Rail Car Axle Gauge

In factory floor metrology there is a seemingly endless supply of external factors that can impact the accuracy and repeatability of a gauging system. Temperature is one such factor that when not properly addressed can have you second guessing every other measurement.
 
When we were reviewing the requirement and specifications for this gauge, one note really stood out from the rest: “Non-temperature controlled, open air factory. Daily temperature swings between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.”
 
The thermal expansion coefficient of steel is 7.2 x 10^-6 per degree F.
 
If you were to measure an 8″ diameter at 77° F and then the temperature dropped just 10 degrees, that part would now measure 7.999″.
 
When working with tolerances of 0.0005″, even the smallest change in temperature will have a substantial impact on the operation of the gauge.

Through the clever use of thermal sensors and constant in-process calibration events, Autonetics was able to achieve a sub 10% ANOVA Gage R&R on journal diameters even in these harsh environmental conditions.

This gauge is part of an automated cell that produces these axles without any operator interference. After a gauging cycle is completed, the measured diameters are automatically forwarded to the CNC lathe to allow for real-time tool offsetting – closing the loop between machining and inspection.

Precision Metrology - Any Environment

Contact Autonetics today to discuss your gauging application

  • Category

    Inspection
  • Purpose

    Rail Car Axle Diameters
  • Client

    -
  • Location

    Canada
  • Gauge R&R

    < 10%
  • Cycle Time

    30 sec