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Departments: Quality Applications
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SPC Collection Software Saves Time and Reduces Waste

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Midwest Machining Company Implements Real-Time Process Control

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Height Gage Helps Pennsylvania Shop Raise Quality Levels

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Golf Club Manufacturer Implements Quality Management System

Height Gage Helps Pennsylvania Shop Raise Quality Levels
Fowler's Trimos V-300 Height Gage

IMAC Systems Inc., a 20-year-old distributor of gas meters, was looking to upgrade its ability to measure diameters to hundred-thousandths of an inch, to finish grindings of inner and outer diameters, and to shorten and rerun CNC processing programs. The 3,300 square-foot plant manufactures controls for measuring natural gas flow equipment.

The company has made a major investment in quality in order to qualify for government contracts for U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force fixtures, hardware and assemblies used in ordinance, helicopter and jet aircraft for its own flow measuring equipment and its commercial machine shop operations. As a result, the company no longer relies on older metrology equipment. Instead, IMAC acquired high-technology height gages, OD/ID grinders and computer-compatible CNC machinery and turning centers. IMAC turned to Fowler for its Trimos V-300 height gage and the Kellinberger ID-OD grinder.

"We can no longer afford the time and efficiency losses of our old optical comparators, NC machines and plug gages," says IMAC's chief engineer James Guba. "The 12 in. Trimos V-300 provides us with very accurate diameters and heights. It can measure ODs and IDs up to within 0.00001 in., which was unachievable with the older equipment. That brought us to the same level--hundred-thousandths of an inch--that could pass government checks basically 75- to 100-percent better than the optical comparators and plug gages, which couldn't provide out-of-roundness data effectively."

Founded in 1946, the Fred V. Fowler Co. is globally recognized as a leading supplier of quality control and inspection equipment. The company has grown nationwide and across North America to include offices in Boston, Chicago and Ontario, Canada. Fowler's product line includes precision tools, electronic measuring instruments, optical measuring instruments, gage calibration equipment and hardness testers.

The Trimos V-300 height gage performs height, ID and OD diameter, and centerline location measurements without changing probes, and it has a resolution of 0.0005/0.00005 in. with a repeatability of 0.00008/0.002 mm +2s. The new height gage provides a 50-percent improvement in measurement readings time.

The addition of a second probe holder gives the V-series an extended range of up to nine inches, and the new V-300 has 12 in./300 mm travel and 21 in./535 mm application range. For SPC there is direct RS-232 output, and a built-in pump provides air cushioning to reduce wear and operator fatigue. Beyond the built-in rechargeable battery, there's a full numeric keypad and large display.

"The longer we have this Trimos height gage, the more we find we can do with it," says Guba. "When we were first instructed by Fowler, they covered the basic functions. Now we find we can adapt it to more complicated configurations--even to inner diameters that are difficult to see and check. For example, we can measure the concentricity of different diameters--one within another." Overall, Guba indicates, the V-300 gage can be used in a more diversified manner than first expected.

Measuring activities begin with production of the first piece; then successive pieces are checked on a daily schedule and recorded. The system follows throughout shop order processing--with a vital final check in the quality control metrology lab--all to MIL-I-45208 requirements.

"The continued expansion of our business is made possible by our remaining alert to what the new and always improving measuring instruments can provide us," Guba concludes.

 

Fowler's Trimos V-300 Height Gage

Benefits

  • Internal and external diameter measurement
  • Measuring speed of 60 in./1.5 m per second
  • Automatic measuring functions

www.fvfowler.com