Then, configure the output device and format of the data. Data is exported to a file, as may be required by third party SPC software, or directly to a serial port on your PC, typically used by third party data collectors. These choices are saved as a statistics output template, which is automatically used each time the measuring program is run. For the ultimate ease in producing SPC data, take a good look at QC-Calc software. For data export to spreadsheets and databases, both work seamlessly with our SmartReport software.
Calibration is the key to accurate measurements.
To do this, the magnification of the optical system must be known precisely. In a fixed lens system, optical calibration is relatively simple. With a zoom lens, it's not so simple. Zoom lenses have variable magnification, so you need to know exactly what the magnification is for every measurement you make. A calibration artifact is contained inside the zoom lens housing, and it is measured automatically after every zoom, a procedure that takes just 1-2 seconds.