Profile analyser for cylindrical

Simultaneous measurement of surface roughness, waviness and form deviation for cylindrical components can be achieved using a non-contact, optical profile analyser, the Rodenstock RM500 from Tesa Metrology. This system detects surface form by analysing laser light reflected from the component surface.

A lightweight sensor held on a measuring stand contains an array of photodiodes to detect intensity of scattered light off the surface. This information is fed to a monitor and xy plotter. Here, the distribution curve of light intensity is analysed for spread (a measure of surface roughness) and displacement of curve peak (waviness and form deviation).

Surface roughness, relevant to friction, wear and therefore service life, is displayed on the monitor as an optical roughness value Sn and can be plotted against angle of rotation. With a consistent machining process, Ra and Rz surface roughness values can be derived from Sn.

Results for waviness, which influences vibration and lubrication, are printed out directly as a mean value curve. The true profile of the component is found by integration of this curve. For more detailed form deviation information it is possible to use Fourier analysis and print out the

The Rodenstock RM500 non-contact profile analyser, available from Tesa Metrology, can measure surface roughness, waviness and form deviation for cylindrical components

components

measured orders and corresponding amplitudes.

The system gives precise surface finish information independent of surface colour or reflectivity and is compatible with on-line measurement in automatic manufacturing systems.

Tesa Metrology Ltd, PO Box 418, Halesfield 8/13, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QN

Demonstration facility for positioning equipment A permanent exhibition of Micro- Controle's full range of micro- positioning and optical bench products has been set up as a demonstration facility.

The exhibits range from simple manually driven translation stages, optical bench components and accessories, motorized and computer controlled linear and rotary positioners through to complex positioning systems with contouring controllers.

Customers can discuss their positioning requirements at this site where items of interest can be demonstrated and evaluated at the earliest stages of a project or enquiry. The demonstration equipment is ~ilso available to customers for evaluation in their development laboratories if required.

Micro-Controle (UK) Ltd, 4320 First Avenue, Newbury Business Park, London Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG13 2PZ, UK

Metals Databook Information frequently needed by the metallurgist has been compiled in the 'Metals Databook' by Colin Robb, and published by The Institute of Metals.

It incorporates metallurgical information for everyday use and presents the data in such a way as to be useful to the specialist and to those without any formal grounding in metallurgy or materials technology, and will be useful for designers, engineers, quality assurance technicians buyers and students by providing a ready source of compact data for daily use.

Intended as a day to day aide, it comprises a collection of data and facts related to metallurgy covering

chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the commercially available metallic materials and contains

• conversion tables • chemical and physical constants

of the elements • welding • heat treatment • test house and metallurgical

laboratory data.

In addition, general notes on aluminium, copper, nickel and titanium alloys and steels are also included. Appendices cover hardness testing, the SI system, phase diagrams and specifications.

Metals Databook, ISBN 0 904357 69 4, Price: UK £90 (Institute of Metals members £72), other countries US$180.00 (Institute of Metals members US$144.00).

The Institute of Metals, 1 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DB, UK

Intelligent motor control for plant automation A 12 page guide, 'Intelligent motor control for industrial plant automation" has been produced by Quin Systems, and is available free of charge. It is designed to be an introduction to the principles and application of intelligent control techniques to solve complex velocity, acceleration and position control problems in industrial automation projects.

It defines 'intelligent" motion control as a motor driving a mechanism not just at a constant speed but with the ability to accelerate/decelerate at full motor torque under precise control. This could be from a fixed instruction given by the user, or with information from other events happening in the machine.

Included in the contents are items on benefits, applications, motors, encoders, closed loop control, safety features and software cams.

Three examples are given of the applications: the intelligent indexing of a starwheel, using a software cam to control the velocity profile of a printing wheel, and flexible product sorting prior to packaging.

Quin Systems Ltd, 35 Broad Street, Wokingham, Berkshire RG11 1AU, UK

104 APRIL 1988 VOL 10 NO 2