Manual
VMZ-R 11.6.2 AutoMeasure Manual
🌟 What This Manual Is
This is the comprehensive guide to NEXIV AutoMeasure VMZ-R 11.6.2 — Nikon's premium-tier vision measurement system. The VMZ-R runs the same AutoMeasure 11.6.2 software as the VMA, with the same full feature set. What sets it apart is the hardware: larger measurement stage, higher precision optics, and Laser AF as a standard feature (not optional). Everything in this manual applies equally to both the VMA and VMZ-R at version 11.6.2.
On the standard VMA, the Laser AF device is optional — some machines have it, some don't. On the VMZ-R, it is standard equipment. This means all Laser AF measurement tools (Scan Laser, Box Laser, Laser AF probe) are fully available on every VMZ-R system without exception.
📄 Table of Contents
VMZ-R Hardware Overview
What Makes the VMZ-R Different
The VMZ-R (EVF60000) is Nikon's premium vision-only CMM at the 11.6.2 software generation. It sits above the VMA in the product line and is designed for higher-precision, higher-throughput manufacturing environments.
| Specification | VMA 11.6.2 | VMZ-R 11.6.2 |
|---|---|---|
| EVF Code | EVF40000 / EVF41000 | EVF60000 |
| Stage Size | Standard | Larger |
| Precision | Standard | Higher |
| Laser AF | Optional | Standard (always included) |
| Software Version | 11.6.2 | 11.6.2 |
| Dongle Required | No | No |
| Touch Probe | No | No |
No Dongle Required
Like all 11.6.2 versions, the VMZ-R does not require a USB hardware dongle to run AutoMeasure. The software will launch and operate freely. This is different from version 15.0.0, which requires a dongle.
Profiler Version
The VMZ-R 11.6.2 bundle includes both Profiler v2.6 and Profiler v2.7. The v2.7 manual is exclusive to the VMZ-R bundle — not included with the standard VMA. If your facility uses the Profiler option for surface profile measurement, check which version is installed on your machine.
Getting Started with VMZ-R 11.6.2
Startup Sequence
Follow this sequence every time. The order matters — launching software before the controller is ready causes initialization failures.
The controller is the external hardware unit connected to the stage. Turn it on first.
The lights on the joystick panel will come ON, then go OFF. When they go OFF, the controller is ready. Do not launch the software before this happens.
Open NEXIV AutoMeasure from the desktop or Start menu. No dongle is required for version 11.6.2.
Choose your login level: Operator (run recipes only), Engineer (create and edit recipes), or Manager (full access including settings). Use the appropriate password for your facility.
The System Initialization dialog appears. Click [Auto Detect]. The stage will move to find its home positions in X, Y, and Z. Keep hands and objects clear of the stage during homing.
When homing completes, the main AutoMeasure window opens. The system is ready to use.
Login Levels
| Level | Default Account | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | NEXIV3-OP | Load and run existing recipes (Replay mode) |
| Engineer | NEXIV3-ENG | Create, edit, and run recipes (Teaching + Replay) |
| Manager | NEXIV3-MGR | Full access including system settings and calibration |
| Maintenance | Nikon account | Hardware diagnostics (Nikon service only) |
Understanding the Three Modes
Teaching Mode
Teaching mode is where you create and edit measurement recipes. In this mode, you place measurement tools on the video panel, configure their parameters, set coordinate systems, and define tolerances. The recipe is saved as a .nmp file.
Only Engineers and Managers can access Teaching mode. Operators cannot create or modify recipes.
Run Measurement (Replay) Mode
Replay mode executes an existing recipe against a real part. The system follows the programmed sequence: moves the stage, takes measurements, compares results to tolerances, and generates a pass/fail report. Operators can run Replay without any other access.
Confirm Results Mode
After a replay, Confirm Results mode displays the full measurement data. You can review individual measurement results, view graphical representations, and generate reports for printing or export.
Creating Recipes
What Is a Recipe?
A recipe (also called a teaching file or program) is the measurement plan for a specific part. It contains every instruction the system needs: where to move, what to measure, how to measure it, and what tolerances to apply. Recipes are stored as .nmp files in C:\NEXIV3\TEACH\[recipe name]\.
Starting a New Recipe
Select Edit → Teaching from the menu, or click the Teaching button in the toolbar.
Before placing any measurement tools, establish an Initial coordinate system that references your part. Go to Coordinate → Initial Coordinate Setting. This aligns all measurements to the part, not the machine.
Place your part on the stage, move the camera over a reference feature, and set focus. Use the joystick for coarse movement; use the software controls for fine positioning.
From the Measurement Tool menu, select the appropriate probe type (Circle, Line, Distance, etc.). Position it over the feature on the video panel. Configure parameters in the probe settings dialog.
For each measurement tool, set upper and lower tolerance limits. Results outside these limits will be flagged as NG (No Good) during replay.
