Quality Magazine - March 2009 - (Page 38) | QUA LIT Y T EST & IN S P E C TI O N | ENSURE THE SUITABILITY OF OPTICAL SHAFT GAGING B Y A NDR EA S B L I N D s workpieces become more complex and manufacturers are expected to provide fully inspected, documented parts, there is increasing interest in noncontact gaging, specifically optical gaging. Shafts, often including features such as gears, multiple diameters, notches and grooves, are key, functional parts in a range of products, from aerospace and powertrain to fuel management, bearings, hydraulic and other industrial assemblies. Measurements of shaft features—diameters to surface fi nish and form—must be accomplished to microns in a single pass with detailed documentation. To ensure quick, noncontact measurement of shaft geometry, optical shaft measuring systems are increasingly being used in series production situations because of their flexibility in measuring a broad range of part sizes and features. Optical shaft metrology enables rotational-symmetrical workpieces to A To ensure that the process is suited for the task at hand, a measurement uncertainty budget should be established to bring clarity and transparency to the situation. be measured quickly and flexibly during the production process. When testing dimensions that are key to overall functionality, in addition to having strict tolerances, accuracy and repetitive precision become primary considerations. ENSURING MEASUREMENT RELIABILITY When manufacturing shafts for engine, powertrain and transmission components, such as those used in automotive and aerospace industries, it is extremely important to adhere to the strict tolerance limits for diameter dimensions along with the envelope requirements used to ensure assembly functionality. To ensure that the process is well suited to the task, a measurement uncertainty budget should be established to bring clarity and transparency to the situation. After a target measurement uncertainty for any tolerance of interest is established, it must be adhered to. It is key to using this measuring method to one’s advantage when measuring characteristics that are vital to functionality. By using a measuring uncertainty budget, a manufacturer can ensure that an optical shaft measuring system is suitable for the task in question. This budget can be determined based on regulations as seen in Figures 1 through 4. It is important for both the manufacturer and the end user of any optical measuring system to be aware TECH TIPS Measurements of shaft features must be accomplished to microns in a single pass with detailed documentation. Optical shaft measuring systems are increasingly being used in series production situations because of their flexibility in measuring a broad range of part sizes and features. To ensure that the process is well suited to the task, a measurement uncertainty budget should be established to bring clarity and transparency to the situation. 38 QUALITY | March 2009 www.qualitymag.com http://www.qualitymag.com
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