Turbine/Compressor Blade Measurement System using non-contact "Conoprobe" gauge

Spectrum Metrology has applied the revolutionary non contact "Conoprobe" gauge technology to provide rapid non-contact assessment of turbine and compressor blades, overcoming the traditional problem of measuring the steep angles and slopes of these components. Measurements can be taken along root forms, blade edges and aerofoils.

The main advantage of the Conoprobe is that it creates extremely precise digital images of virtually any surface - including the most difficult to measure components - at very high speeds, and at stand-off distances once considered unfeasible. With measurement speeds of up to 500 points per second the entire measurement process takes just a few seconds (depending on the lens diameter and selected data point spacing).

The turbine system uses two probes operating in tandem so that profiles of both sides of a blade can be assessed simultaneously. Scanning is accomplished in both X and Y axes by linear precision slideways mounted orthogonally. The fixture platform is mounted directly above this, with location features for precise location of the blade fixturing. Manual adjustment of the Z (probe) axis allows a large range of blade sizes to be accommodated.

Multiple sections of aerofoil blade profiles can be measured simultaneously on both sides and data compared with input design data. The Conoprobe's ability to measure steep angles enables the system to address blade edge profiles. Single edge profiles can be measured or depending on blade twist 3D profiles of the full blade length can be produced.

The 3D capability of the Conoprobe also enables a large variety of root forms to be measured. Analysis of profile geometry can be made or with suitable fixturing, the root form can be related to previously measured aerofoil data.

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