STRATEGIC GUIDANCE FOR LARGE PLANT MANAGEMENT   

QM Product Spotlight

 

Grinder control gage

T&PPrecise statistical size control of centerless ground parts is available through use of an in-process gage mounted to a dual belt gage conveyor. A driven top guide that is mechanically synchronized to conveyor speed captures and controls the part as it is driven through the gage. The driven top guide features a polyurethane belt which provides driving force to move the part through the gaging station while avoiding any possibility of marring the part as it is measured. Statistical grinder control works to reduce grinding costs by analyzing real-time part data for reliable closed loop automatic operation.

Control Gaging Inc.,

 

Infrared touch probe

T&PTS 440 model 3D touch trigger probes are offered in as small a size as 0.49 mm x 63 mm and with 360 degrees transmission. The small dimensions make the infrared probe ideal for machines that are carrying out repeated setup and inspection proc edures and have limited working space. Heidenhain also offers a new transreceiver for the infrared touch probes, the SE 540, which is designed for installation in the headstock to move along with the touch probe. This ensures a reliable transmission of infrared signals at any position of the machine"s working space and an advantage with large machines and those whose spindles move in two separate working spaces.

Heidenhain Corp.,

 

Snap gage

T&PThe SSG series of snap gages is available in 1" increments from 0 to 1" through 23" to 24". The anvil comes with 0.06" gaging travel and the measuring pressure can easily be adjusted. The flat and parallel 5/8" square carbide contacts have a generous lead radius that protects the parts during loading. Other anvils include interchangeable blade anvils in widths of 0.04", 0.06", 0.08", 0.1", and 0.125". Special contact configurations are available to check other features such as pitch diameter and major diameter. Options such as retraction and bench stands are offered.

Dorsey Metrology International,

 

Receiver for NDT testing

T&PThe AIR-532 Laser Ultrasonic Receiver is for component inspection and non-destructive evaluation of material properties. Common measurement applications include pipe and tube wall thickness, weld inspection and dimensioning, inspection of electronic packages, and general defect location and characterization. The AIR-532 utilizes Lasson"s proprietary photorefractive technology and features shock-mounted optics for improved stability, fiber coupling to a selection of compact sensor heads, and a new chassis designed for benchtop use or compatibility with standard 19" rack mount industrial cabinets. Two versions of the AIR-532 are available: the AIR-532-TWM for laboratory measurements and the AIR-532-EMF (Electro-Motive Force) for industrial environments.

Lasson Technologies Inc.,

 

Measure and inspect tools

T&PThe E-450 presetter by Elbo Controlli offers the latest technology for accuracy in tool measurement and inspection. The E-450 features a ground granite column and base, a spindle body assembled on spring roller cages, and optical scales. The movement accuracy of both X and Z axes is guaranteed through the use of stable granite supporting surfaces. The spindle body on the machine base limits run-out error to less than 2µm. A radial rotation spindle brake eliminates the error of rotational axis misalignment. Also ensuring accuracy, 1µm resolution optical scales detect interference produced by part movement through the use of a glass ruler attached to the fixed part of the machine.

Lyndex-Nikken,

 

Contour, roughness measurement

T&PThe MarSurf LD 120 gage measures contour and roughness in a single stroke. Using a single drive unit and a laser interferometer in the gage to improve the range and accuracy of measurements, the LS 120 has a traversing length of up to 120 mm. The unit is an extension of Mahr"s Perthometer Concept for measuring and analyzing surface and form parameters both in the lab and on the shop floor. Using triangular support design, the LD 120 also incorporates an innovative tracing arm, ensuring rigidity, low-oscillation measurements, and precision. Magnetic tracing arm mounts provide protection from accidental jarring.

