Providing a way to prevent improperly finished
precision parts from entering an assembly, IMPCO Machine Tools has introduced a
system of Class II CE-certified laser heads to final inspect the surface finish
of precisely machined parts, such as crankshafts or transmission shafts, in just
seconds. The system, called OPTI-Scan, can be configured to check any machined
part surface and render a go/no-go signal. The process adds no time to
production cycles.
"Because it is impossible to distinguish finely machined surfaces with the naked eye, we developed the OPTI-Scan laser checking system as a cost-effective method for 100% checking whether a precision surface has been properly machined," said an IMPCO spokesperson. OPTI-Scan can be installed within a machine tool or as an off-line check.
OPTI-Scan utilizes lasers arranged around a part fixture, each aimed at a machined surface of the workpiece. The system is first shown a pre-finished master part, and then shown a properly finished master part in order to 'see' the difference. The quality of the reflected light indicates whether a surface has been correctly finished. Results are instantly displayed on a control panel. The system utilizes software developed by IMPCO.
In one application, installed as a station in a production microfinishing machine, an OPTI-Scan system uses 21 laser heads to check all machined journal surfaces of a 6-cylinder diesel engine crankshaft in less than two seconds. The engine producer uses the system to assure that all surfaces are finished before the crankshaft proceeds to assembly.
With OPTI-Scan, surfaces do not need to be cleaned before checking. OPTI-Scan is shop-hardened, economical, simple to install, and can be reconfigured as needed for different parts. According to IMPCO, it operates reliably in typical shop dirt, oils, and mists.
"Precision journals, as on a crankshaft, are finished to submicron accuracy, and it is impossible to assure visually that they have been processed, yet it is essential that properly finished components are released for assembly into an engine, or the engine will fail prematurely," the IMPCO spokesperson stated.
For more information contact:
Norm Judge
IMPCO Machine Tools
P.O. Box 10156
3417 West St. Joseph St.
Lansing, MI 48901
517-484-9411
Fax: 517-484-0502
E-mail: sales@impco.com