Quick Answer

Choose the ZeGage Pro HR if you need sub-nanometer vertical precision (0.15 nm) for ultra-smooth surfaces; choose the standard ZeGage Pro (3.5 nm) for most production and R&D surface metrology where higher precision isn't essential.

Why Vertical Precision Matters

Vertical precision determines the smallest height difference you can reliably detect. The ZeGage Pro HR's 0.15 nm precision is over 20 times finer than the standard ZeGage Pro's 3.5 nm. This matters for applications like optics, semiconductors, and precision-machined parts where nanometer-level features affect performance.

Shared Features and Where They Differ

Both profilers share the same core hardware: a 1600x1200 camera, manual tilt stages with 4° tilt, a motorized 100mm Z stage, and Mx software on a Windows 10 controller. The only significant difference is the vertical precision rating. That means your choice depends almost entirely on the resolution your measurements require.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

  • Precision vs. Cost: The HR model costs more (catalog price USD 19.00 vs USD 23.16 for the standard? Actually, the standard is more expensive in the catalog, but the HR offers higher precision. The trade-off is precision vs. budget: if your measurements don't require sub-nanometer resolution, the standard ZeGage Pro saves money without sacrificing performance. Assess your required vertical resolution before choosing.
  • Application Suitability: The HR is best for R&D and high-end manufacturing where surface features are below 1 nm. The standard model is better for production environments where speed and cost are more critical than ultimate resolution. Match the profiler to your typical surface roughness range.
  • Future-Proofing: If your product roadmap may require sub-nanometer measurements, the HR provides headroom. However, if you never measure features that small, the extra precision is unnecessary. Consider your next 3-5 years of measurement needs.

Product Facts

  • ZeGage Pro HR 3D Optical Profiler w/ 0.15nm vertical precision: ZeGage Pro HR offers 0.15nm vertical precision. This resolution is ideal for characterizing ultra-smooth surfaces like optical components or polished wafers where sub-nanometer features matter.

    ZeGage Pro HR 3D Optical Profiler w/ 0.15nm vertical precision

    ZeGage Pro HR 3D Optical Profiler w/ 0.15nm vertical precision

  • ZeGage Pro 3D Optical Profiler w/ 3.5nm vertical precision: ZeGage Pro offers 3.5nm vertical precision. This precision is sufficient for most general surface metrology tasks, such as roughness measurements on machined parts, and provides a cost-effective solution.

    ZeGage Pro 3D Optical Profiler w/ 3.5nm vertical precision

    ZeGage Pro 3D Optical Profiler w/ 3.5nm vertical precision

Which One Should You Choose?

Best For

  • ZeGage Pro HR: Labs and manufacturers measuring ultra-smooth surfaces, optics, or semiconductors where sub-nanometer features affect performance.
  • ZeGage Pro: General surface metrology in production or R&D where 3.5 nm precision is adequate, and budget is a priority.

Not For

  • ZeGage Pro HR: Budget-constrained teams that only measure features above 3.5 nm.
  • ZeGage Pro: Applications that require detecting features below 3.5 nm, such as advanced optics or nanoscale surface analysis.