Top 12 Advantages of Vision Engineering’s Eyepiece-Less Stereo Microscopes

Vision Engineering offers a supreme ergonomic advantage. Using their advanced technology, such as Vision Engineering’s Eyepiece-less Stereo Microscopes, increases user comfort and leads to higher levels of accuracy and efficiency. With that in mind, here are the Top 12 Advantages of Vision Engineering’s Eyepiece-Less Stereo Microscopes:

1. Reduces strain by liberating users from a fixed working position
2. Allows for natural upright body posture, which increases user comfort
3. Provides an entirely natural view of the subject by allowing ambient light to enter the eyes
4. Allows users to wear prescription or safety glasses
5. Next to no set-up required, which means no fiddly eyepieces to configure for each user

6. Eyepiece-less technology provides users with better peripheral vision for tasks requiring hand-eye coordination
7. Enhanced 3D depth perception via freedom of head movement allows stunning image quality
8. Comfortable operators equals greater levels of accuracy for longer periods of time
9. Minimizes strain-related injuries and/or healthcare costs associated with prolonged microscope use
10. Superior performance improves fault detection and reduces costly mistakes
11. Happy workers are productive workers
12. Show your customers you have the best inspection capabilities and gain the competitive advantage

QSource.com carries a complete line of Vision Engineering products, including their eyepiece-less Mantis series of stereo microscopes.

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Looking Good, Feeling Good: Microscope Ergonomics Is Much More Than Sitting Comfortably – Guest Blog

by Stephen Sanderson, International Product Manager, Vision Engineering


In Stephen’s first Guest Blog for Q Source, he discusses microscope users’ injuries and discomfort and ways to remedy these issues.

Headaches are a common complaint of microscope users.

Ask any seasoned microscope user about working with microscopes and they will often have stories of sore necks, headaches and “microscope eye,” seemingly caused by leaning over conventional stereo microscopes for prolonged periods. Such issues not only have a significant effect on users’ comfortable working, but their discomfort also affects concentration and, by association, the ability to perform tasks.

They are not alone, in a report of microscope users from the Federal Institute of Industrial Safety:

• 33% reported stiffness and pain in movement
• 60% experienced headaches
• 40% had eye complaints

While it is hard to attribute every incidence of each complaint with the microscope, it is often the common factor. Specific attention can also be paid to eyepieces. Most conventional stereo microscopes produce a very small and bright exit pupil that requires the user to maintain a fixed viewing position very close to the eyepiece. This leads to areas of poor ergonomics, poor postural ergonomics, and poor optical ergonomics.

The requirement for a fixed viewing position can be helped by ensuring that the user’s workstation is correctly configured. To do this work from the ground up, adjust the user’s seat and bench height, have them stand and sample the position so that the final location of the eyepieces does not require the user to overextend or compress the neck. Don’t forget that it is often possible to raise either the sample or the entire stand, if needed. That dusty old text book that sits in the corner unused could be just what is needed to lift the sample to a better working height.

For optical ergonomics with eyepiece microscopes the situation is more complicated. Interpupillary distance, diopter adjustment, and eyepiece selection all sound complicated and can factor in the user’s comfort affecting eyestrain and headaches. The answer? Get rid of the eyepieces.

NO EYEPIECE = GREATER COMFORT & PRODUCTIVITY

Eyepiece-less systems, such as Vision Engineering’s Mantis and Lynx ranges, are designed with ergonomics at their core. Rather than small, restrictive exit pupils of conventional eyepieces, Mantis and Lynx ranges offer exit pupils that are up to 10 times larger. Those allow users freedom of movement and a natural comfortable working position.

Vision Engineering's Lynx Microscope is ergonomically
designed for user comfort and freedom.

When eye comfort is increased, by reducing refocusing and iris activity through a working position that is further from the microscope itself, it allows an equidistant direct view of the subject and inclusion of ambient light into the field of view. Where eyesight correction is necessary, the user can simply use their own spectacles allowing correction for conditions such as astigmatism that cannot be corrected through eyepieces.

