Measurement of toothed articles utilizing multiple sensors
A method and machine whereby utilizing both tactile ( 46 ) and non-contact ( 50 ) sensors or probes for workpiece ( 56 ) inspection and/or measurement results in significant cycle time savings while accuracy is maintained.
1. A method of measuring and/or inspecting a workpiece having teeth on a measuring and inspection machine, said method comprising:
positioning a workpiece on said machine such that the toothed workpiece is rotatable about a workpiece axis,
probing said workpiece with a tactile probe located on said machine, said probing said workpiece with a tactile probe comprises finding a tooth on said workpiece and identifying the location of desired reference points on said tooth,
probing said workpiece with a non-contact probe located on said machine, said probing said workpiece with a non-contact probe comprises scanning the surface of said teeth, wherein said non-contact probe is positioned for scanning based on the desired reference points locations established by said tactile probe.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said non-contact probe comprises a laser probe.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said workpiece comprises a gear.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said workpiece comprises a gear part assembly having two toothed parts.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said workpiece comprises internal splines or an internal bore.