motorized
slider carrying the linked spindle moves down its
guideway while the linkage is supported on a stop,
as shown in Fig 1. When the spindle contacts theworkpiece (Fig. 2) it moves the linkage up off the stopand the motor is halted. At this point the linkage is
now supported by the workpiece, and thus a constantmeasuring force is applied.

Medical and pharmaceutical products
Fig. 1. The spindle moves downwards
towards the workpiece.

Fig. 2. The spindle lifts the linkage off the stop
into the measuring position.

Parallel link
Parallel link

If the workpiece is soft the risk of indentation may be
reduced by replacing the standard contact point with oneof larger radius, such as an optional carbide-ball type.

Semiconductors

Injection needles
Pills
Patches and ointments

Chips
WafersLead frames

Counterweight
Counterweight

The contact point on the spindle touches
the workpiece, lifting the linkage off
the stop and halting the motor that was
lowering the spindle, thus applying a
constant force to the workpiece.

2Electronic components

3

Printed circuit boards
Connectors
Battery components

FUNCTIONSSPECIFICATIONSControl panel/Display Unit
11)

10)

Key function9) 8) 18) 17)

Key
1) Up

Function
Moves the spindle up only while the key is pressed.
Moves the spindle down only while the key is pressed.
2) Down
Used to touch the contact point on a workpiece to make a measurement.
3) Rapid Up
Moves the spindle up quickly only while the key is pressed.
4) Rapid Down Moves the spindle down quickly only while the key is pressed.
Sets the origin at any position of the spindle. Also, it zero-sets all display values for5) ZEROdifference measurements. This key can be used to clear an error.
Allows the currently displayed value to be set from the keyboard, irrespective6) PRESETof spindle position. Often used in conjunction with gauge blocks.
Selects and sets one of various measurement modes such as MAX/MIN
7) MODEmeasurement.
8) LIMITEnters tolerance limits for tolerance judgment.
Sets up the position memory.
9) TEACH
10) PM1 to PM3 Moves the spindle to a previously stored position with a single keystroke.

13)

14)
15)
16)
6)

12)

Indicator (LED)

3)

1)

2)

4)

7)

Indicator
11) GO/NG
12) Sign
13) MAX
14) MIN
15) WORK

5)16) T.H.
17) C.T.
18) UNIT

Rear panel (switches and connectors)
VL-50-B

1)

8)

Function
Displays the result of a GO/NG judgment.
Lights to display a minus value.
Lights in the maximum value mode. Both light when the measurement is
Lights in the minimum value mode. the difference type (MAX - MIN).
Lights while a workpiece is being measured.
Lights when a measurement value is held after measurement has
been completed.
Lights when the user compensation is set to ON. (Lights while theposition memory is active.)
Lights while the unit of display values is inch. (Lights in the external HOLD mode.)

VL-50S-B

4)

1)

10)

9)

Order No.
Model
Measuring range*1
Resolution
Display unit
Scale type
StrokeMeasuring accuracy (20 °C)*1

3)1) Measurement data output connector (OUT)
RS-LINK connector (IN/OUT)
2) RS-232C connector
3) External control connector4) GND terminal
5) Foot switch
6) DC IN
7) Power switch
8) AC adapter cord clamp9) CONTROL connector: for VL-50S-B only10) INPUT connector: for VL-50S-B only5) 6) 7)2)

Outputs measurement data to a Digimatic mini-processor, etc.
Connects multiple devices and can output measurement data from one RS-232 port.
For communication with a PC, etc.
Used to connect this instrument to an external device for remote control.
—
Foot switch (optional) for controlling measurement operation is connected here.
Input connector to receive power from the AC mains adapter.
—
Prevents AC adapter cord from pulling out.
Gage head connector.
Gage head connector.

