Measurement
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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Consider Closing The Loop
Looking for a way to reduce process variability, speed setup, simplify your operation? Automatic measurement and machine compensation (Closed Loop Machining) may be something to consider. Here's a shop where it's making a difference.
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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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Assessing Gage Stability
Gage stability implies different things in different contexts. If taken literally, it may refer to whether there is something loose on the gage, or some other gage problem occurs randomly, to cause two identical trials to produce different results.
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Gaging 'Relational' Dimesions
Specifications often require inspection of dimensional relationships between two features, or between two dimensions on the same feature. Compared to single-dimension specifications (such as diameter), these "relational" specifications can be challenging to inspect.
Read MorePiston Maker Boosts Quality With Special Geometry Software
A leading manufacturer of pistons for high performance engines has improved its manufacturing accuracy and quality control by using a software package developed especially to measure the unusual geometry of pistons.
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