quality
DROs keep inspection in check for supplier of bespoke rotary table solutions
Not just a box
METRONICS Gage-Chek digital readout systems
are critical in enabling Rotary Precision
Instruments (RPI) UK to maintain its worldwide
reputation for the supply of high precision rotary
table solutions for metrology and machining tasks.
Using a wide range of rotary tables – brands
primarily gained through acquisitions and the
amalgamation of manufacturers such as
Eimeldingen UK, Airmatic Engineering,
Hortsmann Rotary Tables and OMT - Bathbased
RPI specialises in bespoke solutions:
hence the use of the Gage-Chek DROs for
repetitive quality control procedures and
easily-assimilated data interpretation.
‘The trend is for customers to collect and
analyse larger quantities of measured data from
an increasingly wider variety of components,’
says RPI Technical Manager Ian Whitehead;
‘So we’re confronted by a diverse range of
situations for measuring workpiece roundness,
concentricity, flatness and parallelism, for
example, where customers want cost-effective
– yet highly appropriate – solutions.’
RPI depends on its extensive in-house skills
base of engineering and mechatronics expertise
to develop solutions based around a wide range
of tables of differing sizes and types - for
example, air bearing, mechanical bearing, direct
drive as well as horizontal, vertical, inclinable
and NC rotary tables. Once the software needs
are identified, Whitehead says: ‘It’s very often
the case that we simply plug in and program the
Metronics Gage-Chek systems. Aside from the
fact that Gage-Chek offers rich functionality,
and therefore more flexibility than competitor
New tool pre-setter
ELEY Metrology is now UK distributor for the EZset, optical tool pre-setter;
hundreds have been sold in continental Europe in its first year of production.
Eley staff are fully trained and there is a demonstration machine now in the
company’s technical centre in Derby. EZset is made in Germany using quality
components (eg Bosch pneumatics, THK guideways and Heidenhain
glass scales) to reduce maintenance and prolong equipment life.
In operation the ImageController1 vision system automatically
detects the cutting edge and, with the intuitive Ezclick menu
operation, produces accurate measuring results within
seconds; length, diameter, radius and two angles, on a
label and on the flat panel monitor. Other features
include integrated calibration, cold LED light, 12x
magnification, 5 measurement values,
five guideways, a measuring program for axial
and radial runout and option for electronic data
transfer.
www.eleysoftware.com
products, it is easy to use and it also looks the
part – it is not just a box with a screen.’
Gage-Chek embraces comprehensive yet easyto-use
functionality that makes ‘go/no-go’
component gauging – of even complex parts -
both cost-effective and efficient. With a full set
of mathematical expressions, programmable
digital input/output as well as programmable
relay outputs, the system can maximise
inspection efficiency by providing instant
feedback when dimensions are out of
tolerance. The system can accommodate up to
eight encoder or LVDT/Half Bridge inputs -
including length gauges, and linear and rotary
encoders, as well as a wide range of measuring
instruments - and is able to measure up to 16
dimensions per part.
Gage-Chek’s versatile go/no go display
combines familiar DRO functionality with
colour graphics and audio alerts to provide fast
and accurate measurement feedback. Inputs can
be algebraically and mathematically combined
for dimensions such as thickness, flatness, dwell
angles and maximum tip heights, for example,
and results can be displayed numerically,
graphically or archived for process studies such as
simple statistical process control (ie, X-Bar and
Range charts). The addition of events, variables,
programme loops and user-defined functions
also allows complex functions to be evaluated.
The device’s DRO mode also provides icons
indicating process study has been performed,
complete with in/out-of-tolerance alert. It also
contains many other features such as Dynamic
Max and Dynamic Min, in real-time if using
58 MWP january 2008
digital inputs and
triggering of data
logging from a second
channel criteria.
Other features for the LVDT/Half Bridge
market are the ability to set recalibration times and
a check on limits of change for recalibration of
LVDTs. In addition, there is a USB port for
printing and/or storage to a memory stick and a
serial link to a PC for long-term storage and
analysis of data is available and also allows transfer
of parts and settings to a PC via either port.
In one example at RPI, Gage-Chek systems
are successfully applied with the VCG Series
machines designed for measuring roundness
on components of 3m high by 2m diameter
and weighing up to 11,000kg, Chatham
www.aciuk.co.uk www.rpiuk.com
Laser Design and GKS Inspection Services
expand 3D laser scanning capacity
LASER Design is a leading supplier of 3D laser scanners and GKS
Inspection Services; its in-house service bureau division offers dimensional
inspection, 3D laser scanning, and terrestrial scanning services. It has now
installed Wenzel CMM systems outfitted with Laser Design’s high-speed
ultra-accurate SLP laser probes in its Minneapolis, Detroit, Seattle, China,
and Netherlands offices. These systems expands the company’s 3D laser
scanning capacity and enable demonstrations in multiple locations.
The LDI-Wenzel WS-2030 systems are fitted with completely
interchangeable Laser Design laser probes so they can quickly and easily
perform high-speed 3D laser scanning, and also convert back to traditional
CMM touch probe operation. 3D laser scanning is especially well suited for
reverse engineering and inspection applications of complex and freeform
shaped parts in industries including electronics, aerospace and automotive.
www.GKS.com
www.laserdesign.com
www.wenzel.com
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