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Vision Engineering introduces PicoZoom, a new autofocus digital inspection microscope


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ision Engineering, a UK-based designer and manufacturer of magnification and inspection systems, has launched PicoZoom,


a new autofocus digital inspection microscope built for electronics. The system has motorised zoom, one-click autofocus, focus stacking, and built-in measurement and reporting tools in a single workflow, designed to help inspection and quality teams achieve clearer images, faster set-up and more consistent, documented results. Manufacturers are under growing pressure to meet tighter quality control requirements and to document inspection results more thoroughly, without slowing down production. PicoZoom has been developed to meet that need, sitting between low-cost USB microscopes and higher-end digital inspection platforms and giving manufacturing and quality control teams access to autofocus imaging, measurement and reporting within one accessible system.


One-click autofocus and a motorised 0.7× to 4.5× optical zoom (18.9× to 121.8× system magnification) allow operators to move between parts, surfaces and magnification levels without changing lenses or manually refocusing, reducing set-up time


and helping keep results consistent between operators and shifts.


Quadrant-controlled LED lighting gives operators directional control over illumination and automatic exposure, making edges, marks and surface detail easier to see on reflective or low-contrast parts.


On parts with depth, such as solder joints, stepped surfaces and threaded components, a single image often only shows one area in sharp focus. PicoZoom’s focus stacking function combines images captured at different focal planes into one sharp composite, extending depth of field across the part without manual refocusing. Built-in dimensioning and annotation tools, together with custom report output, let operators capture on-screen measurements and images and compile them into formatted reports without leaving the system, supporting quality control documentation and traceability. PicoZoom connects via HDMI, USB 3.0 and LAN. It uses a 2 MP CMOS sensor delivering 1080p resolution at 60 fps, and occupies a compact benchtop footprint of 320 x 308.6mm.


Sam Crossley, managing director of Vision Engineering, said: “PicoZoom combines imaging, illumination and reporting in a single, easy-to-use system that can be deployed


quickly and adopted with minimal training. By making documented, repeatable inspection more accessible, it enables a wider range of manufacturers to benefit from capabilities that have traditionally required a significantly greater investment. PicoZoom is a natural extension of our digital inspection portfolio and reflects our commitment to helping customers improve quality, traceability and efficiency.”


Typical applications for PicoZoom include PCB and solder joint inspection, medical device inspection, incoming goods


ODU expands ODU-MAC RAPID line with new compact metal housing


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esponding to customer feedback, a new metal housing has been introduced to the ODU-MAC RAPID connector range from ODU. Using metal instead of plastic allows for a thinner wall thickness, making the housing suitable for systems with limited space, particularly in the medical, industrial and test & measurement sectors. Both ODU-MAC Blue-Line frames and ODU-MAC White-Line frames in size 4 can be installed. The connector is now available in standard black or orange housing options.


Using space-saving spindle-locking instead of side or end clamps, together with the half-shell design ensure easy assembly, component replacement, and proper cable routing. To ensure even


www.cieonline.co.uk


greater stability, optional perforated metal strain reliefs are available.


Key features include not only robust and space-saving design, but also high contact density, a flexibly adjustable cable outlet, and flush mounting of the


receptacle. For proven ease of use, the built-in


ODU-MAC Blue- Line modules are easily installed and removed without tools. In addition, the connector is


available complete with cable assembly, in a one-stop-shop option, directly from ODU.


Thanks to ODU’s decades of expertise in connector solutions and its global locations, the company said it is


able to guide customers through design, manufacturing and inspection. With 80 per cent in-house integration, ODU added that it “can guarantee the fastest possible, crisis-proof delivery”.


www.odu-connectors.com/uk Components in Electronics July/August 2026 9


inspection and defect analysis, alongside broader use in component inspection and quality control across aerospace, motorsport, welding, automotive, research and education environments.


PicoZoom is available now through Vision Engineering’s global network of branches and authorised distributors, with a UK list price starting at £3,250. Full technical specifications and further information are available at:


www.visioneng.com


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