Nikon
V 12 B Optical Comparator
Provisional entry — research in progress
This page was generated automatically from cited public sources and hasn't completed the full research pass yet. Every specification shown carries its source; more detail is added as research completes.
The Nikon V-12B is a benchtop optical profile projector (optical comparator) from Nikon Metrology. The V-12B displays an erect, unreversed image of the sample on a 12-inch (305mm) glass screen for X-Y and angular measurement. The instrument uses a moving optical head focusing design and telecentric projection lenses with magnifications from 5x to 500x.[1][2][3][4][5]
What it is
How it works
Where it fits in the process flow
Applications
What do the numbers mean?
Power & electrical2
Optics & imaging5
- Projection Lenses
- 5x, 10x, 20x, 25x, 50x, 100x, 200x and 500x; 3-lens turret; clamp screw type[1]
- Vertical Surface Illumination
- Built-in vertical surface illuminator with prealigned half-reflecting mirrors; 500x lens requires EPI Condenser Lens[1]
- Magnification Accuracy
- Contour illumination ±0.1%, vertical/oblique surface illumination ±0.15%[1]
Dimensions & facilities5
- Max. Height of Specimen
- 100 mm (4.0 in) with 8x6, 6x4, 4x4, O3L and 2x2 stages; 70 mm with PS 10x6B, PS 8x6B stage[1]
- Max. Load Capacity
- 15 kg (33.0 lb) with 8x6 and 6x4 stages; 6 kg (13.2 lb) with 4x4; 5 kg (11.0 lb) with O3L and 2x2[1]
- Stage
- Available stages: 10x6, 8x6, 6x4, 4x4, O3L, 2x2 (dimensions in inches; 250mm x 150mm down to 50mm x 50mm)[1]
Configuration & options3
Vintage & configurations
Documented models & variants
| Designation | Generation | Vintage | Changes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V-12BDC | — | — | Built-in digital XY counter (1 mm/0.5 mm selectable) and built-in digital protractor (360° rotation reading to 1 minute arc) | exceltechnologies.com[4] |
| V-12BD | — | — | Built-in digital protractor; XY counter not provided | exceltechnologies.com[4] |
| V-12BSC | — | — | Built-in digital XY counter (1 mm/0.5 mm selectable); digital protractor not provided | exceltechnologies.com[4] |
| V-12BS | — | — | No built-in digital XY counter or digital protractor | exceltechnologies.com[4] |
What does it need to run?
Site utility requirements, footprint, and infrastructure needed to install and operate this tool. Sourced from public records.
Where are the manuals?
Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.
Not publicly documented
Field notes
No research found yet — worked with this tool? Share what you know.
Frequently asked questions
What does the V 12 B Series measure?
The V 12 B Series measures X Y features and can optionally measure angular features.[1][2][3]
What screen size does the V 12 B Series use?
The V 12 B Series displays the sample image on a 12 inch screen.[1][2][3]
Not publicly documented
The following facts about the V 12 B Optical Comparator are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.
No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the V 12 B Optical Comparator are on record.
Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement
The control-system platform and OS era of the V 12 B Optical Comparator are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the V 12 B Optical Comparator are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
The process node or technology generation of the V 12 B Optical Comparator is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the V 12 B Optical Comparator are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer
No research found yet — worked with this tool? Share what you know.
Sources & citations
Sources (6)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
- [1]industry.nikon.com — industry.nikon.comindustry.nikon.com
- [2]V-12B Series - Nikon — industry.nikon.comindustry.nikon.com
- [3]V-12B Series - Nikon Industrial Metrology — industry.nikon.comindustry.nikon.com
- [4]exceltechnologies.com — exceltechnologies.comexceltechnologies.com
- [5]Nikon V-12B Series Profile Projector User Manual — generalmanual.comgeneralmanual.com
- [6]Equipment inventory listing
Last updated Sep 28, 2026.
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