File → Save. The recipe saves to the default TEACH folder. Give it a descriptive name that matches the part number.
File Storage Locations
| File Type | Location |
|---|---|
| Recipe (.nmp) | C:\NEXIV3\TEACH\[recipe name]\[recipe name].nmp |
| Measurement results (.nmr) | C:\NEXIV3\DATA\[recipe name]\[lot]\[sample].nmr |
| CSV export | C:\NEXIV3\DATA\[recipe name]\[lot]\k3\[recipe].csv |
| System config | C:\NEXIV3\Init\NEXIV.cfg |
Base Elements
What Are Base Elements?
Base Elements are derived geometric constructs — features calculated from two or more measured features. You measure the raw points with probes, then combine them into Base Elements for tolerancing and downstream calculations.
Point
A single X,Y location. The simplest base element — often used as a datum or origin reference.
Line
A line fit through two or more measured points. Used for angle calculations and datum lines.
Circle
A circle fit through measured edge points. Returns center position, diameter, and roundness deviation.
Arc
A partial circle. Same parameters as Circle but covers less than 360 degrees.
Rectangle
A four-sided feature. Returns position, width, height, and squareness.
Ellipse
An elliptical feature. Returns center, major axis, minor axis, and rotation angle.
Calculated Elements
Beyond measured features, you can calculate:
- Distance — between any two features (point-to-point, point-to-line, line-to-line, circle-to-circle)
- Angle — between two lines
- Intersection — where two lines cross
- Tangent line — tangent to a circle
- Midpoint — midpoint between two points
AutoMeasure Wizards
What Are AutoMeasure Wizards?
AutoMeasure wizards are guided measurement templates that automate complex multi-point measurement sequences. Instead of manually placing many individual probes, you define the geometry and the wizard handles the measurement strategy.
| Wizard Category | Code | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension | 100 | Linear dimension measurements — width, height, diameter |
| Distance | 200 | Distance between two features |
| Datum Setting | 300 | Automated coordinate system establishment |
| APS (Auto Pattern Search) | 400 | Finds part features automatically using pattern recognition |
| Angle | 500 | Angular measurement between features |
| Height | 600 | Z-height measurement using Laser AF or Vision AF |
| Geometric Tolerancing | 700 | GD&T measurements — flatness, straightness, perpendicularity, etc. |
| Z Datum | 800 | Establishes Z-axis reference datum |
Using an AutoMeasure Wizard
Edit → AutoMeasure → [wizard type], or select from the toolbar dropdown.
The wizard presents a graphical input panel. Specify the feature shape, approach direction, number of measurement points, and measurement range.
Configure illumination, magnification, edge detection threshold, and other probe settings specific to your part material and surface finish.
The wizard runs the full measurement sequence automatically. The system moves the stage, captures images at each position, detects edges, and calculates the result.
Laser AF Measurement
Vision AF vs Laser AF
The VMZ-R supports two autofocus methods for Z-height measurement:
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vision AF | Camera-based focus by analyzing image contrast | Flat, well-lit surfaces with good contrast |
| Laser AF | Laser triangulation for precise Z measurement | Reflective surfaces, edges, step heights, 3D features |
Laser AF Probe
The Laser AF probe measures Z-height at a single point using the laser sensor. Place it over the target location, set the approach distance, and it captures the height value at that XY position.
Scan Laser Probe
The Scan Laser probe sweeps the laser along a line to capture a height profile. Use it to measure step heights, surface profiles along a path, or to find the edge of a feature using height change detection.
- Scan direction: Set the direction and length of the scan path
- Pitch: Measurement interval along the scan path
- Output: Returns a height array; can output min, max, average, or profile data
Box Laser Probe
The Box Laser probe captures Z-height across a rectangular area. Define the box dimensions and pitch, and the system measures a grid of height values. Use it for flatness measurement, tilt detection, or finding the highest/lowest point in an area.
Laser AF Calibration
The Laser AF sensor must be calibrated periodically and after any optics change. Calibration establishes the pixel-to-distance conversion for the laser sensor and aligns it with the vision system's XY coordinate frame.
Laser AF calibration is performed from Calibration → Laser AF Calibration. A flat reference surface (calibration plate) is required. Follow the on-screen wizard; the process takes approximately 5–10 minutes.
Coordinate Systems
Three Coordinate Systems
AutoMeasure uses three coordinate systems that work together. Understanding which system controls what is essential for accurate measurement.
| System | Origin | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Coordinate | Fixed to the stage mechanism | Hardware reference — never changes. All stage positions are ultimately reported in machine coordinates. |
| Initial Coordinate | Set per workpiece | The reference frame for a specific part. Set this before teaching. Aligns measurements to the part geometry, not the machine. |
| Local Coordinate | Temporary, set per measurement group | Used within a recipe step to reference a local datum. Resets when the step ends. |
Setting the Initial Coordinate System
Always set your Initial Coordinate System before placing measurement tools. If you skip this step, all measurements will reference the machine origin — which means your recipe will only work if the part is placed in exactly the same machine position every time. That is not practical.
