Shop floor managers continue to fight the battle of balancing speed [cycle time] against accuracy. A large number of parts need to be checked using a physical gauge to ensure two things: that the part meets multiple design requirements at the same time, and that they will fit together perfectly during final assembly. Custom fixture gauges can provide quick checks on machined parts to validate they are made to specification. Manual, semi-automatic or fully automated, these gauges can check parts in just a few seconds compared to a lengthy manual inspection on a surface plate or bench with multiple individual checks that often miss issues that can impact downstream processes.
The CMI Technologies team (a division of AIMS Metrology) has more than 40 years of experience in the custom gauging industry. We can evaluate your requirements and build a solution to your specifications. There are several things to think about when considering a custom fixture gauge. One is the type of sensors you need to give you the most accurate results and in a way that everyone can understand. Some of these are air gauges or sensors based on LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) technology to provide the operator with more than a go / no go result.
Air gauging has been around for more than 100 years. It uses air flow to measure the size of a hole or raised shape to a very tight tolerance quickly and accurately. Air gauges are typically used for tolerances less than 0.0005 inch or 0.012mm with sub-micron repeatability. Use of air is very useful for measuring highly finished or thin-walled parts that are prone to damage from contact methods.
When using a CMM or other type of automated inspection system, the consistency of how parts are presented to the machine is critical. It is one of the most common mistakes that can be made during the inspection process. The team at CMI builds high-quality fixtures to hold parts during inspections. AIMS and CMI work closely together to engineer and integrate each of the features a quality fixture system needs. Stability and access for an inspection system are important, but things like the ergonomics of loading and unloading parts are also vital to a successful inspection device.
AIMS will display and demonstrate CMI fixturing and gauging at IMTS this year. We are looking forward to this year’s show in Chicago. Make sure to stop by and discuss your inspection challenges with us. We hope to see you in September at booth 134242.