About 25 years ago, the concept of data collection for process control took a major leap forward. This was about the time that a combination of electronic technology and economics allowed gaging to became digital. With a digital signal available, transferring information via cable directly from a gage or digital in
Companies concerned about strict quality requirements regularly check toolholder tapers for wear or inaccuracy because these conditions can jeopardize the results of a critical operation. However, a shop can check tapers quickly and reliably with air gages. These devices can be used effectively without special operator training. For measuring taper in a production environment, few other methods can match the speed and performance of air, as multiple-circuit air jets can be placed in very small taper gages.
The aim of any measurement is to provide the best results possible.
The same is true for surface finish measurement. The goal of surface
finish metrology is to provide a measured value that is as accurate as
possible.
Before designing a fixture gage, the engineer must understand what specifications need to be inspected. In many respects, the design of the gage reflects not only the design of the part, but also the manufacturing processes that produced it.
Snap gages are most frequently used in production environments where precise diameter or thickness measurements need to be made quickly and repeatedly. They can be hand held or mounted on frames.
Many parts manufactured today have functional requirements to mate with parts that have either a rotational or linear motion. When the design engineer builds these requirements into a part, tolerances are specified for straightness, roundness or even cylindricity, which is the combination of the two.
When we think about comparative indicators, we usually are referring to dial indicators. However, test indicators also provide comparative measurements.
The most commonly used—and perhaps the simplest—measure of surface finish is the Ra parameter, or roughness average. But like ordering a coffee at one of today’s deluxe cafes, it’s not exactly simple.
In the world of oil drilling, there are some pretty big things. It's not just the rigs anchored out in the ocean that are huge: Everything that goes along with them seems to get supersized, including the need for gaging.
The need for long-range height measurements has been around since the principles of layout work became a fundamental requirement in machine shops.
The first step in the manufacturing process is to lay out a piece by transferring a design or pattern to a workpiece.
Fixed body mechanical plug gages are one of the best ways to measure hole diameters. With this type of gage there is no rocking, as with an adjustable bore gage.