The Confovis TOOLinspect metrology tool is an industrial solution for measuring functional surfaces. The combination of patented confocal microscopy and Focus Variation makes it possible to measure and analyze a wide variety of surfaces in 3D. The confocal measurement method supports norm-traceable roughness measurements down to the single-digit nanometer range. Focus Variation, on its part, can also measure geometries on steep flanks (e.g. structures produced with lasers on cutting tools).

Complex measurement tasks are programmed as an automated intuitive “teach-in” measuring plan. Thus, even users without programming skills can reliably perform new tasks and obtain the measurement results in protocol format. These are displayed as target/actual comparisons and deviations are highlighted in simple traffic light colors.

The TOOLinspect metrology tool is available in different device sizes and can therefore be adapted to a wide variety of measuring tasks. Parts up to 300 mm long and 330 mm high are mounted on a robust and vibration-damped machine frame.

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The advantage of the Confovis patented optical measurement method is that real 3D data are generated and thus surface structures are evaluated over a large image section. Machining structures, breakouts, accumulations of droplets, as can occur with coatings, layer defects and many other details are evaluated by planar parameters, in which TOOLinspect brings its strength to bear especially with highly reflecting and very smooth surfaces and also with transparent layers.

The differentiated signal evaluation allows information to be obtained and evaluated at the boundaries of optically transparent layers, which not only permits the measurement of step heights or layer thicknesses but also the detection of surface defects – such as scratches or other defects from the manufacturing process. Manufacturers of cutting tools can, for example, check milling cutters, taps or indexable inserts not only with regard to shape characteristics such as cutting-edge radius and angle, but can also measure roughness traceably to standard. The measurement of steep flanks and angles is carried out using focus variation, the second measurement method integrated in the device.

With the combination of proprietary measuring software from the manufacturer and market-established evaluation software MountainsMap®, the TOOLinspect measuring system is extremely user-friendly and flexible. The Confovis measuring software creates a 3D point cloud, both with focus variation and confocally measured measurement points, which exclusively displays recorded measuring points.The software deliberately does not fill in unmeasured data points or filter them. The measured values are thus available to the user authentically in a coordinate system.

TOOLinspect Applications

TOOLinspect Measurement Tasks

Profile-based according to DIN EN ISO 21920 (formerly DIN EN ISO 4287/4288 and 13565), as well as area-based according to DIN EN ISO 25178

Even with transparent layers

Angles, heights, widths, radii, target/actual comparisons, etc.

In accordance with DIN EN ISO 25178 (e.g., Vmp, Vmc, Vvc, Vvv parameters)

Cutting edge quality, edge rounding radius, form, K-factor, height defects

High-precision measurements down to the single-digit nanometer range
Measurement on reflecting, transparent and diffuse surfaces
Combined measuring method: Confocal measurement technique and focus variation
Full data transparency - raw data can be viewed for each individual measuring point
Artifact-free measurements due to technologically negligible coherence and speckle effects
No bat wing overshoots at discontinuities

Roughness measurements traceable to standards
User-friendly, intuitive, expandable measuring software from Confovis (3 clicks for the measurement, 1 click for the evaluation)
High degree of automation by measuring plan with "teach-in”
Short measuring time: Profiles can be recorded in a similar way to a profile device (according to DIN EN ISO 3274)
2D and 3D characterization of surface features through fast area scans