Optical or Digital Microscope?

If you work in manufacturing, pharma, research & development or your role focuses on quality control, quality assurance, material analysis and failure analysis then you might be well aware how critical it is to inspect materials like metals, electronics, polymers, and coatings with precision and consistency. But when it comes down to choosing the right microscope – the decision isn’t always straightforward.
Both traditional microscopes (commonly known as optical microscopy) and digital microscopes each have their own benefits. The best choice depends on your industry, the volume of samples you handle, and your inspection needs.
Understanding Traditional Microscopes
Traditional microscopes such as upright, inverted, and stereo, are widely used for material analysis and quality control and are ideal for use in research labs or manufacturing plants. They offer direct optical viewing through the eyepieces for accurate results. Traditional microscopes such as the ZEISS Axio series are commonly used because of their proven optical quality and versatility.