Good ergonomics lead to comfortable users who are better able to concentrate for longer are less prone to illness or injury, and who experience ease of operation and enhanced ability to perform a task. More importantly, for many users it means that they can go home at the end of the day happy and pain free with the satisfaction of a job well done.

In conclusion, consider ergonomics when choosing your next microscope system to reduce user injuries, increase productivity, and ensure that users are at their best on the job.

Thank you, Stephen, for those valuable insights into creating a safer, more comfortable environment for microscope users. We look forward to future Guest Blogs from you and Vision Engineering.

For information about Vision Engineering's microscope/inspection products, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020.

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The Best of Q Source's "On the Bench" How-to Videos

Q Source's YouTube Channel debuted our "On the Bench" video series back in April of 2011. On the Bench was created to be a series of product previews, demos, workflow solutions, and how-to's to provide our customers with the information needed to make better buying decisions. Our how-to and workflow solutions videos aim to help viewers get their jobs done easier.

We wanted to take a quick look at a few of our best how-to videos so far. From stereo microscopes to wire shelving units, we've offered some handy how-to’s and teachable tips.

How to Properly Focus a Stereo Microscope

In "How to Properly Focus a Stereo Microscope with the Unitron Z10 Series," Peter Indrigo of Unitron provided us with a great how-to on how to properly set up and focus a stereo microscope. Using Unitron's Z10 Zoom Stereo Microscope, Peter shows how easy it is to attain proper focus and avoid eyestrain.

Setting Up a 3M Model 724 Constant ESD Workstation Monitor

Our "3M Model 724 Constant ESD Workstation Monitor" video presents 3M rep David Leventhal demonstrating how to use and set up the Model 724 ESD Workstation Monitor. David explains how this unit continuously monitors the resistance of the operator and work surface ground connections.

Assembling a Metro Super Adjustable 2™ Super Erecta® Mobile Wire Shelving Unit

Two of our Q Source staff got together to help us with a "Metro Super Adjustable 2™ Super Erecta® Mobile Wire Shelving Unit Assembly." This step-by-step video shows just how easy it is to build your own Metro Mobile Shelving Cart.

Barcode Printing

Brady's BMP71 Portable Label Printer is a versatile printer. In our "Printing Barcodes with the Brady BMP71" video, we show you how to easily create and print a variety of barcodes.

Dimension 4 Assembly

Ever wonder how to build an IAC Dimension 4 Workbench? One of our Territory Account Specialists shows how easy it is in this "IAC Dimension 4 Workbench Assembly" On the Bench video.

Using Akro-Mils Bins for 5S/Lean

Akro-Mils offers many products for 5S and Lean. This "Akro-Mils Indicator™ Bins for 5S Process & Lean Manufacturing" video demonstrates how these two-toned BinTelligence Series bins help you "Stock, Pick, Flip, and Replenish."

For more information on any of these products, or to place an order, please visit QSource.com. You can also give us a call at 800-966-6020 or contact us via email. And make sure you check back at Q Source’s YouTube Channel for new videos coming soon.

If there's a product or topic you'd like to see The Q Source Resource write about please let us know. We'd also appreciate if you share this blog post with your friends and colleagues via the social media links below. If you have questions or comments about any of the products in this blog post, or related topics, please leave us a message in the comments section.

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Training Ourselves to Better Serve You

For almost thirty years, we’ve aimed at being a solution-providing resource for our customers. One of the best ways we know how to do that is to be product experts. With that in mind, we’ve recently stepped up our in-house and off-site training sessions so that we can be even more qualified in making product suggestions to precisely fit your application needs.

The Techspray Roadshow

A Techspray representative speaks about
cleaning products for electronic assembly.

Two of our Territory Account Specialists, Jason Kuhlken and Diane Semple, recently attended the Techspray Roadshow hosted by ACI Technologies in Philadelphia. ACI is a premier testing and training facility for electronic assembly. Techspray is a leading developer of cleaners, coatings, and other safety-/performance-oriented chemicals and tools. Utilizing the latest equipment, they provided a perfect training ground for attendees to work with Techspray (and Plato) products in a real-world environment.

