Marposs has made available several gauging devices for high precision grinding of parts that are measured in the nano technology range.
The MicroAlsar measuring head incorporates two transducers for diameter control during grinding. The measuring head and its introduction slide, which can be either pneumatically or hydraulically applied, provide gauging when table space is restricted and micro components are being ground. Within its compact size, the MicroAlsar gauge offers performance, versatility and ease of application onto precision grinding machines, according to the company.
The NanoUnimar gauging system is compact enough to install on small grinding machines and also can measure a part's O.D., I.D. and length to sub-micron accuracy. The development of the NanoUnimar gauge was spurred primarily by the need for in-process measurement of ground components for medical, fuel injector and hydraulic and pneumatic control components. These applications require the capability to precisely measure very small components at high grinding production rates.
The NanoUnimar can measure a range of I.D. and O.D. sizes by first manually adjusting the distance between its two measuring fingers. Once the fingers are adjusted to a part's nominal size, the device's transducer provides 300 microns of measuring range. It can measure part I.D.s as small as 1 mm and part O.D.s that are slightly less than 1 mm. While the NanoUnimar is primarily used to measure very small components, the gauge can be configured to measure diameters as large as 140 mm.
At 0.7 N, the NanoUnimar's finger measuring pressure is lower than other designs, the company said. High finger pressure could adversely affect measuring results for small part features. Internal pneumatic finger retraction eliminates the need for slides, which have the potential to introduce error during highly precise measurements. The device has an IP67 rating, making it resistant to splashing coolant and abrasives encountered during grinding operations.
Another measurement device, the PicoThruvar through-the-spindle, in-process I.D. measuring head, was developed by Marposs to meet the requirements of microbearings and fuel injectors, which have measurements commonly made to 0.5 mm. This instrument, used on an internal grinding machine and mounted opposite the grinding wheel, can get into small I.D. spaces to make measurements. Because space is limited, both the wheel and gauge cannot fit into the opening, so the gauge and wheel alternate in a grind-measure-grind sequence.
For more efficient grinding operations, the PicoThruvar gauge incorporates a continuous curve memory. With each reciprocation stroke of the gauge, the size is compared with the result of the previous check. The amplifier then calculates the rate of change of part size so the control output to the machine is triggered at the appropriate time.
For more information contact:
Marposs Corporation
3300 Cross Creek Parkway
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
888-627-7677 / 248-370-0404
marposs@us.marposs.com
www.marposs.com