Slot Thickness and Location Gage

A manufacturer of fluid power components needed to gage three dimensional features of multiple pump shaft slots — some as small as .078". The optimum solution would measure thickness, parallelism and straightness in one gaging operation, yet allow for more detailed examination of data on the individual features measured. For greatest economy, the system should be readily adaptable for use with a family of similar parts.

Edmunds' applications engineers combined dedicated tooling with the flexibility of the Accu-Setter gaging column to provide a single gaging station which met all the criteria. Two opposing, low-friction, cross-reed pivoted contact arms were designed for the smallest possible slot size. To accommodate the range of slot sizes among workpieces, they were mounted to ultra-fine adjustable slides for vertical width adjustment. The contact assembly, supported by an air bearing slide, is introduced horizontally for exploration within each slot.

By semi-automating the inspection process, the Edmunds Slot Thickness and Location Gaging Station eliminated hours of layout inspection per piece — replaced by a two-to-three minute operation which meets every requirement of the end user.