Magnifiers

Magnifiers are handheld devices used to increase the magnification of objects greater than the human eye and are ideal for anyone doing detailed work. They are made with convex lenses that bend and converge at a focal point when light passes through. Magnifiers have been around for decades and have been improved with technological advances.

Key Types of Industrial Magnifiers

Magnifiers are classified by their form factor and optical design, with each type offering distinct advantages for specific industrial workflows.

Magnifiers are classified based on their optical construction, ergonomic design, and specific industrial application. Each variant is engineered with distinct features to optimise performance for tasks ranging from hands-free micro-assembly to portable, quick-assessment inspections.

Eye Magnifier

A compact, monocular device held directly to the eye. It provides moderate to high magnification for rapid, close-up inspection tasks where a limited field of view is acceptable and hands-free operation is not required.

Magnifying Glass

The classic handheld magnifier featuring a single lens and handle. It offers low-to-moderate magnification with a wide field of view, ideal for general-purpose industrial inspection of surface finishes and markings.

Magnifying Glass with Light

A handheld magnifier with an integrated LED illumination source. It provides direct, shadow-free light on the subject, which is essential for detailed inspection of PCBs or other intricate components in low-light conditions.

Magnifying Headband

A wearable, hands-free device with lenses mounted on a visor, often providing binocular vision. Its design is essential for accurate depth perception in two-handed tasks like soldering, micro-assembly, and rework.

Pocket Magnifying Glass

A durable, compact magnifier with a lens that folds into a protective casing. It is designed for maximum portability and is a standard tool for field engineers requiring on-the-go inspection capabilities.

Jewellers Loupe

A high-power loupe featuring a multi-element lens system (doublet or triplet) that corrects for optical aberrations. It provides a sharp, colour-accurate image critical for inspecting micro-welds and precision cutting tool edges.

Magnifying Loupe

A broad term for any small, high-power magnifier for close examination. This includes specialised loupes with integrated measurement scales (reticles) for direct dimensional analysis of small parts and features.

Reading Magnifier

Characterised by a large lens and low power, this magnifier provides a wide field of view. Industrially, it is used for the clear inspection of large technical schematics, blueprints, and fine-print documentation.

Optical Magnifier

The overarching technical term for any magnifier using a physical lens to refract light, as opposed to digital or video systems. It defines all traditional magnifiers based on the principles of optics.

Laboratory Magnifier

A high-specification magnifier, typically mounted on a stable, articulated arm for precise positioning. It features superior optical clarity and colour-corrected lighting for scientific analysis, dissection, and sample preparation.

Engineers Magnifying Glass

A magnifier defined by its robust construction, often with a scratch-resistant glass lens. It is engineered to withstand harsh industrial environments while providing the optical precision needed for post-machining and weld inspections.

What is Magnification?

If you need to see something small, you can bring your eyes closer. However, the object will become blurred as the eye cannot focus on details close-up. Magnification from an eye magnifier, for example, enlarges objects or text to make things clearer and easier to see and can help reduce eye strain. It’s also important to know what magnification strength is needed before you purchase one as there are many different types to suit all applications.

Industrial Applications of Magnifiers

Magnifiers are critical tools across various high-precision industrial sectors.

Electronics and PCB Assembly

Illuminated bench and headband magnifying glasses are vital for inspecting solder joint integrity, identifying bridges or shorts between fine-pitch components, and verifying correct component placement in both surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole technologies.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Technicians and engineers use a range of magnifiers to inspect machined parts for burrs and surface defects, check thread integrity, and assess the condition of cutting tools. This visual verification is a key step in process control, preventing out-of-spec components from proceeding down the production line.

Aerospace and Automotive

In these safety-critical industries, magnifiers are used for non-destructive inspection of high-stress components like turbine blades and engine parts for micro-fractures. They are also used to verify the integrity of critical fasteners and electrical connections.

How to Choose the Right Magnifier

Selecting the correct magnifier involves a technical evaluation of the task requirements.

1. Magnification Power: Choose the lowest power that will accomplish the task. Low power (2x-4x) offers a wider field of view and longer working distance, suitable for assembly. High power (5x+) is for fine detail inspection but restricts the work area.
2. Working Distance and Field of View: Ensure there is sufficient physical space under the lens for tools (e.g., soldering iron, probes) and that the visible area is large enough to work efficiently.
3. Lens Material: Optical-grade glass provides superior clarity and scratch resistance for harsh environments where contact with swarf is possible. Acrylic is lighter and more impact-resistant, making it suitable for portable applications, but is more susceptible to scratching.
4. Illumination: Integrated LED lighting is the standard for providing bright, low-heat, shadow-free illumination. For specific applications, consider magnifiers with UV light (for conformal coating inspection).
5. Form Factor: Match the magnifier's design to the workflow. Use handheld models for portability, head magnifying glasses for hands-free assembly, and bench magnifiers for stationary, high-stability inspection tasks.
6. Specialised Features: For electronics assembly, choose an ESD-safe model to prevent damage to sensitive components. For measurement, select a loupe with an integrated reticle scale.

The Leading Supplier and Distributor of Magnifiers in Australia

RS is your trusted source for professional-grade magnifiers. We stock an extensive selection from industry-leading manufacturers like Eschenbach, Coil, and our own high-quality RS PRO line. Our range includes numerous types and magnification powers at competitive prices, ensuring you can acquire the ideal industrial magnifying glass for your specific application.

We also offer other essential inspection tools, such as inspection cameras and calipers, to fully equip your workspace. Buy your illuminated bench magnifier, hands-free headband magnifier, or portable pocket loupe online today. For complete details regarding our ordering process and nationwide shipping options, please visit our delivery page.