Feather Touch transducers have been designed specially to gauge or measure delicate surfaces such as car windscreens, pharmaceutical bottles, electro-mechanical components and plastic parts. A traditional transducer exerts a tip force of approximately 0.7 N, the Feather Touch exerts a mere 0.18 N when used in the horizontal position. This reduction is achieved by replacing the gaiter with a close tolerance gland.
Combining multiple sensors using the Orbit Digital Measurement network is easy and data can be read using a Solartron readout or the Gauge Computer Software making system integration simple.
Attention to detail in both design and manufacture of the displacement sensor ensures precision measurement throughout the linear displacement transducer's life.
Solartron Metrology offers a large range of displacement sensors to suit multiple applications with different cable outlets (radial or axial), multiple measuring ranges, different cable types like steel braided which provides additional protection for displacement sensors that are being used in harsh environments.
Attention to detail in both design and manufacture of the displacement sensor ensures precision measurement throughout the linear displacement transducer's life.
Solartron Metrology offers a large range of displacement sensors to suit multiple applications with different cable outlets (radial or axial), multiple measuring ranges, different cable types like steel braided which provides additional protection for displacement sensors that are being used in harsh environments.
A test that can not be reliably repeated is of little value.
Gauge R&R (repeatability & reproducibility) is one of the most important aspects of a gauging fixture. Good repeatability is one of he most difficult functions to achieve when building a gauging probe, which is why Solartron has invested so much in theManufacture of Bearings and shielding against electrical interference. The failure of a Gauging Probe to provide good repeatability comes primarily from two sources, mechanical free movement within the probe and electrical noise.
Determining Non Repeat
It is relatively simple to determine good repeatability from a gauging probe by gently lifting the tip and allowing it to gently return to its start position. A number of probe manufacturers use this method or fail to quote non repeat at all. Unfortunately, apart from a few laboratory applications, such as Gauge Block Calibration, the vast majority of applications are a lot more demanding. The method used to determine non-repeat at Solartron Metrology is very demanding but relative to both laboratory and shop floor applications. A reading is taken with the probe tip resting on a datum point. The tip is then raised while exerting a side force of 80-100 grm and returned to the start point. A second reading is taken to determine the deviation from the start point. This process is repeated at the four points of the compass. The maximum difference in the readings between the four lifting cycles represents non-repeatability.
Understanding Non Repeat - Electrical
Electrical noise or cross talk can have a significant negative effect to both Non Repeat and Accuracy when using any conventionalLVDT or Half Bridge Gauging Probe.
Noise levels are often related to the number of probes installed and can have a significant effect on gauge R&R. Solartron Metrology takes special care to ensure that with its shielded construction, its Analogue Gauging Probes are as immune as possible to external electrical interference. However, as a component no LVDT or Half Bridge Gauging Probe can, on its own, obtain CE certification for noise immunity or emission. It is the responsibility of the system builder to obtain CE certification for any complete system that incorporates Analogue Gauging probes. Solartron Metrology’s Orbit® Network andDigital Gauging Probes provide improved Gauge R&R through cleaner signals and better electrical noise immunity: Solartron Digital Probes Conform to EN 61000-6-2 and have been independently approved for CE certification.
Understanding Non Repeat - Pneumatic Gauging Probes
It is often necessary to use aPneumatic Push Probe because it’s the only way to avoid side loading or to get the tip to a gauging point. The lines of force are through the centre line of the probe, which helps to ensure good repeatability and a long life in any gauging application.
Tip force can also have a significant effect on repeatability, particularly in the gauging of fragile components such as glass or electrical components.
The tip force on Pneumatic Gauging Probes can, to a large degree, be controlled by the pressure of the air supply. The gaiter, which can have a significant effect on tip force, is replaced by a shroud on the AT and DT ranges of probes to ensure very low tip forces. However, they are unsuitable for use in wet or oily environments.
The new DU/0.5/S miniature flexure is Solartrons latest extension to the family of flexures. The ultra compact design allows for applications in confined space with a high number of measurement points on small objects. The very high resolution and Gauge R&R at <0.1μm achieved in the larger DU/1.0/S and DU/2/S flexures is kept without degradation over millions of measuring cycles in this new product.
Digital Flexures are the ideal solution for high precision/ high volume post process or in process gauging applications where cycle time is short and high throughout would shorten the life of a conventional pencil probe. There are no sliding parts to wear out or to cause friction within the frame or sensor which makes Solartron Flexures virtually free from Hysteresis.
Flexures can be mounted such that there is little or no stress through the gauge centre line and enabling precision profiling of moving material, such as sheet material or rotating shafts, brake discs etc. The option to take readings of < 0.1 m at speeds of up to 3906 readings per second per Flexure into the Orbit® Network provides very detailed profiling.
The digital miniature flexure is fully compatible with Orbit® and is very linear over its full measurement range. The tool mounting assembly can be variously adjusted along the gauges length and fixed with M2.5 screws. A choice of holder and tips are available for maximum flexibility. The unique design offers a high degree of factory serviceable parts, providing a low cost repair which in turn reduces the cost of ownership to the end customer.
Feather touch
