Measurement
Scanning CMM Technology Made More Affordable
While scanning CMMs have been around awhile, they haven't become a mainstay of general production mainly due to cost. There's little question as to the value that scanning can provide. Conventional CMM workpiece measuring processes are limited by the number of points that can be collected and analyzed in a reasonably time-efficient manner. Thus, point-by-point inspection in essence provides a spot check confirmation of certain workpiece features, but it can easily miss a variety of nonconforming geometry in between those checkpoints.
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Gaging Countersunk And Chamfered Holes
While countersunk and chamfered holes are similar in appearance, functionally they are quite different. Consequently, different gages exist to serve these different functional requirements.
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Never Forget The Basics
We spend a lot of time in this column discussing sophisticated gages and out-of-the-ordinary applications—so much so, that perhaps we've lately been neglecting the basics. After all, the fanciest electronics, computers and software won't deliver accurate results if good gaging practice is absent.
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Under Control
This small-parts machining operation combines superbly automated workholding and handling with total machining process management.
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Electronic Height Gages
We've looked at "basic" comparative height gages, which are used for layout tasks and other surface plate measurements. Related to these are instruments known as electronic height gages.
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Inspecting Tapers, Part 2: Toolholder Gaging
A few months ago, we discussed the calibration of conical taper masters, which are used to master taper gages. Now let's look at the parts those gages are used to inspect—toolholders.
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Put Coordinate Metrology On The Shop Floor
Integrating CMMs with the machining process employs the power of accurate dimensional data to provide true process control.
Read MoreNew Measuring System Performs Continuous Radial Scanning
The typical coordinate measuring machine (CMM) resembles a multi-axis traveling bridge-type vertical machining center. Indeed, the movements of the measuring probe look very much like a cutting tool in motion as it follows a tool path. Of course, the CMM doesn't make any chips. For prismatic workpieces, the conventional configuration of the CMM and the machine tool is logical and effective.
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Sizing Up The Future
This shop installed a bigger CMM to meet its current needs, but the software that came with it has the shop ready for what lies ahead.
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Surface Finish: A Machinist's Tool. A Design Necessity.
Simple "roughness" measurements remain useful in the increasingly stringent world of surface finish specifications. Here's a look at why surface measurement is important and how to use sophisticated portable gages to perform inspections on the shop floor.
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