Dual Cam 3DS Optical Thread Gage Replaces Hard Gages

Six Sigma Concepts LLC has developed an optical thread gage, Dual Cam 3DS, that measures external threads accurately and objectively, eliminating the need for hard gage inspection of precision threads, thus reducing inspection costs, the company says. The machine can be used to inspect parts one at a time, or it can be automated for 100 percent inspection. Several models are offered for different thread ranges and can measure parts with OALs up to 1.5” and ODs larger than 2.5”. The threaded part is rotated while continually measuring major, pitch and root diameters. In addition, the software measures out-of-roundness, warpage and other features, ensuring that threads passing optical inspection will also pass mechanical ring gage inspection, according to the compay. The part is determined to pass or fail substantially faster than checking with a thread gage, typically less than 3 seconds.

In operation, parts are fed to a rotation stage providing a direct unobstructed view to the imaging system. A pair of high-speed cameras captures sequential images of each part’s exterior profile as it rotates more than 360 degrees on a precision flat platen. Proprietary metrology technology measures pre-programmed features such as threads, heights, diameters and radii. Each image has measurement accuracy within 0.0001”. Based on the measurement results, parts are placed in the corresponding “accept” and “reject” bins. Non-contact optical inspection almost eliminates the issue of wear on parts and the inspection equipment, according to the company. In addition, non-contact optical inspection is designed to reduce operator influence in measurement errors.

The sorter can be programmed for multiple parts. All measurements are available for data collection. Complete software is included and communication with statistical process control is available. A variety of integrated sorting options are available, depending on part dimensions.