Dimensional Sampling System

The Dimensional Sampling System for Screw Machined Components is intended to provide the manufacturers of high volume screw machined components a means of performing post process sampling of their machine output. The system provides a mobile platform for the rapid inspection of all off the critical part dimensions which need to be controlled. A carrier disk containing the sample lot, is simply engaged onto the system spindle and the lot inspection cycle started. Measurement data can be analyzed locally or transferred via the in plant network for analysis by the quality department and the results printed locally. This provides the operators of multiple machines access to critical feature measurements in order to make immediate process corrections.

The system is configured on a mobile cart equipped with pneumatic tires for shock free system transport. The cart is equipped with doors which provide access to the system processor, imaging system, and printer. The deck of the cart supports the CRT and keyboard for operator I/O, the carrier disk rotate spindle, and a collimated backlight used for part illumination.

The carrier disks are custom tooled to hold up to 25 parts. An operator, with the aid of a load positioning device simply loads a sample set of parts into the disk Vee nests. Spring wire clamps provide the part locating force into the Vee. Disks may be loaded and the washed and dried prior to mounting onto the system spindle. The image area is provided with a protective cover which is kept under positive air pressure to minimize the build up of contaminates. An air regulator, filter, and drier assembly is provided with the unit, its use is recommended but not required.

The system can store a number of different part measurement tool sets, each for a specific part. Flexibility is provided for each set of part tools to allow user reconfiguration and positioning of tools, should the design of the part be revised.

In operation a machine operator will collect a sample set of parts from a particular machine and load them into the specific part carrier disk. The disk and located parts are then rinsed and dried prior to being located onto the inspection system spindle. The disk is then brought to the inspection system and mounted to the system spindle. The operator will then key in the following: Part No., Machine No., Operator, Shift, and Lot Number. The inspect lot feature is then initiated and the lot measurement cycle will begin. The system spindle will rotate the carrier disk to a measurement position. Each disk will have an index which can be sensed to indicate that a part is in position for measurement. Once in position, the backlit image of the part is acquired and the image processed. Upon completion of the processing the disk will be rotated to the next index mark and the process repeated until the disk has been rotated 360°. This allows for a number of carrier disk configurations which are not limited to 25 parts per disk. At the end of all part measurements the results are transferred to the in plant network and analyzed by the quality department and then the results printed on a local printer for output to the operator if desired. The operator will then remove the disk and the machine is ready to accept another operators disk. The measurement process will proceed at a rate of 30 to 45 parts per minute not including disk engagement or keyboard data input time.

Advanced Inspection & Measurement, Inc. (AIM), 222 Flanders Rd., P.O. Box 480, Niantic, CT 06357. Tel: 860-739-6211; Fax: 860-739-9184.