The Uni-Versal™ Test Machine is the first flexible test platform that offers totally robotic testing of metal bearings and spindles – safety-critical rotating parts – utilizing eddy current testing (ECT) for cracks and flaws.
The Uni-Versal™ was specially designed to meet the current needs of the automotive industry for automated, reliable product quality verification of metal bearings and spindles. The Uni-Versal™ speeds up the verification process with no interruption of flow. It also eliminates the possibility of operator error or misreading of results. It is the only machine of its kind to offer true automatic self-calibration.
A U T O - C A L I B R A T I O N
The operator simply selects the part number from the programmed parts library, a master part with EDM notches in each critical zone is placed into the calibration part location for the auto-calibration process. The EDM notches represent the minimal flaw level for each zone. Depending on surface conditions, flaws as small as .003" wide by .005" deep can be detected. The master part is placed into the chuck, then the other robotic arms manipulates the probe along the critical surfaces of the part while the part rotates. Auto-calibration begins and repeats until the reject thresholds for each zone are reached. The master part is returned to its "master location."
N D T O F P A R T S
D U R I N G P R O D U C T I O N
Once a part number is selected from the library, a three-dimensional image of the part appears on the screen, and the Uni-Versal™ has set the gain for each zone of the part, production testing begins. One robotic arm then lifts the part from the conveyer belt and brings it into the test machine where it is placed on a rotating chuck. Another robotic arm manipulates the eddy current probe on all three axes, while ensuring that it remains precisely the same distance from the part's surface to ensure accuracy. If required, separate probes can be programmed to robotically test inside and outside diameters for flaws.
The Uni-Versal™ Test Machine segregates rejected parts from verified parts. An optional impact marker can then mark the accepted parts. Verified parts are then returned to the line, so there is no disruption to product flow. Rejected parts are placed onto another conveyor. Parts are divided into zones to identify flaw locations. |
