Described as an instrument that bridges the gap between profiling and scanning probe microscopy, a metrology device combines roughness, contour, and topography measurement capabilities in a noncontact, nondestructive package. The instrument incorporates a noncontact stylus suited for high-resolution topographical measurements and an optical sensor designed to perform rapid surface analyses. Complementary software enables automated data acquisition and evaluation in a user-friendly format, and a wide range of view options can be selected. The company has developed several sensors that can be integrated into the MicroGlider simply by changing the measuring heads. Sensors suited for the measurement of eddy current signals, hardness on the micrometric or nanometric scale, and white-light interferometry are available.
More sensors are under development.
ABB, which provides flexible automation solutions to a variety of industries, is currently working on a washdown system suited for cleanroom use, according to Iqbal. The company has installed more than 70,000 robots worldwide and is represented in 30 countries. The screen surface is coated with a durable conductive material that resists scratches without impeding optical clarity. To facilitate OEM integration of the product, MicroTouch has introduced a 61.9 X 33.2-mm serial controller that interfaces with the company's software drivers compatible with most leading operating systems. MicroTouch focusses on incorporating optical quality and durability into the touch screens, says European product manager Robin Dyer, because these are the key attributes sought by OEMs manufacturing portable devices.