Position the camera over a datum feature on your part — a reference edge, hole, or flat surface that defines your part's coordinate origin.
Coordinate → Initial Coordinate Setting. The dialog opens with options for X, Y, and rotation alignment.
Measure your datum features (edge, circle center, etc.) and assign them as the X origin, Y origin, and rotation reference. The software calculates the transformation from machine to part coordinates.
The coordinate display should now show 0,0 (or your intended reference values) at your datum. Confirm to lock the coordinate system.
Calibration
Calibration Types
| Type | Purpose | When to Run |
|---|---|---|
| Vision Processor | Calibrates pixel-to-mm scaling for each magnification level | After changing objectives; periodic maintenance |
| Light Amount | Sets reference illumination levels | When illumination changes; after bulb replacement |
| Vision AF | Calibrates camera autofocus accuracy | After optics changes |
| Laser AF | Calibrates laser sensor Z-distance conversion | After optics changes; periodic maintenance (VMZ-R standard) |
| Shading Image | Corrects for uneven illumination across the field of view | Periodic maintenance |
Vision Processor Calibration
This is the most important calibration. It tells the software exactly how many millimeters correspond to one pixel at each magnification setting. Without accurate vision processor calibration, all measurements will be systematically wrong.
A calibration plate with known reference dimensions is required. Follow the on-screen wizard from Calibration → Vision Processor Calibration. Perform this at every magnification level you use in measurement.
Laser AF Calibration (VMZ-R Standard)
Because Laser AF is standard on the VMZ-R, this calibration is always relevant. It must be performed:
- After any changes to the optical system
- Periodically as part of scheduled maintenance
- If Laser AF measurements show systematic offset errors
Access from Calibration → Laser AF Calibration. A flat reference plate is required. The wizard guides you through the process automatically.
Running Replay
Loading a Recipe
Navigate to C:\NEXIV3\TEACH\ and open the appropriate .nmp file for your part.
In the Run Measurement panel, enter the Lot ID and sample number. This determines where results are saved.
Place the part on the stage in the same orientation used during teaching. If your recipe uses an Initial Coordinate System, the system will automatically adjust for minor positioning variation.
Click the Replay button or press the designated key. The system executes the full measurement sequence automatically.
Replay Error Handling
When a measurement error occurs during replay, the system behavior depends on the configured error mode:
| Mode | Behavior on Error |
|---|---|
| Pause (default) | Replay stops; operator must intervene |
| Skip step | Failed measurement is skipped; replay continues |
| Skip sample | Entire sample is abandoned; moves to next |
Barcode Integration
The VMZ-R supports barcode reader integration. When a barcode is scanned at the start of a measurement run, the system can automatically load the corresponding recipe and set the lot/sample information. This is common in automated production lines where operators do not manually select recipes.
Results & Reporting
Confirm Results Mode
After replay completes, the system automatically enters Confirm Results mode. Here you can:
- Review individual measurement results with pass/fail status
- See numerical values and tolerance deviation
- View graphical representation of measured features
- Navigate between samples in the current lot
Result Files
Results are automatically saved to C:\NEXIV3\DATA\[recipe name]\[lot]\ as .nmr files. These can be reopened in Confirm Results mode at any time.
CSV Export
To export results as CSV for use in SPC software, Excel, or factory systems:
- Vertical format: Each result on its own row. SET CONVERT,1
- Horizontal format: All results in one row per sample. SET CONVERT,2
CSV files are saved to C:\NEXIV3\DATA\[recipe name]\[lot]\k3\
Report Printing
From Confirm Results mode, select File → Print Report. Choose a layout template, preview, and print. The VMZ-R bundle includes 14 pre-built layout templates covering common report formats.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Software won't start / initialization error | Controller not ready when software launched | Close software, wait for joystick lights to go OFF, relaunch |
| Stage homing fails | Stage obstructed or E-stop engaged | Clear stage, release E-stop, restart controller then software |
| Measurement results consistently wrong | Vision processor calibration out of date | Run Vision Processor Calibration for all magnification levels |
| Laser AF returns large errors | Laser AF calibration out of date | Run Laser AF Calibration from the Calibration menu |
| Edge detection fails on shiny parts | Illumination overexposed | Reduce ring light intensity; try coaxial light instead |
| Recipe runs but results are offset | Initial coordinate system not matching part placement | Re-teach the Initial Coordinate System for this part |
| CSV file not generated after replay | Convert mode not set | Set SET CONVERT,1 or SET CONVERT,2 in recipe settings |
| Joystick not responding | Controller communication lost | Check cable connections; restart controller |
C:\ProgramData\NEXIVAutoMeasure\ on your machine — Nikon installs them there during setup. Most users never find them. Visit our Downloads page for organized access.