There have been, in some rare cases, difficulties with clamping of inserts with U-holes
in their tool holder. According to the complaints, the inserts could not be properly
clamped or could fracture when clamped. A study has shown that variations in
clamping behaviour are mainly depending by the position of the screw hole in the tool
holder and the centering of the screw hole in the insert.
The focus of this project has been the centering of screw hole in insert. It has been
shown that the screw holes are not always enough centered in the insert. The
problem may occur after a certain step in the production, i.e. peripheral grinding.
Today, the centering can be measured by a certain measurement jig. The
measurement jig has a very good Gauge R and R value but is not easy to use,
especially if it is to be reinstated into the production. The aim of this thesis has been
to use SmartScope for developing a new method for measuring the centering of
screw hole in insert. The goal with the new method was to be able to measure faster
and to be easier to use than the existing one.
The project was started with exercises and exploration of some of the functions of
SmartScope and its software Measuremind 3D. Parallel with this, a study was made of
the existing documentation for a better understanding of the problem.
A method which measures how well the screw holes are centered in their inserts has
been developed. The method consists of a number of measuring tools which are
joined into a measurement sequence. Measurements of single inserts are fully
automated. Provided that a system which picks and puts the inserts in specific
locations can be implemented, a series of inserts can be measured fully automated.
This method is faster and especially more automated than the current measurement
jig. Measurements have shown that the accuracy of the method is well within the
tolerance and that it has a good repeatability.