Large-Diameter Gage

An in-process measurement tool, the MIC-360 diameter gage rotates a precision gage wheel around a workpiece to determine an accurate diameter. It uses a high-resolution rotary encoder that counts revolutions of the gage wheel in relationship to the rotating workpiece. That process results in diameter measurement.

The gage head is held in a machine toolholder with either a standard 1.25-in square shank or specialty quick-change tool shanks. The device is designed to measure internal and external diameters from 4–360 in. It also contains an electronic digital readout and offers an optional temperature compensation feature.

The gage head reports data to the system CPU via infrared communication. This link provides a wireless system that allows the gage head to be located in a remote tool changer and called for by the machine's controller. By wiring the gage head output to the machine controller, machining offsets can be set automatically. The workpiece comes off the machine automatically inspected and documented without operator intervention.

In addition, the device measures straight and tapered diameters. Measurement accuracies are up to ±0.0002 in on diameters under 12 in, ±0.001 in on diameters up to 240 in, and ±0.002 in on diameters up to 360 in.

Gagemaker, Inc., 710 E. Southmore Ave., Pasadena, TX 77502. Tel: 713-472-7360; Fax: 713-472-7241.