Illuminated Headband Magnifier Merges Convenience and Precision

An illuminated magnifier visor is among the most versatile and portable inspection instruments for basic electronics design, fabrication and inspection applications.

A set of four clip-on enlargement lenses and lighting choices distinguish the Aven Headband Magnifier as an economical workbench or clean room tool. It's available in battery-powered models with a top-mounted LED light or 2.2-volt bulb.

These lightweight magnifiers, as convenient to slip on as eyeglasses, provide pinpoint lighting and close-ups views, says Mike Shahpurwala, president of Aven, Inc., a manufacturer of precision tools and optical inspection systems. They're ideal for users moving between locations or performing varied tasks that don't all require magnification.

The Headband Magnifier also is handy for checking several areas on circuit boards. For spot inspections of components or finished SMT products that don't require image capture, a wearable accessory is more practical than a tabletop microscope or video imaging system.

Aven Headband Magnifiers feature a comfortable, adjustable headband and lenses that snap in and out easily. The LED model, which provides 50,000 hours of illumination, comes with 1.5x, 2x, 2.5x and 3.5 lenses. The version with a center-positioned conventional light has lens powers of 1.2x, 1.8x, 2x and 3.5x.

Both styles are value-priced below comparable models from other suppliers. AAA batteries are not included.