Abstract
One of the most important processes in manufacturing engineering parts is on-line dimensional measurement and quality assurance process. Dimensional measurement techniques using common devices such as various micrometers and mechanical devices are very common in small and medium sized manufacturing companies. These devices are not very accurate especially when are used to carry out high quantity dimensional quality checks on-line, for measuring parts tolerances for example, and by experience, they can produce many errors. The paper looks into the structure of a simple and effective measurement device which implements a design and development method to devise an electronic and software based measurement system with accuracy of one micron. The system uses a single distance measuring laser sensor and a V-based block, for measuring external diameters of shafts which can easily be used on-line. A purpose build software system then receives the raw data from the device and carries out various operator required analysis on the data. Design techniques as well as input and output characteristics of the system are discussed.