43)5) 6) 7)

Repeatability*1
Measuring force*1
Measurement
Feed speed
Fast feed
Contact point
Measuring table
Input
OutputPower supply
RatingPower consumption
EU Directive
Main unit mass
Standard Accessories

8)4)318-222*4
VL-50-15-B

318-223*4
VL-50-100-B

318-226*4
VL-50S-B

318-227*4
VL-50S-15-B

318-228*4
VL-50S-100-B

0 to 50 mm (0 to 2 in)
0.01/0.1/1.0 μm (0.0000005 in/0.000005 in/0.00005 in)
8 digits/14 mm (0.6 in) character height (without signs)
Reflection type linear encoder
51.5 mm (2 in) (when using a standard contact point)(0.5+L/100) μm L=arbitrary measuring length (mm)Accuracy guaranteed
temperature*2

Optional accessories

2)

318-221*4
VL-50-B

20 ± 1 °C
0.01 N= 0.05 μm
0.15 N*3
1 N*30.01 N
0.15 N*3
Approx. 2 mm/s (0.08 in/s) or 4 mm/s (0.16 in/s) (changeable by parameter)
Approx. 8 mm/s (0.3 in/s)
ø3 mm carbide tipped (fixing screw: M2.5 (P=0.45)×5), standard contact point: 901312
ø100 (ceramic, grooved, removable)—
Foot switch input (when optional foot switch is used), External Control
Digimatic output/RS-232C output (changeable by parameter)
85 to 264 V AC (depends on AC adapter)
Max. 12 W (12 V, 1 A)
Standard: EN61326-1:2013, Immunity test requirement: Clause 6.2 Table 2, Emission limit: Class B
19 kg (35.2 lbs)
6 kg (11 lbs)
AC adapter: 357651, Power cable: 02ZAA000, Grounding wire: 09CAA985,
AC cable (Japan): 02ZAA000, AC cable (USA): 02ZAA010, AC cable (EU): 02ZAA020,
AC cable (UK): 02ZAA030, AC cable (China): 02ZAA040, AC cable (Korea): 02ZAA050
Hex wrench (2 pcs, for fixing contact point and for removing fixing bracket)
Foot switch: 937179T—
Dedicated stand: 957460
Output connector (with cover): 02ADB440 (for external control)
RS-LINK/Digimatic connecting cable: 936937 (1 m) 965014 (2 m)Recommended interchangeable contact points*5(Measuring force when each interchangeable contact point is used.)
Shell type: 101118 (Approx. 0.02 N)
Carbide tipped spherical contact point, ø7: 120059 (Approx. 0.03 N)
Carbide tipped spherical contact point, ø10.5: 120060 (Approx. 0.06 N)
Carbide tipped needle contact point, ø0.45: 120066 (Approx. 0.01 N)
VL weight parts: 02AZE375 Measuring force: Approx 0.01 N to 0.96 N
Note: The above VL weights are not applicable to VL-50-100-B, VL-50S-100-B.

1 N*3*1 Normal measurement using standard contact point (with smoothing set as “weak”).
*2 Under less temperature change, and hot or cold direct air flow should be avoided.
*3 0.15 N and 1 N types are factory-installed option.
*4 To denote your AC power cable add the following suffixes to the order No.: A for UL / CSA, D for CEE, DC for CCC, E for BS, F for SAA, K for KC, and No suffix are required for PSE.
*5 When another contact point that has a flat measuring face is mounted, the contact point requires parallelism adjustment with respect to the table surface.
Mounting this contact point should be custom-ordered from Mitutoyo.
Note: Motor life is approximately 100,000 operations, after which replacement is advisable.
This maintenance factor is particularly important to bear in mind when the machine is used frequently, such as on a production line.

