Precision Dimensional Measurement

It is often necessary to accurately check the dimensions of mechanical components

Examples include:

Sample or 100% inspection of critical dimensions of components during manufacture.
Goods inward audit of components prior to assembly into product.
Characterising components during development.
Monitoring of component dimensions for SPC.
Post process gauging.

The Solartron Metrology Linear Encoders and Digital Readouts provide exceptionally accurate, easy to use and cost effective measurement of mechanical components.

• Linear Encoders;
• Digital Readouts;
• Bench Stands;
• Orbit Network Measurement System;
• Digital Probes

Multi Channel Electronic Dimensional Gauging - Automotive and General Purpose

The classic application for Gauging probes is the multi dimensional measurement of precision machined parts. The major application area is the automotive industry where the gauging probe (pencil probe) is used for very accurate measurement of engine and powertrain components.

The basic technique relies on the use of a master which is a perfect example of the particular piece part. The master is used for regular zeroing and calibration of the gauge probes in their fixtures. The technique is essentially one of comparative measurement.

Solartron Metrologyis the world's largest supplier of gauging probes for this application.

Product Choice:

• Analogue gauging:
  • LVDT Gauge Probes
• Digital gauging:
  • Digital Gauge Probes
  • Linear Encoders
  • Orbit Network Measurement System
  • Digital Readouts

Hand Tools

Many hand tools incorporate Solartron Gauge Probes within them to give outstanding accuracy and repeatability of measurement. Applications include Bore Gauges, Plug Gauges and Snap Gauges.

The Solarton Digital Probes, combined with the DR600 Digital Readout, are an ideal solution for many of these applications. The Probes have an 8mm diameter body and are available in a range of stroke lengths from 1mm to 20mm.

Up to 10 hand tools fitted with Digital Probes can be used with a single Digital Readout, thus forming an extremely cost effective system. The hand tools can be permanently connected to the Digital Readout and located many metres from it. The Digital Readout facilitates very simple selection of the appropriate hand tool, with the full range of standard metrology functions such as Presets, Max/Min and Tolerances.

Product Choice:

• Digital Gauge Probes
• Digital Readouts
• LVDT Gauge Probes

Positioning Systems

Linear Motion Systems that need to be precisely aligned require accurate and repeatable position measurement. Solartron offers a wide range of transducers to address this need.
Typical Applications Include:
Precision slideways, Microscope X-Y tables, IC wire bonding equipment, Printed circuit board drilling machines and Optical and Radio Telescopes.

Product choice:

• Digital transducers for positioning
• Linear Encoders
• Orbit Network Measurement System
• Digital Readouts

Analogue transducers for positioning:

• Displacement Transducers
• Signal Conditioning & Electronics

Process Control

It is necessary to monitor displacement in a wide range of applications.

Many control systems use the measurement of displacement as a feedback parameter in the active positioning of a process component. Priorities for the Displacement transducer in Process Control include : Retaining positional information after power down, even if the machine moves during power down; zero hysteresis; and zero friction from the measurement element.

Solartron's range of Displacement Transducers deliver extremely repeatable results. They are rugged and may be used in hostile environments. e.g. High Temperature, Underwater, etc.

Application examples include : Roll position in steel rolling mills, Slice Lip position control for paper manufacture, moulding machines, Stress monitoring in structures such as beams, buildings, bridges and dams.

Product Choice

• Displacement Transducers
• Signal Conditioning & Electronics

Digital and analogue universal gauges

IBOX range - interpolation modules for the sine wave output linear encoder