Photo of the dual-arm gear-measuring machine for ring gears up to 6,000 mm.
When coordinate-measuring machine builder Wenzel GmbH was presented with the challenge of designing a CMM solution for inspecting large ring gears and bearings used by a manufacturer of large construction cranes, it designed and built a machine that combines standard components and proven dual-arm measuring technology with the precision air-bearing mechanics of its Wenzel WGT series gear checkers and Renishaw scanning probes. The inspection machine is capable of inspecting bearings and ring gears up to 6,000 mm (19.68 ft) in diameter.
The dual-arm machine design is similar to what Wenzel has applied in the automotive industry to measure car bodies and body components. In this design, each CMM measuring arms is mounted to a table, which in turn is mounted on a large corresponding granite base. The measuring arms have high-accuracy linear guideways for the X-axis. The Y and Z-axes feature finely tuned, preloaded roller bearings that ensure minimal friction and operational wear.
Illustration of Wenzel’s special gear measuring machine for large construction equipment gears and bearings.
The base units are positioned opposite to each other, with a rotary fixture table in between. Both arms measure the large rings concurrently and the metrology of each measuring arm is harmonized through the use of a specially designed calibration tool. The ring gears and bearings are located and clamped on the 2,200 mm (7.21 ft) diameter hydrostatic rotary table that can handle loads up to 100,000 lbs.
Each ring has its complete circumference inspected by a single inspection part program. The two measuring arms are equipped with Renishaw SP80 scanning probes. Application software also is provided, to calculate the optimum fitting tolerance for inner and outer bearing components.
Wenzel anticipates that this “large ring” inspection solution will have additional application in the aircraft engine, wind energy, and construction equipment markets.
Xspect Solut ions Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Wenzel GmbH, is one of the largest suppliers of traditional CMMs and GMMs (gear measuring machines) in North America.
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