5

18

1

Connector terminal Function

Applicable plug specification
Receptacle
10236-52A2(3M) or equivalent(1) Applicable plugNo.02ADB440

No.02ADB440 (with cover) Optional accessory

1936(2) Pin assignment

DIMENSIONS(Unit: mm)

VL-50-B

Optional stand for VL-50S-B
ø50

103.2
Litematic head
ColumnHexagon socket
head cap screw

270

157

365

Bracket56

Hightadjustment nut

Base

380.2

Contact point

80

table
Display Measuringø100
About 128.6

Operation switch

80

300

48

56

250

202

15

Clamp screw
for measuirng table

Clamp

VL-50S-B
150

300

Interchangeable contact points

170

Measuring unit

Shell type

Connecting cable 2 m

80

Display unit

80.2

Order No.
10111814.8

3
Material:
Hardened steel

ø5

ø32

Measuring force
0.02 N

Order No.
120066

7
Material: carbide
Flatness: 3 µm
Measuring force
0.01 N（11

1. Output circuit: When the signal goes to "Low,"
the transistor turns on.
(Open collector output)
Counter

186.4

SR

1.7
Material: carbide

50.2

dOrder No. Measuring force Dø7.5 ø6.5
1200590.03 N
ø10.5 ø9.5
1200600.06 N

External circuitry example
＋5 V

5 KΩ
TD62583 or the equivalent
0.01 µF

74HC14 orthe equivalent

Maximum output voltage：24 V
Maximum output current：20 mA
Maximum saturation voltage：0.7 V

2. Input circuit: When the signal goes to "Low,"
the input is enabled.
Counter

External circuitry example
Use open-collector output
or relay output, etc

+5 V
5 KΩ

5 KΩ

0.01 µF

Maximum input current：1 mA
Inout volutage (H)：H＝4〜24 V
Inout volutage (L)：＝1 V max.

(4) Timing Chart
2. External presetting

1. Power On characteristics

3. Tolerance judgment result output timing
Max.

10

øD
ød

4-M 4 × 0.7 depth 10º）(3M: Plug)(3M: Cover)(Hirose: Plug)(Hirose: Cover)(3) Input/output circuit

Pin No. Signal name Input/Output
Description (purpose)
1
COM—
Common terminal to input and output circuits (internally connected to GND)
2
COM
—
3
L1
OUT
Tolerance judgment output terminal
4
L2
OUT
A related judgment terminal only outputs “L”
5
L3
OUT
At error occurrence
L1, L5 = Outputs “L”
6
L4
OUT
L2, L3, L4 = Outputs “H”
7
L5
OUT
10
NOM
OUT
Outputs “L” in the count mode.
21
ULIMIT
OUT
Outputs “L” at the top dead point of the spindle.
22
WORK
OUT
Outputs “L” upon detection of a workpiece.
25
SET1
IN
Specifies peak selection/motor speed in combination with SET.
26
SET2
IN
Peak selection: In combination with SET
Peak mode SET2 SET1
Current value H H
28
MODE
IN
MAX
H L
MIN
L H
TIR
L L
Motor control: Specifies a spindle ascent speed along with SET.
Speed
SET2 SET1 When changing the spindle speed,
VL-50B/50-SB VL-50AH
stops the spindle once and allows
8 mm/s 5 mm/s H H 50 ms or more before change.
30
UPIN
4 mm/s 3 mm/s H L
2 mm/s 2 mm/s L H
1 mm/s 1 mm/s L L
Motor control: Specifies a spindle ascent speed along with SET.
Speed
SET2 SET1 When changing the spindle speed,
VL-50B/50-SB VL-50AH
stops the spindle once and allows
8 mm/s
5 mm/s H H
31
DN
IN
50 ms or more before change.
4 mm/s
3 mm/s H L
2 mm/s2 mm/s L H
1 mm/s
1 mm/s L L
Motor control: Same function as that of foot switch.
32
FSW
IN
The display value is held during input.
34
HOLD
IN
At error occurrence the error is cleared at the leading edge of this signal.
Executes presetting.
35
P.SET
IN
Peak clear: The peak value is cleared upon input of the signal during
the HOLD signal input in the Peak mode.
Unconnected terminals
N.C.
—(8, 9, 11-20, 23, 24, 27, 29, 33 and 36 pin terminals)

Carbide tipped spherical contact point

56(26.2)

12.5

82.95

Contact
point

Carbide tipped needle contact point
10

SR2.5

ø0.45

85

10136-3000VE
10336-52AO-008
DX40M-36P
DX30M-36-CV

SR
7
10

MIN.2sec

MIN.16 ms

Power supply

MAX.16（100）ms

MIN.30 ms

Not available during key input, RS-232C input, andDigimatic data processing.

