What is a polariscope strain viewer?

A polariscope strain viewer is an optical inspection device that uses polarized light to visualize internal strain, residual stress and birefringence patterns in transparent or translucent materials.

What is the difference between MRV-ST and MRV-SNR?

MRV-ST is suitable for visual strain observation using cross Nicols, parallel Nicols and sensitive color methods. MRV-SNR supports comparative strain evaluation based on the Senarmont method, helping compare relative strain or distortion differences between samples.

Does MRV-SNR provide absolute stress values?

MRV-SNR is intended for comparative and semi-quantitative strain evaluation. It helps compare relative differences in strain or distortion between samples, rather than guaranteeing an absolute stress value.

Which materials can be inspected?

Typical inspection targets include molded plastic parts, glass, lenses, transparent films, optical components and other materials that show birefringence or stress patterns under polarized light.

Polariscope

Polariscope Strain Viewer
for Residual Stress and Birefringence Inspection

Visual strain observation and comparative strain evaluation for transparent materials

Polariscope strain viewers use polarized light to reveal internal strain, residual stress and birefringence patterns in transparent or translucent materials. They are useful for inspecting plastic molded parts, glass, lenses, optical components, films and clear resin products.

The lineup includes MRV-ST for visual strain observation and MRV-SNR for comparative strain evaluation based on the Senarmont method. This allows both simple visual confirmation and relative numerical comparison of distortion between samples.

Polariscope Residual Stress Sensitive Color Method Senarmont Method Comparative Evaluation Plastic / Glass

Overview Model Lineup Selection Guide Applications

Polarized-Light Inspection for Strain and Optical Distortion

Observe residual stress and strain patterns in transparent materials.
Useful for plastic molded parts, glass, lenses, films and optical components.
Cross Nicols and parallel Nicols observation support basic strain inspection.
Sensitive color observation makes small differences in optical strain easier to see.

Helps identify stress concentration, distortion and molding-related defects.
Supports quality control, process checks and incoming inspection.
Large-stage systems are suitable for wide-area observation.
Senarmont method models support comparative and semi-quantitative strain evaluation.

Polariscope Strain Viewer Product Lineup

MRV-ST

Visual Strain Observation

MRV-ST supports cross Nicols, parallel Nicols and sensitive color method observation. The A4-size light stage and large observation window make it suitable for checking glass distortion, molded plastic parts, clear plates and other wide-area samples.

View MRV-ST

MRV-SNR

Senarmont Method Comparative Strain Evaluation

MRV-SNR supports comparative strain evaluation based on the Senarmont method. It is useful for comparing the relative degree of strain or distortion between samples, rather than providing an absolute stress value. This helps manage inspection results numerically and share comparison data with customers, suppliers or business partners.

View MRV-SNR

Which Polariscope Strain Viewer Should I Choose?

MRV-ST: best for visual confirmation of strain patterns.
MRV-ST: suitable for wide-area observation and sensitive color inspection.
MRV-ST: practical for routine quality checks and comparison work.

MRV-SNR: best when comparative strain evaluation is required.
MRV-SNR: useful for relative numerical comparison and data sharing with partners.
MRV-SNR: suitable for more controlled semi-quantitative strain comparison workflows.

Need help selecting a strain viewer?
Please tell us your sample material, size, thickness, inspection purpose and whether relative strain comparison is required.

Typical Inspection Applications

Plastic molded parts and clear resin components
Glass plates, transparent panels and optical windows
Lenses, filters and precision optical components
Films, sheets and transparent material samples

Residual stress inspection after molding or processing
Distortion and birefringence observation
Quality control and incoming inspection
Process comparison and troubleshooting

Note: Polariscope observation results depend on material transparency, thickness, stress condition, optical setup and inspection environment. MRV-SNR is intended for comparative strain evaluation and relative numerical comparison, not as a guarantee of absolute stress values.

Polariscope Strain Viewerfor Residual Stress and Birefringence Inspection