Product category:
Measurement and Quality Software and SPC
News Release from: ACI (UK) | Subject: Component inspection
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 June 2007
'Go/no-go' component inspection made
easy
Measurement and control specialist ACI (UK) has made available Metronics' Gage-Chek, a 'go/no-go' gauge for checking even the most complex components.
The latest version of Metronics' Gage-Chek has been made available from measurement and control specialist ACI (UK) It embraces comprehensive, yet easy-to-use functionality that makes 'go/no-go' component gauging - of even complex parts - both cost-effective and efficient
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Sep 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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With a full set of mathematical expressions, programmable digital input/output as well as programmable relay outputs, the Metronics Gage-Chek can maximise inspection efficiency by providing instant feedback when dimensions are out of tolerance.
Initially targeted at production departments, system integrators and probe manufacturers, and applications across the manufacturing spectrum, Gage-Chek can accommodate up to eight encoder or LVDT/Half Bridge inputs - including length gauges, and linear and rotary encoders, as well as a wide range of measuring instruments - and is able to measure up to 16 dimensions per part.
Gage-Chek is simple to operate and, equally important, it is easy to program and re-program to suit workpiece variation, and can hold up to 100 different parts.
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Tool/workpiece probing cycles added to controls
ACI is including tool and workpiece probing cycles as standard features on its Anilam 6000 Series multi-axis CNC system.
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Demonstrations of a two-/three-axis CNC for intuitive knee-type milling operations will highlight the system's cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Measuring distance and position accurately
As well as demonstrating four-axis DROs, a range of linear scales will also serve to reinforce both the accuracy and performance benefits of its glass linear encoder technology.
The system's versatile go/no go display combines familiar DRO functionality with colour graphics and audio alerts to provide fast and accurate measurement feedback, and its ruggedness and ease of use makes it ideal for shopfloor application.
"The device does not compete with neither single gauging nor multiple 16-/32-channel applications," says ACI's Metronics specialist, Jonathan Tate.
"However, it is ideally suited to tasks such as cell-type manufacturing where the machine operator is also responsible for his own inspection and where the need is to inspect all/sample parts for both quality control and process feedback and correction purposes in the range of two to 16 probe inputs".
Gage-Chek inputs can be algebraically and mathematically combined for dimensions such as thickness, flatness, dwell angles and maximum tip heights, for example, and results can be displayed numerically, graphically or archived for process studies such as simple statistical process control (ie, X-Bar and Range charts).
The addition of events, variables, programme loops and user-defined functions also allows complex functions to be evaluated.
The device's DRO mode also provides icons indicating process study has been performed, complete with in/out-of-tolerance alert.
It also contains many other features such as Dynamic Max and Dynamic Min, in real-time if using digital inputs and triggering of data logging from a second channel criteria.
Other features for the LVDT/Half Bridge market are the ability to set recalibration times and a check on limits of change for recalibration of LVDTs.
In addition, there is a USB port for printing and/or storage to a memory stick and a serial link to a PC for long-term storage and analysis of data is available and also allows transfer of parts and settings to a PC via either port.
"Effectively, the device complements traditional 'go/no-go' gauging with the added flexibility of multiple workpiece inspection as well as statistical process control, when required," continues Jonathan Tate.
"Today, quality is increasingly being viewed as an overhead - a hindrance to sales - and Gage-Chek is designed to minimise that overhead by both de-skilling the inspection function and by simplifying the job to make it faster than ever".
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