Feature Extraction

The housing is placed on the machine in a predefined position, ensuring that every feature can be accessed with the probe. After automated alignment of the part and reading of the part’s temperature by the CMM, the measuring process starts and all defined features are measured. Depending on the location of the features on the part, long styli configuration can be required for the insertion depth to reach the feature. Geometrical and freeform elements are captured, either using single point probing or scanning methods.

The actual temperature of the housing,(that is captured before the measurement procedure is started), is applied to the measured points and evaluations, ensuring the same measured points are taken at arbitrary temperatures at any time.

Automated Measurement

Automatic measurement routines can be created as soon as more than one part of the same type needs to be inspected. The automated measurement process enables a fast and easy part inspection without any user interaction. It also supports a maximum machine utilization for the measurement of tightly tolerance housings with internal, difficult-to-access features.

Statistical Process Control

For all inspected features, the measured actual values and their tolerance limits are transferredto Q-DAS qs-STAT for Statistical Process Control. Q-DAS qs-STAT assesses the stability of the manufacturing process based on norms, standards, association, and company guidelines. It identifies possible trends or patterns resulting from systematic changes in the manufacturing process early on and allows analysis oftheir root causes.

In Summary

This approach reduces cost-intensive downtimes by inspecting heavy gearbox housings with ultra-high accuracy, permitting the evaluation of features with very tight tolerances.