Starrett has modernised precision metrology with the launch of its new HDV250 digital comparator supplied and supported in the UK by
Optimax Imaging Inspection and Measurement Ltd, based in Market Harborough. This new entry to the market updates the industry-standard optical comparator by replacing traditional projection screens and manual overlays with a high-resolution camera and digital monitor keeping the trusted crosshair-based measurement method but providing sharper visualisation, reliable feature identification, and improved inspection consistency.
At the core of the HDV250 is an integrated LED ring light-based surface illumination system. The advanced lighting is designed to provide enhanced contrast and clear edge definition across a wide range of part finishes, particularly for complex surface features that cannot be backlit. The advanced lighting system improves image clarity, allowing operators to inspect with greater confidence and micron-level precision.
The HDV250 provides micron-level accuracy, advanced measurement algorithms, digital traceability for validation and reporting, and inspection integrity that supports compliance requirements. It also benefits manufacturers with: easy transition with minimal training when upgrading from a traditional comparator; more-reliable inspection of surface features or features that cannot be backlit; floor-ready, compact footprint; full digital documentation for quality assurance; and an accessible price point for small and mid-scale operations
By combining engineering credibility with commercial accessibility, the HDV250 brings large-system performance to real-world shop floors without the complexity or cost barriers.
Optimax will use
MACH 2026, taking place 20-24 April at the NEC Birmingham, to demonstrate its fully integrated approach to metrology, presenting not only individual inspection technologies but a cohesive vision for modern quality control (Hall 18, Stand 630).
The company will display a complete portfolio of measurement systems chosen to meet the increasingly complex requirements of contemporary manufacturing, supported by automated quality‑assurance solutions designed for deployment both in the laboratory and on the shopfloor.