Custom Radial Thickness Gage Model RTG150
Custom Radial Thickness Gage Model RTG150

A major US engine manufacturer had a unique metrology requirement: in order to determine wear patterns and evaluate new materials and coatings, they needed a gage that could measure thickness variation on engine bearing halves before and after Dyno testing. The gage needed to have an accuracy of 0.25 microns or better, and a resolution of .025 microns.

ABTech was selected to develop a custom thickness gage. To meet the customer’s needs, the MicroForm µFG150 gage platform – with its integrated rotary air bearing table – was chosen as the foundation for the custom gage.

To keep costs down, our engineers leveraged existing component designs where ever possible. Modifications were made to the adjustable tilt and center worktable assembly and vertical height adjustments. Nonetheless, some completely new designs were needed to create a quick part holding device; air actuation and controller for the probes; and a manual rotational drive mechanism.

Custom Centering Fixture with Bearing
Custom Centering Fixture with Bearing

One of the project’s major challenges was to provide the specified accuracy over a large thickness range. This required the development of miniature encoded linear air bearing stages to perform as the sensor. Two of these stages were used to trace the inner and outer surfaces of the bearings, creating a map of the part’s thickness. And as defined by the operator in the gage software, multiple traces made at different heights of the bearing are then overlaid and analyzed relative to each bearing’s unique tolerance window.

The project from final scope definition to gage delivery was completed in less than ten months.

Installation and training at the manufacturer’s research and development facility was performed in one day with actual parts off the Dyno being tested the same day.

Radial Thickness Gage Results
Radial Thickness Gage Results
Radial Thickness Gage Software
Radial Thickness Gage Software

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Thank you for your interest in ABTech’s ultra-precision measurement tools and services.
Please tell us a little about what you need to accomplish and we will be in touch to discuss any of the additional details that will help you choose your best option.

We use 2 ABTech air-bearing spindles with tip/tilt and centering capability in our facility. These units are used for precision assembly and final metrology. We have never had an issue with either one, and the ABTech team is a great partner for us. We will be adding more systems as our young organization continues to grow. Jayson TiersonPresident
Vertex Optics
Made in the U.S.A of U.S. and imported parts

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