Recently, we spoke to Thomas Hutchinson, Application Engineer within the NEXIV Business Unit Europe, about his responsibilities and his expertise on the NEXIV Video Measuring System Range.
1. Could you please tell us your responsibilities within Nikon Metrology?
I am the UK NEXIV Application Engineer, supporting customers with AutoMeasure and the NEXIVs. My role involves running training sessions, preparing and delivering sales demonstrations, and tailoring teaching programs to customer needs. Sometimes I support on events in the UK.
2. What are the best parts of your job?
The highlight for me is during training, when a customer suddenly realises the system can solve a challenge they’ve been struggling with. That “lightbulb moment” is always rewarding to witness. It’s satisfying to know you’ve helped them solve a problem.
3. Any anecdote that you would like to share with our readers?
I once taught a customer who had been using their NEXIV system manually for years without realising it could be automated. They had never attended training and were essentially treating it like a simple microscope. Once they learned about the automated features, it completely changed how they worked.
4. You travel to many customer sites for demos and training, what are the main benefits customers experience from using the NEXIV?
The biggest benefit is consistent, automated measurement that eliminates the variability of manual inspection. Customers gain improved repeatability, accuracy, and efficiency. This allows them to trust their results and streamline their quality control processes.
5. What sectors & industries can benefit from using it?
Anything involving precision engineering, the NEXIV range is widely used in the semiconductor industry, but its applications go much further. Electronics, medical devices, automotive, and aerospace industries all benefit from its precision and repeatability. The NEXIV systems are also valuable in fields like telecommunications, renewable energy, and consumer electronics, as well as in research and development.
6. As a Nikon Metrology Application Engineer, what is your favourite system feature of a NEXIV & why?
One of my favourite features is the MapMeasure software, which makes working with batches and semiconductor wafers far easier. It allows users to quickly select either individual dies or specific units from an entire batch, streamlining the measurement setup process.
