INTRODUCTION
Cold-rolled steel parts, also called cold-worked steel parts, are generally used in high-end products and equipment, such as aircraft and other aerospace products, automobiles, and medical instruments. Despite being well-known for their superior strength and quality, cold-rolled steel parts need to be properly measured and sized to ensure they meet quality standards and requirements. This paper will discuss the important role of cold-rolled steel part size measurement and the different types of measurement methods used.
TYPES OF COLD-ROLLED STEEL PART MEASUREMENT
There are several types of cold-rolled steel part measurement methods that are used in order to ensure the quality of steel parts. The most common types of measurement methods include the use of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), form testers, optical comparators, and calipers.
Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
Coordinate measuring machines (CMM) are a type of highly accurate measuring machine that uses a 3D optical probing system to inspect the surface of a product to ensure it meets quality standards and specifications. CMMs are able to measure a wide range of shapes, sizes, and features. The main benefits of CMM measurements are their accuracy and speed.
Form Testers
Form testers are specialized measuring machines capable of measuring surface shape characteristics such as roughness, size, etc. Form testers allow inspectors to quickly check the flatness and other three-dimensional features of the part, as well as gaps between parts.
Optical Comparators
Optical comparators are instruments that use light and images to measure part features and compare them against pre-set standards. Optical comparators are typically used for gauging flatness and radius dimensions, as well as other three-dimensional characteristics.
Calipers
Calipers are hand-held measuring tools that are used to measure length, depth, and diameter of parts. Calipers can be used to measure internal and external feature dimensions of a part, such as holes, slots, and threads.
CONCLUSION
Cold-rolled steel parts must be measured and sized properly to ensure that they meet quality requirements and standards. The most common types of cold-rolled steel part measurement methods include the use of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), form testers, optical comparators, and calipers. Each of these measurement methods has its own benefits and drawbacks, and should be used in the context of the specific application.
For instance, optical comparators can measure flatness and radius dimensions quickly and accurately, but may not be able to detect roundness errors. Similarly, calipers may be used to measure length, width, and height, but are not suitable for measuring angles or curves. As such, it is important to choose the measurement method that is most appropriate for the specific application. By using the right measurement method, cold-rolled steel parts can be properly sized and inspected to ensure they meet quality standards and requirements.