Our Account Specialists received an overview of cleaning applications (ranging from industrial degreasing to PCB defluxing), learned about the pros and cons of various cleaning methods, and were able to experience hands-on testing of the cleaning ability, spray force, usability, and plastic sensitivity of Techspray products.

In addition to sending our staff to on-location training sessions, we’ve arranged for a comprehensive schedule of in-house sessions to be attended by our entire crew. So far, these training sessions have included visits by reps from 3M, Unitron, and Elwood PCA/ADE, Inc.

3M on Static Control

3M rep David Leventhal & 3M’s Joe Gantner
talk about static control.

Appropriate solutions for static control can sometimes be confusing to nail down. With variables like environment, materials, and applications plus the concepts of conductive, static-dissipative, and ESD-safe options, well, finding the exact protective products can be challenging for the untrained. Our 3M rep, David Leventhal, and 3M’s Joe Gantner (Northeast Regional Manager), stopped by to put it all in perspective for us.

Starting with the basics about electrostatic discharge, electrical over-stress, etc., Leventhal and Gantner showed us how static is generated, the major problems caused by static, the types of damage to electronics, and all the shocking truths about ESD. Using their top-quality 3M static-control solutions, they demonstrated the different protective characteristics of static bags, the specific uses of ESD mats, and the importance of using continuous monitors.

Zooming Into Stereo Microscopes with Unitron

Unitron’s Peter D. Indrigo demonstrates parfocality.

One of our favorite application categories here at Q Source is microscopy/visual inspection. We understand the importance of using the correct tools whether you’re doing quality control, biological, or other detailed tasks. Peter D. Indrigo, Senior Vice President of Unitron, visited our office a couple weeks ago to help us enhance our knowledge of stereo microscopes, visual inspection systems, and more.

Indrigo brought a wide range of stereo microscopes and inspection systems along with him to provide us with a truly visual, hands-on training session. We began with the basic terms and anatomy of a stereo microscope and watched how all of the pieces fit together to influence field of view, magnification, and working distance. We learned about parfocality and the common accessories (such as ring lights, C-mounts, and reticles) that help create a powerful visual inspection system. Thanks to Mr. Indrigo we have a clearer focus on the topic.

PCA & ADE on the ABCs of Packaging

Tony Castellano (PCA) & Mike Marino (ADE)
discuss flexible packaging.

Our most recent visitors, Tony Castellano of Elwood PCA & Mike Marino of ADE, Inc., came in to discuss ESD protective packaging and other options related to storing and protecting sensitive devices. PCA (Packaging Corporation of America) and ADE are providers of packaging solutions for the industrial and consumer markets.

Castellano and Marino displayed a myriad of packaging options for static-sensitive devices and explained the importance of using the right material for categories like conductive/dissipative, anti-static shielding, anti-static, insulative, EMC, and environmental. They further expounded on that by detailing other attributes to consider such as chemical transfer, strength, water/moisture vapor transmission, testability, and other characteristics. By the time our visitors were done we felt they had wrapped up the subject in a neat little package.

In the coming weeks we have many more in-house training sessions scheduled. We’ll be better educating ourselves about all of the topics that are important to you (soldering, cleanroom, industrial printing, etc.) with the goal of becoming your number one solution-providing resource.

Please follow the appropriate links for information about our 3M static control solutions, Unitron stereo microscopes/visual inspection systems, and cleaning/assembly tools by Techspray & Plato. You can also give us a call at 800-966-6020 or contact us via email to place an order for those items or to get more info about PCA/ADE products.

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Vision Engineering Mantis Elite Stereo Microscopes: A Myriad of Magnification Options for Precision Tasks

We continue our look at Vision Engineering's Mantis line with a focus on the Mantis Elite (see our previous look at the Mantis Compact model). The Mantis Elite Stereo Microscope is a high performance viewer created for a number of precision tasks requiring magnification.

