VERISURF
Published

Why QC Inspectors Should Consider Gaging Fixture Spring Rates

All fixtures for part gaging will have some amount of deflection or spring rate that can affect measurement accuracy. A better understanding of spring rate can enable quality control inspectors to detect and eliminate this possible error source.  

Share

The fixturing on which an indicating instrument is mounted often leads to gaging-error questions such as “what is spring rate?” and “how do you test for it?” Most fixtures are made of several component parts and are, in essence, a variation of the well-known C-frame. If the user is aware of the common problems that can affect the use of the C-frame and other fixture designs, it can be easy to detect and eliminate possible error sources.

All substances, regardless of their hardness, have some degree of elasticity. Small as it may be, elasticity is a real and vital condition to be considered in a precision gaging setup. One must accept that the frame arrangement inevitably will deflect from even the slightest pressure. This deflection becomes significant when it is great enough to affect calibration.

In fact, this deflection is also known as Hooke’s Law, as it was this physicist who determined that the amount a spring stretches varies with the amount of force applied. While there may be no springs in a micrometer or bench stand, in reality, the frame of the gage actually acts like a spring.

There are a few solutions: Increase the spring rate (stiffness) of the gage frame to the point in which deflection is no longer great enough to affect calibration, reduce the spring rate of the indicating system until the deflection becomes insignificant, or compensate for the deflection. Deflection can be compensated for with an acceptable degree of reliability, although virtual elimination is the preferable alternative.

The size of the part to be gaged also figures heavily into whether spring rate will be a large or small problem. Large frames designed to accommodate sizeable workpieces are much more susceptible to a spring deflection error than frames designed for small pieces.

In the example of a snap gage or bench stand, what is spring rate? Spring rate is the relationship of load, which is expressed in pounds, to the deflection it causes, which is expressed in inches. The less a gage frame will deflect under a given load the greater its spring rate.

Generally, the spring rate of the gage frame should be at least 100 times that of the indicating system. Here is a basic example:

  • A 1-pound weight on frame’s arm at the center line of the indicator's spindle deflects the arm 0.004 inch, as noted by a change in indicator reading with the work in place (see illustration).
  • The force applied to the spindle of the indicator itself will cause the same change in indicator reading, which should be no greater than 0.01 pound (about 1.5 grams).

How is this force measured? The force can be determined by placing a reasonably precise weight scale under the indicator and noting the change in scale reading as the indicator is moved to produce a 0.004-inch change in indicator reading. In simple terms, the spring-rate ratio between gage frame and indicating system may be calculated by dividing the spring rate of the gage frame by the spring rate of the indicating system. The answer, or ratio, should be 100 (or more):1 to ensure that deflection will be insignificant and not affect calibration.

For most hand tools and smaller bench fixtures, designs that have been in use for decades have demonstrated that unless there is some unusual set of circumstances, deflection is a very small potential source of error. In this case, trying to increase a level of tolerance out of the gage can push it to the limit in which spring rate would have an effect. However, with special applications, such as large parts and long posts/arms on fixtures, it may be wise to take a look at spring rate and deflection as a source of error.

VERISURF
TIMTOS
IMTS+
World Machine Tool Survey
Techspex
VERISURF
SolidCAM
KraussMaffei
QualiChem Metalworking Fluids
715 Series - 5-axis complete machining
DN Solutions
MMS Made in the USA

Related Content

CNC Tech Talks

5 Things CNC Operators Must Know About Sizing Adjustments

For CNC operators, sizing adjustment is an essential skill. Keep these points in mind when training new CNC users.

Read More

Parts and Programs: Setup for Success

Tips for program and work setups that can simplify adjustments and troubleshooting.

Read More
Basics

How to Calibrate Gages and Certify Calibration Programs

Tips for establishing and maintaining a regular gage calibration program.

Read More
Measurement

Help Operators Understand Sizing Adjustments

Even when CNCs are equipped with automatic post-process gaging systems, there are always a few important adjustments that must be done manually. Don’t take operators understanding these adjustments for granted.

Read More

Read Next

Workforce Development

Inside Machineosaurus: Unique Job Shop with Dinosaur-Named CNC Machines, Four-Day Workweek & High-Precision Machining

Take a tour of Machineosaurus, a Massachusetts machine shop where every CNC machine is named after a dinosaur! 

Read More
Sponsored

The Future of High Feed Milling in Modern Manufacturing

Achieve higher metal removal rates and enhanced predictability with ISCAR’s advanced high-feed milling tools — optimized for today’s competitive global market.

Read More
Automation

IMTS 2024: Trends & Takeaways From the Modern Machine Shop Editorial Team

The Modern Machine Shop editorial team highlights their takeaways from IMTS 2024 in a video recap.

Read More
VERISURF