SEA, SCA, SCI Tests Performed

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    THERMAL MEASUREMENT
    Thermal IconThermal – SEA / SCA / SCI

    Thermal testing allows for rotating or non-rotating spindle measurement to analyze the effect temperature changes have on the machine tool. It is often used in troubleshooting environmental conditions or determining thermal stability.

     

    Warm Up iconWarm Up – SEA / SCA / SCI

    When a cold spindle begins to rotate, friction heating of the bearings causes the spindle to expand (primarily in the Z axis). Knowing the time until a machine stabilizes allows for more precise scheduling/planning, less scrap, and may expose machine frame distortions.

    Temp and Encoder Module Temp IconTemp & Encoder Input Module – SEA

    Uses sensors for monitoring temperature change. Also includes an encoder and index input for triggering the measurement.

     

     

    Environmental Effects


    POSITION MEASUREMENT
    FFT - SEA / SCAFFT – SEA / SCA

    The FFT analysis test acquires data from a single probe and displays the relative amplitude of its frequency components. A graph of amplitude vs. frequency is produced. FFT data is used in identifying bearing frequencies, resonant frequencies, harmonics, RPM and structural vibration.

     

    Position Shift - SEA / SCA / SCIPosition Shift – SEA / SCA / SCI

    The axis of rotation of the spindle may shift location with changes in RPM. Charting any changes in position of the axis of rotation of the spindle against RPM allows the operator the ability to adjust RPM or offsets to correct any errors.

     

    Vibration - SCIVibration – SCI

    Vibration impacts the surface finish capabilities of the machine. By studying the affects of vibration over time, any external factors that are impacting the performance of the tool can be identified. Vibration from a fork lift or coolant pump can often cause a part to fail if it occurs during a critical cut.

     

    Repeatability - SCIRepeatability – SCI

    As the mechanics of a machine wear, backlash and other issues will reduce its ability to accurately locate the cutting tool relative the workpiece. Performing this test allows the operator to better predict the machineā€™s ability to hold tolerance of a feature location. Troubleshooting is simplified by determining which axis has the problem.

    Meter Module - SEAMeter Module – SEA

    Provides a digital display of the displacement.

     

     

    Root Cause IdentificationPosition Shift with RPMRepeatability

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


    DYNAMIC MEASUREMENT
    Total Error - SEA / SCA / SCITotal Error – SEA / SCA / SCI

    While the individual components of the ā€œTotal Rotation Errorā€ provide insight into specific part errors; the Total Rotation Error (total error motion) gives a general condition of a spindle and a quick comparison of the condition of spindles on multiple machines.

     

    Runout/TIR - SEA / SCA / SCIRunout/TIR – SEA / SCA / SCI

    Often used in manufacturing, Runout will affect the diameter of holes and straightness of cuts. It should not change dramatically with changes in speed. Changes in Runout are a potential sign of significant wear causing the system to shift or bend as the spindle turns faster.

     

    Synchronous Error / Roundness Capability - SEA / SCA / SCISynchronous Error / Roundness Capability – SEA / SCA / SCI

    The portion of the total error motion that repeats every revolution and relates to the ability of the machine to produce round features when drilling or boring in a milling operation or when doing longitudinal turning on a lathe.

     

    Asynchronous Error / Surface Roughness - SEA / SCA / SCIAsynchronous Error / Surface Roughness – SEA / SCA / SCI

    The portion of the total error motion that does not repeat from revolution to revolution. These are caused by machine vibrations and in ideal cutting conditions with a single point tool would be a reasonable indicator of the surface roughness (Ra) of the finished part.

     

    Radial Fixed Sensitive / Turning - SEA / SCA / SCIRadial Fixed Sensitive / Turning – SEA / SCA / SCI

    Radial Fixed Sensitive acquires displacement in one axis relative to spindle angular location and displays the data in a polar plot. Most often used in lathe applications.

     

    Radial Rotating Sensitive / Milling - SEA / SCARadial Rotating Sensitive / Milling – SEA / SCA

    Radial Rotating Sensitive acquires displacement data from two probes positioned 90Ā° apart. The probes measure the X and Y displacement of the axis of rotation to generate a polar plot. Most often used when measuring mills.

     

    Roundness Capability

    Roughness CapabilityPolar Plots

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Axial - SEA / SCA / SCIAxial – SEA / SCA / SCI

    Axial Error Motion utilizes displacement data from one probe in the Z axis. The probe measures the axial displacement of the spindle. In addition to a polar plot, axial error motion can also be displayed in a linear, oscilloscope type display.

     

    Tilt Thermal - SEATilt Thermal – SEA

    Using two probes in either the X or Y direction, thermal tilt can determine if there is a distortion of the machine frame which will cause a much larger error than simple thermal expansion.

     

    Tilt Dynamic - SEATilt Dynamic – SEA

    Using two probes in either the X or Y direction, dynamic tilt is measured to determine how much worse the synchronous error (related to roundness) and asynchronous error (related to surface roughness) are as the distance from the spindle nose increases. Results are displayed as polar plots or 3D plots.

     

    Donaldson Reversal - SEADonaldson Reversal – SEA

    Donaldson Reversal displays data from two Radial ā€“ Fixed Sensitive tests combined in such a way that form errors in the target (out of roundness) are separated from the synchronous error motion of the spindle.

     

    Axial Error Motion Tilt