Standard Elements Multigage System

Mahr Federal has introduced Standard Elements, a modular-based gaging system with standard components that allow users to configure and implement simple to complex gaging solutions quickly and cost effectively. They provide the flexibility and versatility of a general gage, yet can also combine to provide the speed and accuracy of a custom or dedicated gaging solution. The system is designed to meet the ID, OD, and length measurement needs of today's manufacturing environment where short runs and quick changeovers are becoming the rule.

"These systems are not expected to replace traditional gages," said George Schuetz, Mahr Federal Director of Precision Gages, "but to add another dimension to the gaging paradigm. The idea of the multi-gage is to turn all the elements found in high precision comparative gaging into modular components. These elements include good solid reference anvils or contacts, a sensitive contact, part references (or backstops), and a readout, all tied together with a robust frame for stability."

The use of these Standard Elements allows multigage measuring devices to be designed and assembled for the widest possible range of workpieces. And since they are constructed of all common elements, they can easily be reconfigured for similar or different applications.

"So where a traditional comparative gage may have been built for one size shaft with five diameters," said Schuetz, "a new multigage can easily be adjusted for five different shafts having different diameters at different locations."

Just as there are different levels of performance and robustness in the design of standard handheld comparative gaging, Mahr Modular multigage components employ a similar "good, better, best" design philosophy. Multigage elements can be configured for the simplest parts or even the most complex and demanding workpiece geometries. And because the modular components are all designed to be as small as possible, a high number of measuring points can be inspected within a small area of the workpiece. All multigage systems can be constructed by the customer from standard catalog elements and then, if needed, changed later by the end user.

Mahr Modular multigage configurations are robust enough to withstand demanding shop floor environments, and offer a number of economic benefits as well. Once manufacture of a particular type of workpiece has ceased, elements used in the test equipment can be reused for a different type of workpiece. A choice of different readout systems can be used, as well as different mechanisms for guiding the moving part of the stylus, according to the accuracy requirements of the measuring task. This flexibility reduces both development and implementation time. When the performance of electronic gaging is required, Mahr modular multigage systems offer the same flexibility in selecting input and computation options. These include creating multiple inputs from different sensors (LVDTs, digital probes, analog or air sensors) and the use of gaging computers with gaging software for multiple part programs, part classification, and data storage and analysis. Mahr Standard Elements are available with or without integrated pneumatic probe retraction, spring blade or ball guidance, measurement strokes up to +/-2.5 at +/-10mm accuracy to 0.5µm.