Simultaneous 2-axis Straightness Measurement of Machine Tool Slideways

This is the most popular application for the DA400 dual axis photoelectronic autocollimator. Measurements are automatically entered into the computer from both X and Y directions (top and side) at each measuring position along the slideway. Typically a ten metre slide can be checked in approximately five minutes – a considerable reduction in the amount of time taken compared with more conventional methods. With the addition of the Talyvel electronic level, twist or roll can also be measured. For further details please request a copy of our application report.
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Checking Indexing Heads

The fixed angles provided by standard polygons limit the calibration of precision dividing heads. By mounting a TB80 microptic clinometer and reflector on the indexing head in place of the polygon and initially setting an autocollimator square to the reflector to give a zero reading, the head can be calibrated at any angle from a few seconds of arc to 360°. For further details please request a copy of our application report.
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Squareness and Parallelism of Machine Slides

In addition to dual axis straightness checks on machine slides, the optical square can be used in conjunction with the autocollimator to measure both squareness and parallelism of slideways.
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Checking Flatness of Granite Tables

The Talyvel electronic level, with the Taylor Hobson electro optics software, can be used to check flatness of granite or cast iron tables using the internationally recognised Union Jack or Grid measurement patterns.
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Horizontal Forging Presses

Manufacture of seamless stainless-steel tubes is carried out on high-powered horizontal forging presses. It is important that all the relevant tooling components are accurately set co-axial to one another, in order to achieve a high quality, even thickness of tube. The micro alignment telescope gives a quick, accurate method of alignment, reducing downtime and improving quality. The equipment is also used for annual maintenance checks and machine refurbishment.
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Specialist Machine Tool Alignment

Manufacturers of specialist machine tools have found it necessary to update quality control methods and introduce a formalised machine alignment procedure during machine assembly and test. Measurements of datum bar straightness, motion straightness, squareness of axes, flatness, level and twist checks can be carried out using the micro alignment telescope with a full range of accessories and Talyvel electronic level.
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Portable Machining Systems

Manufacturers of portable machining systems are often faced with the problem of aligning the machining centre to the original datum of the component being machined on site. The application of the Micro Alignment Telescope to this alignment problem was proposed to a company involved in the refurbishment of steel mill roller frames.
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Aluminium Sheet Manufacture

Aluminium sheets are not flat when they are produced from the rolling mill. To flatten the sheet, it is stretched between heavy-duty hydraulically-operated grips. After stretching, the plates must be checked for flatness within specified tolerances. The Micro Alignment Telescope with sweep optical square provides a quick and easy solution to this problem with the additional benefit of checking the alignment of the stretching machine itself.
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Transfer Manufacturing Machine

The relocation of a transfer manufacturing machine from one motor vehicle plant to another necessitates the development of a simple but accurate method of alignment during installation. The Micro Alignment Telescope can be used to align the machine through the actual working areas and the use of CCTV is recommended due to lack of space in the area of working.
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Plotting Machine Manufacture

Large X,Y plotting machines have similar squareness and straightness problems to machine tools. The accuracy required is of a lower order, but even so it has to be checked. By mounting an alignment target on the moving head of the plotter, the straightness of motion of X-axis can be observed with the Micro Alignment Telescope. The engineer then introduces an optical square into the system and checks and Y-axis for both straightness and squareness.
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Printed Circuit Board Drilling Machines

Printed circuit board drilling machines must have an accurate X,Y motion to maintain tolerances of hole positions on the end product. To measure the out-of-straightness of motion on this machine, the Micro Alignment Telescope was offered with suitable accessories.
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Refurbished Paper Roller Straightness

Refurbished paper roller straightness has to be certified prior to delivery to the customer. Very small errors in the roller form can cause major problems with paper quality, tearing and inconsistency. To provide the most effective solution, the standard Taylor Hobson electro-optical software was proposed along with a pivoting carriage and guide trolley. The contact points on the roller are via cylindrical rollers and measured the form or camber of the roller.
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Datum Bar Straightness

Straightness checks on datum bars can readily be carried out using the Talyvel or Autocollimator system. However, when the datum bar is of a small diameter, the mass of the measuring instrument on the bar can itself cause bending and errors in assessment. To overcome this, a suitable "light weight" carriage has been proposed for use with the Autocollimator.
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Machine Tool Rebuild and Refurbishing

Buying, refurbishing and selling used machine tools is a very profitable business for those companies with the expertise required to do the work involved. In the past, purchasers of these machines have accepted the equipment without any guarantee of accuracy and accordingly have paid a reduced price. Prospective purchasers are now being pressed to obtain certificates of accuracy of all machines, including refurbished items. Autocollimator systems, Micro Alignment Telescope and Talyvel are all used in relation to machine tool build and calibration. Investment in the instrumentation will not only satisfy the prospective machine buyer, but also result in a higher market price for the machine supplier.
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Steel Rolling Mills

Steel rolling mills all have a common problem of setting a series of rollers such that they are at the same height and parallel to one another, ie in plane. The configuration of this particular customers machine was suited to the use of the Micro Alignment Telescope with sweep optical square, combined with some special target mounts.
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