Roundness
Printer-friendly versionABTech designs and manufactures turn-key MicroForm™ gage systems for performing ultra-precision form measurements. Each gage incorporates our proven air bearing technology and the latest electronics to deliver ultra-precision results quickly and easily. The MicroForm system was designed to be fully scalable for 6” up to 36” diameter tables, and larger if necessary!
The most common form measurements are included in all MicroForm gages; covering roundness, flatness, concentricity (in and out of plane), parallelism and perpendicularity. We've also incorporated our novel "live RunOut" feature for quick in-process shop floor TIR/FIM 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 optional integrated direct drive as the reference axis. The air bearing table is embedded in a cast iron base for the µFG150 tabletop model or mounted on an inspection grade natural granite surface plate and passive vibration isolation base for larger systems. Reliable and repeatable.
A T-slot plate on the µFG150 model 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.
Tilt and center (tip/tilt) worktables allow 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 downtime 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 shot of the RunOut meter on the setup screen...
...and a roundness results screen with polar plot
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
- Direct drive motor for fast "automated" measurements
- Tilt and center worktable assemblies with spherical seat designs (4 knob and 8 knob options) for fine part alignment
- Dual gage heads and stands for simultaneous reference datum and measurement surface results
- Vacuum controller and feed through the center to hold sensitive lightweight parts safely and securely
ACCESSORIES
Electronic indicators with ruby tipped probes; various length probes and diameter probe tips; multiple gage holders; extended range vertical gage towers; precision scroll chucks, iris alignment fixtures and custom collets
Welded steel base frame (optional for µFG150 only, comes standard on larger granite based systems); 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 availability
SERIES/MODELS:
- µFG150: MicroForm™ Gage with 6” (150mm) air bearing
- µFG250: MicroForm™ Gage with 10” (250mm) air bearing (10”-18” worktable options)
- µFG450: MicroForm™ Gage with 18” (450mm) air bearing (18”-36” worktable options)
Contact ABTech for other sizes of air bearings, gage stands, and granites that can be configured with the MicroForm™ system to meet your exact requirements.
As with all of our products, MicroForm™ gages and proprietary software are designed, manufactured, assembled and tested exclusively by ABTech at our Swanzey, New Hampshire facility. Every gage reflects ABTech’s high quality standards and exemplifies our company-wide commitment to “Pride in Precision” craftsmanship.
Download a product datasheet for the air bearing based MicroForm Gage, Model µFG150
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Metrology Experts
ABTech’s metrology gages measure precision in millionths of an inch.
Every metrology gage reflects ABTech’s decades of experience in ultra-precision motion and measurement. And every gage is designed, manufactured and assembled in-house using ABTech’s rotary and linear air bearing products.
When you ask for the highest precision and most reliable metrology expertise, ABTech answers.