Got problems with part features
in the wrong place?
The
Signature Technologies SA-2000
"SAM"
module, and Signature
Technologies SAMview™
software package
can be used to measure the position or displacement of specific features on
manufactured parts. These parts can be checked for a single dimension or
"profiled" dimensionally for proper shape using non-contact sensors.
Instead of sampling selected parts
using an off-line gauging fixture, the
illustrated method can perform the same type of test every stroke of the
machine so that each part can be individually verified as having been formed
acceptably to tolerance.
The
system works by measuring the position of the formed portion of the work piece
relative to the die surface. The
measurement is performed by a stationary LVDT device, which is deployed by the SAM™,
based on the crankshaft position of the machine using the programmable cam
outputs and a pneumatic control valve.
Timing of the measurement is
critical since the probe must not deploy until the part is in position, and
referenced by the tooling.
The measurement can either be
calibrated, or comparative depending on the application.
Calibrated measurements will give the dimensional variation from nominal
at the sensing point, or absolute measurements of the chosen feature.
Multiple sensors can be used in
cases where there are several different features to measure, or where multiple
measurements are required to insure proper formation of a single feature.
The SAM™
module can handle inputs in groups of 8 up to 56 total points.
If desired, Signature
Technologies can provide controls to adjust the forming station(s)
dynamically based on the dimensional measurements.
Signature
Technologies
can supply a wide variety of solutions
to various manufacturing process problems dealing with measurement, verification
of properties, tool condition, and machine health. We can also “close the loop” by performing process
adjustments in response to specific variations in force, location, or shape of
the work piece, as well as more simple controls which can track and reject
specific parts which don’t meet specific quality criteria.
