Roundness

ABTech’s latest offering, the all new µFG150 model MicroForm™ Gage is engineered with proven air bearing technologies and the latest electronics to deliver ultra-precision results quickly and reliably.

The most common form measurements are included; covering roundness, flatness, concentricity (in and out of plane), parallelism and squareness. We've also incorporated our novel "live runout" feature for quick in-process shop floor TIR checks. There's even an optional Wedge (aka "Edge Thickness Variation" or ETV) measurement module that extends the system's automated measurement and analysis capabilities for applications specific to the optics industry.

State-of-the-art technologies are featured throughout the gage system. The metrology platform combines an ultra-smooth, maintenance-free rotary air bearing with an integrated direct drive as the reference axis embedded in a cast iron base. Reliable and repeatable.

A T-slot plate provides unlimited positioning options for the inspection quality gage stand and allows for the use of multiple stands. Infinite flexibility in gage head orientation is made possible through our unique articulating gage arm design.

The tilt and center (tip/tilt) worktable allows very fine adjustments to align parts to the bearing's axis of rotation, reducing eccentricity. Our spherical seat design maintains the part's center point when leveling, saving the operator time in setting up the part for measurement.

Common contributors to measurement errors in competitors' gages come from internal electrical components that are sources of thermal and/or vibration interference. These have been purposefully engineered out of the MicroForm measurement platform. The motor drive amplifier, power supplies, encoder interface and other electronic hardware are installed in a separate metrology controller and therefore isolated from the work piece. This gives you the confidence to know that your measurement result is from the part alone, and doesn't include "noise" from the rest of the system. 

To complement the stable metrology base design, a "real-time“ operating system with dedicated FPGA processing platform and signal conditioners are included in the metrology controller. These are the workhorses for running the measurement algorithms, eliminating resource conflicts typical with systems running on PC’s. The on-board processor results in high speed data acquisition and instantaneously synchronizes the indicator displacement with the high resolution encoder for pin-point accuracy.  The processing platform not only provides tremendous system performance but also permits future system enhancements without the cost and time associated with obsolescence of electronic hardware.  

ABTech’s MicroForm™ measurement software offers intuitive navigation for shop floor use, and full function analysis for quality control labs. On screen "step-by-step" instructions assist the novice operator through each measurement in a way that doesn't reduce the efficiency of experienced users. Customizable displays and output options are built in to meet your particular needs.

Quickly save, print, convert to PDF, or export and share measurement results and graphical charts using Ethernet network connections for statistical process control (SPC) and traceability.

Sample screen shots of a roundness measurement (top) and the runout meter (bottom).
Select display units in inches, microinches (µ"),  millimeters (mm) or microns (µm).

APPLICATIONS

Shop floor form measurements of precision machined parts; incoming parts inspection for vendor compliance; optical lens inspection; and quality control lab analysis.

ACCURACY

Nearly perfect linearity over the full probe measurement range (correlation coefficient of 1) with overall system accuracy under 5.0 micro-inches (0.125 micron); spindle angular error less than 1.0 micro-inch/inch (0.025 micron/25mm); and 0.1 µ” (2.5 nm) resolution. 

OPTIONS

Clear thru-hole for cable access or a light source for lens alignment; vacuum feed through the center to hold sensitive parts safely and securely. 

ACCESSORIES

Electronic indicators with ruby tipped probes; multiple gage holders; precision scroll chucks and custom collets

Welded steel base frame; electronics cart to house PC, monitor, MicroForm™ Controller and printer (printer sold separately)

Certified 2µ” round master test ball and cover

Optional "Wedge" (ETV) software

MicroForm™ metrology software and controller are available as upgrades for existing systems - contact us for availabity

SERIES/MODELS:

• µFG150: MicroForm™ Gage with 6” (150mm) rotary air bearing

MicroForm™ model µFG150 and its proprietary software are designed, manufactured, assembled and tested with "Pride and Precision" in the United States.

Download a product datasheet for the air bearing based MicroForm Gage, Model µFG150