HOLD

Note: When a contact point having a flat measuring surface, other than those described above, is installed, the measuring surface must be adjusted for parallelism with the tablesurface. This requires a special order.

Min.

MIN.16 ms

PA、PB

L1

MAX.30 ms

NOM

MAX.16（100）ms

L3
L5

Optional weights for the Litematic (02AZE375)
One of the notable characteristics of the Litematic is Spindle with an optional
its small measuring force (0.01 N or 0.15 N models). weight installed
However, depending on the characteristics of theworkpiece, it may not be possible to transmit asufficient measuring force and the contact point
may appear suspended. To solve such a problem,
optional weights are available that attach to thespindle to achieve the appropriate measuring force
without damaging the workpiece.

External appearance of optional
weights
Weight B(approximately 20 gf)

Weight A(approximately 40 gf)
Weight C(approximately 10 gf)

Note: Cannot be used with VL-50-100-B, or VL-50S-100-B

Extension rod(approximately 5 gf)

Measuring forces generated by weightcombinations for 0.01/0.15 N models
Measuring force (N) Extension
A B C
0.15 rod
0.01
0.06
0.21
1
0.16
0.31
1
1
0.26
0.41
1
1
0.36
0.51
1
1 1
0.46
0.61
1
1
0.56
0.71
1
1
1
0.66
0.81
1
1 1
0.76
0.91
1
1 1 1
0.86
—
1
2
0.96
—
1
2
1

( ) indicates a value in the Smoothing (“soft”)
MIN.2（4）sec
I/O出力

4. Mode/Up/DN timing

5. HOLD, Error clear
MIN.15 ms※（ ）はEB-D

MIN.15 ms

HOLD
SET1,2
Data lach MAX.10 µs（±100 ms）*1
MODE･UP･DN
MIN6 ms

DATA

MIN12 ms

P.SET

MIN12 ms

MAX.30 ms Data output *2

MIN.15 ms

MAX12 ms

MIN. 0 ms* Peak clear input (following HOLD input, preset input)*1:The value in ( ) is that at the time of smoothing.
*2:In case of parametere 28 and HOLD selection 1.

6

7

RS-232C Communication Function(1) List of commands
Response output

Operation content

A display value is output via RS-232C.
,G#” indicates gage channel numbers 01 to 99 (all channel number to 01 “#” indicates the type of data (N: current value, X:+01234.567CRLF “maximum value, M: minimum value, and W: TIR) CRLF stands for carriage return (CR) and line feed (LF).

GA

CRLF

CN
CX
CM
CW
CR
CL
CP

CRLF
CH
CRLF
CH
CRLF
CH
CRLF
CH
CRLF
CH
CRLF
CH
,+01234567CRLF CH

CD,+01234567CRLF CH

CE
CF
CG
CS

,+01234567CRLF CH,+01234567CRLF CH,+01234567CRLF CH
CRLF
CH

VS

,+ CRLF

CH

VT,+ CRLF

CH

CRLF
CRLF
CRLF
CRLF
CRLF
CRLF

The display is switched to the current value.
The display is switched to the maximum value.
The display is switched to the minimum value.
The display is switched to the TIR value.
The display is zero-set.
The peak value is cleared.
preset value is input.
CRLF The
Input a preset value and a tolerance limit with a sign and a numeric value of 8 digits without appending a decimal point.
Input tolerance limit S1.
CRLF Perform tolerance setup in the order of CD and CG for 3-step tolerance judgment, and in the order of CD, CE, CF, and CG for 5-step tolerance judgment.
An error messege is output if there is a difference in tolerance limit order, or in the number of steps between the setting and data to be sent, or if incorrect data exists.
If this is the case, repeat setup from the beginning of the CD command.
CRLF Input tolerance limit S2.
CRLF Input tolerance limit S3.
CRLF Input tolerance limit S4.
CRLF An error is canceled.
Spindle control
CRLF Sign +: Moves up the spindle., -:Moves down the spindle.
$: Speed specification 0: Stop 1: 2 mm/s 2: 4 mm 3: 8 mm/s approx.
Status of spindle condition,#CRLF In place of #, 0: Normal 1: Upper dead point limit 2: WORK ON
Channel number 00 cannot be used.

