Article From: 11/25/2008 Production Machining
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General Inspection’s LaserLab for measuring cylindrical parts provides 3D measurements by millions of data points taken around the part in a fraction of the time previously taken when using manual gages, the company says.
An unskilled operator simply places a part on the stage. A precision, NIST traceable calibration cone is fixed under the stage so that the laser optics calibrates the system every time a part is inspected. This way the system is kept in constant calibration and routine costly certifications are precluded.
SPC sampling and PPAP’s are done more precisely in a fraction of the time previously taken and the measurements are automatically displayed and kept on permanent record to settle possible future disputes. Operator error from insufficient skill or training is no longer a factor.
In the few seconds it takes to scan a part, all dimensions, including lengths, diameters, radii, angles, and thread measurements are displayed accurate to a few microns. Out of tolerance features are highlighted in red. A complete roster of all dimensions is displayed for entry into a spreadsheet. After tolerances are assigned with the appropriate part number, and they can be stored in memory for quick recall when that part is to be inspected again.
