High-Accuracy Gauge Checks Component Quality

Bowers Metrology has supplied the Gagemaker instrument to X:Cel Superturn to help maintain quality standards of X:Cel's rings, gaskets and seals. X:Cel Superturn specialises in the production of precision machined components and specialised joints and gaskets. Although serving customers in the power generation, aerospace and construction sectors, the company's output is predominantly destined for the petrochemical industry.

X:Cel Superturn produces components for down-hole drilling as well as surface and subsea applications. After purchasing X:Cel in 2007, Sheffield Superturn continued to establish the global supply chain. Wayne Adcock, X:Cel Superturn's quality manager, said: 'As failure in the field of any of our joint and gaskets could have catastrophic financial and environmental implications, we undertake the most rigorous quality control checks, both throughout the manufacturing cycle of our components and at the final inspection stage.

'To help enable X:Cel Superturn to uphold our reputation, we frequently invest in quality control equipment. 'Having recently identified a need for a flexible, yet accurate, diameter measuring gauge that could be used on components located on our machine tools, we requested a demonstration of the Gagemaker Groove Diameter and Groove Width gauges from Bowers Metrology,' he added. Bowers Metrology stocks a wide range of Gagemaker equipment. Gagemaker's Groove Diameter/Width gauges are able to accommodate diameters from 2.6in to 13in and groove widths from 0.34in to 1.5in.

Optional rails extend the range of diameter measurements from 13in to 36in. The face groove gauges accurately measure the ring groove diameter and width at the critical sealing point of the face groove, while the gauge indicators display actual deviation from a preset master dimension. The Gagemaker BX-1000 can be used for a range of applications, including the measurement of straight or tapered groove diameters, shallow bores and hole locations.

Now in regular use, X:Cel Superturn's large diameter gauges are helping to maintain the standards of its rings, gaskets and seals. 'The Gagemaker instrument has taken away a potential bottleneck from our large capacity CMM and is being used both in process, with the measured component still located in the machine tool, and for final component inspection,' said Adcock.

LPC CP1/CP2 Checks Antennas And Circuit Boards

ITT Interconnect Solutions has developed a switching coaxial connector for customers that need to verify antenna or circuit-board performance. Designated LPC CP1/CP2 and detailed in a recent application note, the connector delivers an effective solution to passive switching between an internal circuit and external device such as test equipment, or an antenna.

Critical attributes that the connector fulfils for customers include high reliability RF switching, low signal loss of less than 0.3dB, a minimum mating cycle count of 12,000 and return loss VSWR of 1.2:1 at 2GHz. With a frequency range up to 2GHz, the connector is ideal for a variety of applications, including mobile phones, two-way radio, military radio and wireless modems.

A range of accessories is available for connection to the switching coaxial connector in order to address different test requirements. A cold pin minimises RF emissions in unmated scenarios. Further benefits include a low-profile test port of 5.6mm and the ability to address angular and offset misalignment. Also available is a waterproof version, designated LPC SP1, which features a special rubber seal that enables IP67 compliance. A wide range of accessories to complement these connectors is also offered.