Ergonomic & Optical Advantages

As with the Mantis Compact, Vision Engineering's Mantis Elite model also features their patented eyepieceless technology designed to promote enhanced head movement for the operator and the ability to wear glasses, if needed. And boasting magnification options up to 20x, the Elite can offer long working distances and large depths of field (please refer to the Optical Data chart below). These features, along with its 3-D imaging, create an ergonomic advantage that reduces eyes fatigue and helps increase productivity.

Optical Data

Objective Lenses (Sold Separately)	Working Distance	Field of View
2x	160 mm	57.0 mm
4x	96 mm	34.0 mm
6x	68 mm	23.0 mm
6x SLWD*	112 mm	20.0 mm
8x	59 mm	17.0 mm
10x	54 mm	13.5 mm
15x	40 mm	8.8 mm
20x	29 mm	6.5 mm

* Cannot be used together with 2x or 20x objective lens

Vision Engineering's innovations in the Mantis line come together in the Elite model to offer a high-performance stereo viewer that saves you money and boosts productivity. The Elite's combination of optical advances and ergonomic design features include:

• A quick-change turret with 2x-20x magnification options will allow users to switch between low-magnification inspection and high-magnification fine-detail tasks
• More than 10,000 hours of shadow-free viewing via true-color, LED illumination
• Illumination data: Mantis Elite = 24 LEDs & 11,000 LUX, Substage (Bench Stand Only) = 13 LEDs & 1,200 - 4,000 LUX
• Improved productivity and increased throughput via superior ergonomics
• Superb hand-eye coordination makes inspection and manipulation tasks simpler
• Long working distances and large depth-of-field for easy sample manipulation and rework
• Small footprint
• Multiple stand options

Mantis Elite Accessories & Packages

A number of accessories and packages, in addition to the Mantis Elite head unit, are available at QSource.com. We have a selection of objective lenses and stands (including a universal stand for flexible simplicity and a bench stand for applications requiring more stability) ready to add to the head unit. Also, as with the Mantis Compact model, Q Source has put together two Mantis Elite packages for our Web site (the MEH-001/MES-005US Mantis Elite Series Stereo Microscope Visual Inspection System w/Universal Stand and the MEH-001/MES-006US Mantis Elite Series Stereo Microscope Visual Inspection System w/Bench Stand). Please note that these packages do not include an objective lens.

Our Vision Engineering Mantis Elite Visual Inspection Stereo Microscope page has all the information you need to make a purchase or learn more about these high-tech viewers. You can also visit our main Mantis Stereo Microscopes page. For additional assistance, please contact us by email or phone at 800-966-6020.

The Unitron 15854 LED Ring Light: Economic, Earth-Friendly Illumination for Stereo Microscopes

When viewing electronics, circuit boards, or highly reflective specimens with a stereo microscope, a quality LED ring light is a must. Unitron's LED Ring Light Illuminator for Stereo Microscopes (Model 15854) was created as an economic solution for users seeking to switch from the older fluorescent, fiber-optic, or halogen lights to a more earth-friendly LED light.

The Unitron 15854 LED Ring Light was manufactured to fit any stereo microscope with a diameter of 60 mm or less. While the 15854 model fits most currently manufactured stereo microscopes, it may need a special adapter to fit older models.

This ESD-safe and RoHS-compliant LED Ring Light Illuminator features sectional lighting control, which allows users to control the light from four individual sections. Other impressive specifications include:

• Ten-step variable intensity light control with 72 LED bulbs
• 60.5 mm inner diameter
• 6400 Kelvin color temperature
• 10,000-hour lamp life
• AC900-265v 50/60Hz power supply
• 12v 400mA output

The Unitron 15854 LED Ring Light Illuminator for Stereo Microscopes is available at QSource.com, along with a variety of other quality Unitron Ring Lights. For questions and further information about these products, please contact Q Source at 800-966-6020 or by email.