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Spring Push, Pneumatic
Push or Vacuum Retract (AX & DP)
In a conventional 'pencil' probe the tip pushes outwards under the
influence of an internal spring. When installed in a fixture it is
frequently required to design a mechanism to bring the probe into
contact with the piece part being gauged.
In contrast, pneumatic operation (pneumatic push or vacuum retract)
allows the number of moving parts in a fixture to be reduced, resulting
in improved reliability and reduced fixture costs. It also enables fast
and safe automatic loading of components into a gauge when required.
Probe types AX/5/1 and DP/10/2 feature an extended movement of 9 mm
before entering the total measurement range of 2 mm.
Feather Touch Probes (AT &
DT)
Feather Touch probes have been designed specifically to gauge delicate
surfaces such as car windscreens, TV tubes, pharmaceutical bottles,
electro-mechanical components and plastic parts. Whereas a traditional
probe exerts a tip force of approximately 0.7N, the Feather Touch exerts
a mere 0.18N when used in the horizontal position. This reduction is
achieved by replacing the naturally elastic traditional gaiter with a
close tolerance gland. On pneumatic versions the air leakage through the
gland is restricted to less than 2.5 millilitres per second at 1 bar to
minimize the possibility of contamination to the surface being gauged.
Despite the low volume of air flow, the bearing within the probe is
constantly purged thus avoiding dust build up (use of filtered air is
recommended).
Replaceable nylon tips are used to guard against surface damage,
although tungsten carbide tips can be fitted for measuring hot glass.
The woven steel braid covering on the cable provides additional
protection for applications where down time is critical.
For ultimate low force, Feather Touch probes can be supplied without a
spring. Forward and return movements are activated by pneumatic/vacuum
retract, but adjustment of air pressure allows all probes to have
identical tip force constant over the entire measurement range. If the
probe is mounted vertically (tip up), retraction is by the dead weight
of the moving parts eliminating the need for vacuum.
Special Application Probes
When space is at a premium, the extremely compact dimensions of the
AX/0.25, DP/0.5, AX/0.5 and DP/1 can be exploited whilst retaining
standard 8 mm diameter fixings. The A6G/1 and D6P/2 incorporate a
precision linear ball bearing but are only 6 mm in diameter when
stacking a number of probes in close proximity to one another is
required.
New Jet range Pneumatic Gauging Probes (AJ & DJ)
With conventional pneumatic transducers, the air pressure is contained
within the gaiter. The new Jet range pneumatic gaging transducers are
designed so that the gaiter is not pressurized. This has the advantage
that gaiter damage will not affect transducer performance, resulting in
less down-time and reduced cost of ownership
Environmental Protection
A6G/1, D6P/2 and the AX and DP series of probes are all fitted with
Viton® gaiters to exclude moisture and dust. Viton® is chemically inert
and does not degrade when subjected to cutting fluids. Probes in the
Feather Touch range (AT, DT series) have glands instead of gaiters and
therefore should only be used in a dry environment.
Absolute Measurement
All Solartron gage probes are absolute measuring devices. This means
that when switched on they return the correct output regardless of
movements during the off period.
Multi-dimensional gauging
An LVDT or Half Bridge gage probe delivers its best performance close to
its null point, requiring dedicated fixtures for each size of component
being gauged. In contrast, the Digital Probe can be used at any point
over its entire measuring range. This permits different sizes of
components to be gauged in one fixture.
Customer Specials
Other options are available
Please contact us with your requirements.
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