Faq

To those outside Japan considering implementing CHROVIT

Please contact us via the inquiry form first.
We will recommend the most suitable CHROVIT for your specific application, so we would appreciate it if you could provide as much detail as possible.
For orders, please contact our designated trading company.

Requirements for Consultation

Are there any points we should mention when inquiring about CHROVIT?

To provide you with the best possible solution for CHROVIT, we will need to confirm certain technical requirements. It would be greatly appreciated if you could prepare the following information in advance.

Please note that it is not necessary to have all details finalized at this stage. For any unclear points, we will work with you to define the specifications during our meetings.

Furthermore, we offer comprehensive proposals for mounting methods tailored to your specific needs, including bonding components to fixtures.

Important Note regarding Export: If synthetic quartz is selected as the material, a “Certificate of Non-Applicability” (export control documentation) will be required for international shipping to comply with export regulations.

Specific Requirements
(Common for Image Inspection & Laser Marking)

1. Workpiece Shape and Dimensions
Please provide the shape and dimensions of your workpiece.
For laser marking applications, please also specify the required marking area.
If you are planning to process multiple types of workpieces, please provide the shape and dimensions for all of them. In some cases, a single CHROVIT unit can be shared across multiple workpiece types.
2. Target Surface and Equipment Orientation
Please specify which surface of the workpiece you wish to image or mark, and from which direction.
We need to know the relative orientation of the camera or laser marker in relation to the target surface.
3. Lens Specifications
For both image inspection and laser marking, we recommend using telecentric lenses in combination with CHROVIT.
Please note that if CCTV lenses are used, the optical path may not behave as intended, which may prevent us from providing an optimal proposal.
The Field of View (FOV) for image inspection will be determined during the proposal process. We recommend selecting your lens after the FOV has been finalized.
4. Workpiece Transportation
If the method for transporting the workpieces is already determined, please let us know.
Additionally, please inform us of any physical constraints, such as specific locations or orientations where CHROVIT cannot be installed.
5. Mounting and Fixing CHROVIT
We can provide CHROVIT bonded to metal mounting fixtures. We can also provide a draft design for your review and refine it according to your requirements.
Alternatively, we can supply CHROVIT as a standalone component. In this case, please exercise caution when mounting; applying excessive clamping force may cause the component to crack.
If you apply adhesive yourself, please ensure that it is not applied to any optical surfaces (entrance, exit, or reflection surfaces).
6. Operating Wavelength
Please specify the wavelength of the light being used. For laser marking applications, CHROVIT accepts wavelengths from 355nm to 1064nm. Please note that they cannot be used with CO2 lasers.
7. Dust and Debris Management
For both image inspection and laser marking, all optical surfaces (entrance, exit, and reflection surfaces) must be kept clean.
Specifically for laser marking, we ask that you take measures to prevent smoke, dust, and debris from adhering to CHROVIT. We recommend using blower fans or air knives to minimize accumulation.
Furthermore, we advise maximizing the distance between the irradiation point and the CHROVIT unit whenever possible.
Do you offer samples of CHROVIT for lending?

Yes, we provide samples of CHROVIT for evaluation purposes. While it is rare for a standard sample to perfectly match the specific requirements of every project, they are highly effective for understanding CHROVIT’s characteristics and for testing illumination methods.

Based on our initial consultation, we will suggest the most suitable samples for your needs. For sample requests from outside Japan, please consult with us through our trading company.

About CHROVIT Pricing

Could you provide the pricing for CHROVIT?
Since CHROVIT is primarily a custom-made product, we provide individual quotations based on your specific requirements.

In optical manufacturing, many processes involve processing multiple units simultaneously. Consequently, the unit price decreases significantly when producing larger quantities of the same design. We often recommend ordering a few extra units as spares to account for potential handling damage or loss. Please also note that an initial engineering fee applies to the first order.

A few standardized models for specific workpiece shapes are also available.
Reference: https://technical-prisms.com/shop/

Handling and Maintenance

How should I maintain or clean CHROVIT?

Gently wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth or optical-grade cotton paper. For best results and to remove oils effectively, we recommend using a small amount of alcohol or acetone.

We also offer small quantities of the professional-grade cleaning paper that we use in our own facility.

What kind of operating environment is suitable for CHROVIT?

Please inform us in advance if you plan to use CHROVIT in high-temperature environments or locations subject to rapid temperature fluctuations (thermal shock).

We recommend avoiding environments where the unit may be exposed to dust, debris, or liquids. Additionally, as optical glass is highly susceptible to damage from mechanical impact, please handle it with extreme care and avoid striking the corners or edges.

Is it okay if CHROVIT gets wet?
It is important to keep the unit as clean as possible. If moisture or contaminants are left on the surface of optical components, they can trigger chemical reactions, leading to permanent staining or a cloudy “whitened” appearance (tarnishing).
Could you provide guidance on illumination methods for CHROVIT?

There is no single “best” method, as the optimal setup depends on various factors, including the specific shape of the CHROVIT unit, the surface condition of the workpiece, and the type of defects you aim to detect. Currently, many of our customers find the best solution through trial and error.

A fundamental principle to remember is that if a defect cannot be visualized under any lighting without CHROVIT, it will likely remain undetectable even with it. Therefore, it is crucial to first understand what kind of illumination and light angles are necessary to make the specific defect visible.

Commonly used setups include ring lighting and dome lighting. When using coaxial (on-axis) illumination, reflections from the glass surface can reduce image contrast. To mitigate this, we recommend applying an AR (Anti-Reflection) coating, though this will involve additional costs.

In some applications, the ground (sandblasted) surfaces of the CHROVIT itself are used to scatter light, or non-optical path areas are made transparent to allow external illumination to pass through the unit.

Contact

Please email us anytime if you have any questions.