Gauge gets the measure of large-diameter bodies

Large-diameter gauge is able to accurately measure both internal and external diameters up to 30.5m, even while parts are rotating with surface speeds up to 1.8m/s.

Bowers Metrology reckons that an advanced new Gagemaker product has eliminated the need for periphery tapes, commonly used throughout UK industry for measuring large diameters.

The ingenious Gagemaker MIC 360 large-diameter gauge is able to accurately measure both internal and external diameters up to 30.5m, even while parts are rotating with surface speeds up to 1.8m/s.

As the clever new gauge requires no operator involvement, it eliminates variations in measurements due to human error and inconsistent gauge techniques.

Measurement accuracies, traceable to NIST, are +/-5um for diameters under 305mm, +/-0.025mm on diameters up to 6.1m and +/-0.051mm on diameters up to 9.1m.

The unit consists of a gauge head assembly containing a 3.75in diameter hardened-steel precision gauge wheel that rotates around a part and measuring its diameter.

The gauge-head has a standard 1.25in square shank or optional quick-change tool shanks that allow it to be mounted onto machine tools such as lathes, grinders etc.

At the centre of the gauge head, a high-resolution rotary encoder counts the revolutions of the gauge wheel as it rotates around a work-piece.

The gauge-head transmits the calculated diameter measurement to the MIC 360's CPU via an infrared communication link, through distances up to 4.3m.

The CPU's clear digital readout, displays measurement readings as they are calculated.

As the MIC 360 will often be used in variable temperature environments, to ensure accuracy an optional temperature compensation unit is available.

The unit monitors the temperature of the workpiece and the MIC 360 gauge wheel as measurements are taken and makes the necessary compensations.

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