Mahr Federal Inc.,

 

Thickness measurement

T&PThe new micro-TRI-gloss µ is for quality control of paint and coatings. Gloss and thickness are important criteria to guarantee an efficient paint process. The combination of gloss and thickness in one instrument is ideal for measurement in the field and at the plant. The built-in "dual sensor" measures the thickness of a coating on ferrous and non-ferrous substrates. The three angle geometry (20 degree, 60 degree, 85 degree) allows the measurement of any gloss level from matte to high gloss surfaces. The new auto-diagnosis feature in the protective holder checks the calibration values and tells when to calibrate.

BYK-Gardner USA,

 

Laser sensor head

T&PThe Selcom SLS 2401 single-point gaging sensor head is for applications with a limited work envelope requiring a faster sampling rate and higher resolution and speed profiles. A visible laser diode allows for easy setup. Applications include in-line thickness measurement and profiling, width measurement, production line behavior versus speed, and inspection of the finished product. The sensor head has a stand-off distance of 50 mm or 80 mm depending on the model and a measuring range of 20 mm or 50 mm. Accuracy is ±0.1 of the measurement range.

LMI Technologies USA Inc.,

 

Laser alignment

T&PThe 2-axis Microgage Alignment Kit checks roll and web lines, CNC cutting and milling tools, lathes, stamping presses, injection molding machines, extrusion systems, and other equipment. The kit combines a compact laser transmitter with a digital receiver and display. As the laser moves across the receiver in a vertical or horizontal direction, the display provides a readout of the motion, accurate to 0.001". The kit includes a swiveling base for the laser to check the flatness of rolls, machine beds, engine mounts, moving slides, linear stages, and other flat surfaces. A 90-degree laser beam bender forms a perfect right angle for checking machine tool alignment.

Pinpoint Laser Systems,

 

Optical micrometer

T&P

The 8400K digital optical micrometer measures the vertical depth of surface features to evaluate the severity of mechanical damage such as scratches, corrosion pits, or blemishes. The sealed, non-magnetic case is dustproof and shock-resistant to withstand everyday shop use. The hardwood instrument case also contains adapters and lenses for use on convex, concave, or any combination of these surfaces. The digital display has an RS232 serial port for data export to the included processor/printer.

Paul N. Gardner Company Inc.,

 

Electronic calipers

T&PThe 797 Electronic Caliper Series offers IP65 level protection, which is ideal for harsh manufacturing environments. Features include an easy-to-read LCD display with 0.310" high characters, zero at any position, instant inch/millimeter conversion, manual on/off with auto-off after four hours of non-use, and a CR2032 battery with more than 3,500 continuous hours of life. All 797 calipers include an RS232 output port for collecting and outputting data to devices such as Starrett 772 series advanced data collection systems and Starrett 761 series data multiplexers. Data can then be analyzed for statistical process control.

The L.S. Starrett Co.,

 

Camshaft inspection

T&PThe CamScan 300 checks the grinding or heat treatment quality of camshafts. Load the camshaft onto the stand between centers, move the sensor under the lobe, start the motorized rotation, and view the quality of camshaft lobe surfaces on the Rollscan or ViewScan software window. To take a closer look at the part, stop the Rollscan measurement and slide the microscope over the camshaft.

American Stress Technologies,

 

Industry News

Maus, TAL builders join forces to make global stage debut
On the surface, the partnership of a small Italian manufacturer of grinding machines with an Indian designer of precision machine tools might be a mere footnote in the business roundup.

GM plans $200 million Brazilian engine plant
These are bittersweet times for General Motors. After all, it may be difficult to find the silver lining after the company posted a $3.25 billion loss in the first quarter of 2008.

Briefly
In motion
The Aerospace Industries Association reports that the aerospace trade balance skyrocketed to unprecedented levels — $60.4 billion — in 2007. Exports soared to $97 billion last year, compared to $85 billion in 2006. Imports increased to $36.5 billion, up from $30.5 billion in 2006 … Eaton Corp. has completed the purchase of The Moeller Group, a manufacturer of power distribution and control products.