(2) Pin assignment(3) Communication protocol (EIA RS-232C compatible)

1

Home position
Communication
methodBaud rate

5 •Receptacle specification: D-sub 9-pin (male), inch thread spec.
•Applicable plug specification: D-sub 9-pin (female), inch thread spec.
•Commercial cable examples:
For DOS/V: KRS-403XF1K (1.5 m), Sanwa Supply Corp.
For PC-98 series: KRS-423XF1K (1.5 m), Sanwa Supply Corp.
96

Pin No.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1, 9

Signal name
RXD
TXD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
N.C.

Input/Output
IN
OUT
OUT
—
IN
OUT
IN
—

Definition
Receive data
Transmit data
Data terminal ready
GroundData set ready
Request to send
Clear to send
Unconnected

Bit configuration
Communication
condition setup

DTE (terminal) and cross cable are to be used.
half-duplex, non-procedural
4800, 9600, 19200 bps
Start bit: 1
Data bits: (7 or 8) ASCII, uppercase
Parity bit: None, even or odd
Stop bits: 2
Set with parameters.

(4) Timing Chart
RS-232C command input and response output
Command

LF

Response output

LF

LF

MAX.20 ms*
MIN.10 ms*The RS-232C output is put on hold during key operations.

RS-232C data output time

The maximum output time when the all-data-output command (GA00CRLF) is used can becalculated using the following formula:

Maximum output time [ms] =counter connection count X 20 + connected channel X 17 (8.5) + 6 (3)*At a transfer speed of 9,600 bps; figures inside ( ) indicate values [in ms] when the speed is 19,200 bps. (Calculation
example) 1 VL unit = MAX43 (31.5) ms (Note: The processing time by the personal computer is not included.)Printer
Digimatic mini processor DP-1VA LOGGER
264-505
Prints the Digimatic output up to 8 digits from Litematic.
Connecting cable (936937)

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in advance if you wish to export our products to any other country.
If the purchased product is exported, even though it is not a regulated item (Catch-All controls item), the customer service
available for that product may be affected. If you have any questions, please consult your local Mitutoyo sales office.
Our products
are classified
regulatedobligation.
items under Japanese
Exchangein
andparticular
Foreign Tradeconsult us specifications,in advance if you wish to export our products toNote: Productillustrations
areaswithout
ProductForeign
descriptions,anyLaw.
andPlease
all technicalany other country. If the purchased product is exported, even though it is not a regulated item (Catch-All controls item), the customer service available for that productare onlymay
binding
when
explicitly
agreedupon.
be affected. If you have any questions, please consult your local Mitutoyo sales office.
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regarding
products, trademarks
and in particularillustrations,ofdrawings,
dimensional
andJapan
performancecontained
in this pamphlet, as well as other
MITUTOYOMiCAT areeitherourregisteredorthe
trademarks
MitutoyoCorp. in
and/ordata
othercountries/regions.
technical data are to be regarded as approximate average values. We therefore reserve the right to make changes to the corresponding designs, dimensions and weights.
Other product,
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and
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names
mentioned
hereinarefor
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only
and
may
be
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The stated standards, similar technical regulations, descriptions and illustrations of the products were valid at the time of printing. Only quotations submitted by ourselves
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Mitutoyo Corporation

20-1, Sakado 1-chome,
Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki-shi,
Kanagawa 213-8533, Japan
T +81 (0) 44 813-8230
F +81 (0) 44 813-8231
https://www.mitutoyo.co.jp

113 2205(4)g (CH)NE-(JP6), Printed in Japan

Command format