Solution Proposal from Mitutoyo

Measuring Instrument Overview

What is a Roundness Measuring Machine?

• A roundness measuring machine is designed to measure the geometric tolerances of cylindrical and disk-shaped objects. It accurately evaluates parameters such as roundness, cylindricality, and coaxiality (concentricity), etc.

• The most common type involves rotating the object on a rotating table to accurately capture fine unevenness around the entire circumference.
  For heavy objects, a model that rotates the detector instead of the object is also used.

• Preparing for measurement requires aligning the measuring machine's rotation axis with the object's center axis (centering and horizontal alignment). However, some models offer support functions and automatic adjustments, making this process relatively easy.

Items Measurable with a Roundness Measuring Machine

Key Point：The roundness measuring machine evaluates the geometric tolerance of a circular cross section.

System Configuration

Benefits of Implementation

• Enables high-precision evaluation of measurements
  ・Since the fine shape of the entire circumference can be captured, fitting and airtightness can be accurately evaluated.
  ・Offers more precise measurement and evaluation capabilities compared to three-dimensional measuring machines.
  ・Circumferential surface roughness can also be measured, depending on the model.

• High-precision measurement of geometric tolerances can be easily performed.
  ・A support function is available to simplify the complex tasks of centering and horizontal positioning.
  ・Some models automate a series of measurements, reducing the learning curve and saving time.

• Improvement of reliability
  ・Eliminates human error factors in quality control processes.
  ・Ensures consistency of measurement data with suppliers by standardizing measurement rules.

• Improvement of corporate image
  ・Facilitates the establishment of an advanced quality control system.
  ・Enhances external trust by reducing the defect rate.

Points to Consider When Selecting a Model

• Machine size and load capacity
  ・Outer diameter, inner diameter, measurement height (depth), mass of measuring object

• Measurement accuracy
  ・Confirm the measurement accuracy by substituting the measurement height into the calculation formula described in the catalog.
        i.e.: Rotation accuracy＝（0.02＋3.5H/10000）μm　　H=measurement height (mm）
        　　desired height ：200 mm...
                  →Rotation accuracy＝（0.02＋3.5×200/10000）＝0.09 μm
  ・Measurement accuracy of 1/5 or less of the required tolerance is desirable.

• Geometric tolerance to be evaluated
  ・For the evaluation of cylindricality, a model that guarantees straightness and parallelism of the vertical part is required.

• Alignment method to synchronize the rotation axis of the measuring object with the rotation table
  ・Manual type (with support function), Automatic type

• Installation environment
  ・Temperature, vibration, and air conditioning can affect measurement results.
  ・You may need to set up a measurement enclosure.

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