Description
Manufacturer of precision machinery, video measuring, video marking, and precision measuring devices and software for the industrial, biomedical, and presentation markets.
Web
boeckeler - company site
Client Testimonial
Products

EM Sample Preparation products: RMC Products, the line includes ultramicotomes, cryosectioning systems, automatic EM tissue processors, glass knife makers, freeze substitution systems, and a wide range of associated accessories.

Video measuring devices and software: VIA® video measuring and marking devices and software allow engineers and scientists to position measuring lines and pointers over images of samples to quickly aid in measuring critical features or comparing samples.

Other Boeckeler metrology products include micrometer heads and positioning devices for toolmakers’ microscopes. Linear measuring systems and digital dial indicators are also available. In addition, Boeckeler is a North American distributor of Märzhäuser/Wetzlar microscope stages.

Pointmaker® video markers allow presenters to draw and point on video and computer images much the way sports commentators annotate football plays on TV. This technology made its national debut when attorneys used the Pointmaker during the Simpson trial to point at details in video and computer images presented to the jury.

Market Served

The scientific and industrial community is served through Boeckeler’s established network of independent dealers, distributors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) based throughout the U.S., Canada, Germany, Austria, Japan, France, Korea and Sweden. With the introduction of the Pointmaker® video marker, the customer base expanded to include the video presentation, videoconferencing, and broadcast markets.

History

Boeckeler Instruments Company was established in 1942 by Henry Boeckeler in affiliation with Arizona Tool and Die. Products at that time included mechanical micrometer heads accurate to ten millionths of an inch for use in the production of military aircraft during WWII. This degree of accuracy continues unmatched to this day.

In the 1950s, Boeckeler introduces a toolmaker’s microscope to handle shop floor capacity with watchmaking precision and speed.

In the 1960s, Boeckeler brings precision measuring into the electronic age with the introduction of digital micrometers and readouts. In 1969, Boeckeler Instruments Co. is sold and becomes a division of IKL Incorporated, based in Newport Beach.

In the 1970s, Boeckeler introduces digital filar eyepieces for microscopic image measurement in industry and medicine.

In the 1980s, Boeckeler is reorganized in 1987 and named Boeckeler Instruments, Inc., by Arvie Lake, Jr., and Len Ness. These officers were soon joined by Pat Brey to form the management team for the new corporation.

Also in 1987, Boeckeler introduces auto positioning systems for microscope stages which are computer controlled and highly repeatable. In 1988, the Boeckeler VIA-100® video measurement system is unveiled as the first of Boeckeler’s new line of video measuring and marking products that allow scientists to measure specimens or small parts on a video monitor. The VIA-50® video image marker and the VIA-110® video hardness measurement system follow.

In the 1990s, the VIA-150® video marker-measurement system is introduced, combining both features of the VIA-100 and VIA-50. Color marker overlays and measurement lines are now possible with the introduction of the VIA-RGB® and VIA-Y/C® video interfaces. Boeckeler relocates to Tucson International Business Center. In 1991, the VIA-20® video pointer and VIA-30® video crossline generator make their debut. In 1992, its 50th anniversary year, Boeckeler broadens its market by including the video presentation and videoconference market with the introduction of the Pointmaker® video marker which allows drawing and pointing over video images.

In 1995, the Pointmaker video marker makes is national non-sports debut when it is used by attorneys during the televised Simpson trial to mark details of evidence presented to the jury. In 1996, Boeckeler became a distributor for Märzhäuser stages and micromanipulators in the Americas. In 1997, Boeckeler’s 55th anniversary year, the company moves into its newly constructed and expandable building in Tucson’s Butterfield Business Center. In 1998, Len Ness becomes president of the company, as Boeckeler Instruments launches it first PC-based product. The software version of the VIA- is born.

In 2000, Boeckeler acquires the RMC-EM product line of EM Sample Prep equipment from Ventana Medical Systems. Redesignated "RMC Products", the new line includes ultramicrotomes, cryosectioning systems, automatic EM tissue processors, glass knife makers, freeze substitution systems, and a wide range of associated accessories.

Microscopy & Precision Measuring Applications

Wide variety of applications of Boeckeler products, including, but not limited to the applications below. All uses are intended to add capabilities in new or existing systems, increase accuracy and improve productivity.

For Electron Microscopy: Controlling and automating the preparation of samples for observation and analysis in the electron microscope. Instruments to perform the tasks are widely used in the biological, biomedical and materials sciences.

Instruments include quick-freezing devices to stabilize biological materials by either bringing the specimen into contact with a liquid nitrogen-cooled metal mirror, or by exposing the sample to liquid nitrogen under high pressure.

Other instruments are used to prepare specimens at room temperature and at cryogenic (ultra-low) temperatures. These instruments are used to prepare the samples before they are cut into extremely thin slices and observed in the electron microscope.

Ultramicrotomes are designed for the process of cutting specimens into very thin slices. The sectioning may be performed at room temperature with a standard ultramicrotome or at ultra-low temperatures by adding a cryoultramicrotomy attachment. Cryoultramicrotomy is of special interest in materials sciences for the study of plastics, rubbers, polymers, composites and nanocomposites.

For Video Measuring: Any industrial or biomedical application which requires video measuring or comparing, such as used in developing new IC (integrated circuit) masks or in measuring cell dimensions. Microhardness test indentations may also be measured on video to assist in the development of proper coatings, foils or thin platings used in aerospace technology and metallurgy. Any forensic application which requires research in identifying drug types, comparing ballistic measurements or other suspect materials for courtroom presentation.

For Video Marking: Any industrial or biomedical application which requires video labelling, annotation or marking. Especially useful in documentation and record keeping of tests, subject developments, research data or patient files. Such video records may be easily printed or recorded to accompany records for presentation. In education, Boeckeler video marking products are useful in applications which require viewing on monitors or other projection devices, allowing professors to annotate a video image for classroom discussion. Printout of notes is also possible for class use.

For Micrometer Heads: measuring fixtures, calibration stands, machine adjustment, stage positioning, measuring microscopes, secondary gage standards, comparator measurement.

For Linear Measuring Systems/Digital Linear Gage: X, Y, Z microscope measurements, production gaging, stage positioning, inspection fixtures.

For Digital Readouts: Displays X, Y, Z measurements and position, displays rotary measurements and position, displays filar measurements, output data to computer and printers.

For Positioning Systems/Auto-Positioning Systems: print head inspection, nuclear component measurements, semiconductor inspection, bio assays, pathology.

Video Presentation Applications

Pointmaker video markers allow presenters and broadcasters to draw and point on video images to emphasize key points or annotate details, thereby increasing audience comprehension. The applications for the Pointmaker video marker are broad, covering any arena which requires annotating a video or computer image for presentation, distance learning, or television broadcast. Applications include, but are not limited to annotating images used in boardrooms, classrooms, videoconferences, courtrooms and TV sports, weather, traffic, and news reports.