Benchtop or Floor Model?
Whether you choose a benchtop or floor model comparator may ultimately depend on the size and weight of the parts to be measured. Other factors to consider include space (floor models typically take up more space than benchtop systems), required screen size (benchtop systems rarely have screens larger than 14" or 16"), and cost (floor models are generally more expensive).
What kind of parts are being measured?
Benchtop models are smaller, lighter, and have lower load carrying capacity and measuring range than most floor model systems. Consequently, one usually finds benchtop comparators employed for measurement of small, lightweight parts such as plastic moldings, stampings, lathe work, etc.
Floor models, on the other hand, offer substantial load capacity and large travel, and are often used to measure large machined castings, dies, and heavy tooling. The following table gives some idea of the relative capacities of OGP benchtop and floor model comparators.
| Focus Lite | Focus | Focus Advance | Focus5 | QL-20 | QL-30 | OQ-30B | |
| Load | 45 lb | 45 lb | 60 lb | 60 lb | 550 lb | 550 lb | 550 lb |
| X Travel | 8" / 12" | 8" / 12" | 15" / 18" | 15" / 18" | 15" / 18" | 15" / 18" | 15" / 18" |
| Y Travel | 4" | 5" | 6" | 6" | 9" | 9" | 10" |
| Focus Travel | 1.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 2" | 3" | 3" | 3" |
How much room do you have?
The amount of floor space needed is an often overlooked part of the selection process. Although benchtop systems are fairly compact, some floor model machines are quite large. OGP optical comparators, regardless of configuration, use the minimum space possible - comparisons to competitive systems can be quite enlightening. The following table shows the floor space requirement for OGP systems.
| Focus Lite | Focus | Focus Advance | Focus5 | QL-20 | QL-30 | OQ-30B | |
| Size L x W | 36" x 30" | 40" x 32" | 38" x 32" | 38" x 32" | 67" x 38" | 71" x 42" | 88" x 72" |
| Height | 33" | 41" | 40" | 40" | 75" | 80" | 80" |
| Area (sq. ft.) | 7.5 | 8.9 | 8.4 | 8.4 | 17.7 | 20.7 | 44 |
Screen Size
