Systems
NEXIV Systems Guide
Complete NEXIV Video Measuring Systems Guide
Expert knowledge combining official Nikon information with extracted installation file analysis. Everything you need to understand, select, and utilize NEXIV systems.
This guide combines official Nikon documentation with expert analysis from extracted installation files, providing complete system intelligence including hidden documentation and version strategies.
Table of Contents
Current Production Systems
NEXIV VMF-K Series
Purpose: High-speed, precision 2D and 3D measurements
Target: Advanced semiconductor and industrial applications
Specialty: Speed and precision for demanding applications
Status: Current production model
NEXIV VMZ-S Series
Purpose: High throughput applications requiring speed and accuracy
Target: Production environments with volume measurement needs
Specialty: Optimized for speed without sacrificing precision
Status: Current production model
iNEXIV VMA Series
Purpose: Wide variety of industrial inspection applications
Target: General industrial inspection requiring both vision and tactile measuring
Specialty: Versatile measurement capabilities
Status: Current production model
NEXIV VMZ-H3030
Purpose: Most accurate measurements in NEXIV series
Target: Ultra-high precision applications
Specialty: Precise stage operation with high-performance optics
Status: Current production model
NEXIV VMZ-NWL200
Purpose: Automatic wafer measuring system
Target: Semiconductor wafer inspection (6-inch or 8-inch)
Specialty: Integrated wafer loader for automated processing
Status: Current production model
Legacy AutoMeasure Systems
These systems use the AutoMeasure software platform (extracted from installation files). While some are discontinued, they remain valuable for training and reference.
VMA Series - Budget/Entry Level
VMA AutoMeasure 11.6.2
EVF40000
Features: Standard vision measurement
Licensing: No dongle required
Use Case: Training, learning, budget projects
VMA AutoMeasureTP 11.6.2
EVF41000
Features: Vision + touch probe capability
Licensing: No dongle required
Use Case: Hybrid measurement training
VMA AutoMeasure 15.0.0
EVF72150
Features: Latest version with full software suite
Licensing: Dongle required
Use Case: Production environments
VMA-TP AutoMeasureTP 15.0.0
EVF73150
Features: Vision + touch probe, latest version
Licensing: Dongle required
Use Case: Production with hybrid measurement
VMZ Series - Premium/High-End (Legacy)
VMZR AutoMeasure 11.6.2
EVF60000
Status: DISCONTINUED
Features: Previous generation premium system
Licensing: No dongle required
Note: Available on used market, no dongle hassle
VMZ-S AutoMeasure 15.0.0
EVF72150
Features: Current generation premium system
Licensing: Dongle required
Upgrade: Latest camera, faster stage, premium software
Version Strategy Explained
11.6.2 Era (No Dongle Required)
Key Characteristics
- No hardware dongle required
- Perfect for training and learning environments
- Legacy but still valuable for education
- Available systems: VMA variants, VMZR
15.0.0 Era (Dongle Required)
Key Characteristics
- USB dongle (hardware key) required
- Latest features and software suite
- Production environment optimized
- Additional tools: Profiler, Report, MapMeasure, NEXIVNote
- Available systems: VMA variants, VMZ-S
Touch Probe (TP) Capability
TP = Touch Probe (NOT Teaching Pendant)
TP variants include physical contact measurement capability, enabling hybrid measurement (vision + contact) for measuring features vision cannot see, such as deep holes and hidden surfaces.
System Selection Guide
Budget Decision
Budget Conscious? → VMA Series
Premium Features Needed? → VMZ-S Series
Want Premium Without Dongle? → VMZR (Discontinued - Used Market)
Measurement Method Decision
Pure Vision Only? → Standard variants
Need Contact Measurement? → TP (Touch Probe) variants
Ultra-High Precision? → VMZ-H3030
Semiconductor Wafers? → VMZ-NWL200
Version Decision
No Dongle Complexity? → 11.6.2 versions
Latest Features Required? → 15.0.0 versions (dongle required)
Training/Learning Environment? → 11.6.2 versions
Production Environment? → 15.0.0 versions
Upgrade Path Decisions
VMZR → VMZ-S Upgrade
- What You Gain: Latest camera technology, faster stage movement
- What You Lose: Dongle-free operation
- When to Upgrade: Need latest tech, okay with dongle licensing
11.6.2 → 15.0.0 Upgrade
- What You Gain: Latest features, integrated software suite
- What You Lose: Dongle-free operation
- When to Upgrade: Need production features, have dongle infrastructure
Documentation Strategy
Nikon places comprehensive documentation in: C:\ProgramData\NEXIVAutoMeasure\
This folder contains 15+ PDF files totaling 120+ MB of official documentation that most users never discover.
Your Documentation Value Proposition
1. Complete System Decoder
- Translate EVF codes to user-friendly knowledge
- Map internal part numbers to capabilities
- Explain system specifications in plain language
2. Hidden Documentation Finder
- Make buried manuals easily accessible
- Organize 15+ official PDFs by category
- Provide direct links to hidden resources
3. Version Decision Framework
- Clear guidance on system selection
- Decision trees for version choices
- Upgrade path recommendations
4. Expert Knowledge Areas
- Complete EVF code mapping
- Generational comparisons
- Measurement method guidance
- Licensing strategy explanations
Implementation for Training & Documentation
The 3-category download structure perfectly supports this expertise by making all knowledge accessible and organized for users.
Training Content Opportunities
"Which NEXIV system do I have?"
- System identification guide
- EVF code lookup reference
- Hardware variant explanation
"Vision vs Vision+Touch measurement"
- Method selection guide
- Part suitability analysis
- Workflow comparison
"Hidden documentation hunt"
- Show users where Nikon hides manuals
- Documentation discovery tutorial
- Manual organization by category
"Upgrade decision framework"
- Help users decide if they should upgrade
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Technology advancement explanation
You provide the definitive NEXIV systems reference that bridges the gap between Nikon's technical specifications and user-friendly knowledge. This positions you as the go-to authority for NEXIV system selection, documentation access, and upgrade planning.