Tubeinspect System
NOVACAMTM TUBEINSPECTTM system is a modular, non-contact optical measurement system that provides micron-precision 3D measurements of tube, cylinder or barrel interiors and exteriors. Its small-diameter side-looking probe reaches inside tubes to acquire their complete inside geometry. Can measure every dimensional detail of tube inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD), including undercuts, chamfers, threads, rifling, O-ring grooves, splines, lands, and edge breaks. Enables fully configurable automated inspection. Can measure dimensional or surface defects such as porosities, cracks, and scratches. Can measure dimensions, roughness as well as thickness of semi-transparent coatings.
- Optical, non-contact, non-destructive
- High speed: Up to 100,000 3D point measurements per second
- 2D and 3D surface and subsurface characterization; diameter, circularity, cylindricity, runout, taper, distortion, straightness
- High-aspect-ratio features: undercuts, threads, grooves, cross-holes
- Sub-micron resolution and excellent sensitivity and measurement repeatability
- Line profiles
- 3D images of internal and external surfaces
- Height and intensity images of “unfolded” surfaces
- Cross-sections of semi-transparent materials
- Deviation maps
- Easily integrated in lab, shop, or fully-automated inspection setups.
- Reduces inspection cycle time: up to 100,000 measurements per second are obtained, each representing a 3D topographic point
- Flexible options for evaluating inspected parts: measured features can be compared to CAD drawings or to a user-defined set of locations, nominals, and tolerances
- Simple scan definition and execution: The scanning sequence is defined once by teaching the system with a joystick. The scanning sequence can later be executed with the push of a button.
- Time-saving automated reporting: Following a scan, go-no-go reports can be produced, and results logged in a manner compatible with industry-standard mechanisms
- Easy part handling: The part fixture is selected to make handling easy and to ensure good repeatability
- Adaptable to harsh environments
- No consumables are needed: Optical probes do not come in contact with the measured samples, and therefore do not wear out like contact probes. Accidental damage is rare−probes are designed to be rugged.
3D metrology and imaging of tubes for industry and R&D
- Quality control
- Automated 3D production inspection, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- Statistical process control (SPC)
- Research and development (R&D) inspection
- Reverse engineering and part-to-CAD
- Maintenance, repair and operations (MRO)
- Profilometry in hostile environments: radioactive, cryogenic, very hot
Typical measurements on tube ID/OD
- Full 3D geometry, diameter, circularity, cylindricity, taper, runout, etc.
- Deviation from CAD model, GD&T
- High-aspect-ratio features: undercuts, steps, O-ring grooves, threads, channels, sharp edges, steep slopes, and cross-holes
- Volume loss: surface wear or other damage
- Defects: corrosion, pitting, cracking, denting, scratching, porosity
- Surface roughness: linear or area roughness
- Thickness of semi-transparent coating: single-layer or multilayer films
Examples of tube inspection applications
Measurement, visualization, and inspection of ID and OD surfaces of:
- Various tubes, pipes, and shafts in the aerospace and automotive industries
- Example from aerospace: jet engine shaft MRO (maintenance, repair and operations)
- Examples from automotive: drive shafts, axles, threads, splines, gears, drive teeth
- Vials, cylindrical containers in the biomedical and chemical sectors
- Cylindrical devices in the medical sector
- Examples from defense industry: barrels, bores, reamers, mandrels, drill bits, die blocks
- Tubular parts in high-precision machining, drilling, injection molding, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, casting, extrusion dies
- Composite tubes and rods
A standard configuration of the TUBEINSPECT system includes:
- MICROCAM-3D interferometer
- 1 standard 4.6 mm-diameter side-looking probe (for inspection of bores up to 600 mm (24″) deep)
- 3-axis inspection station and 3-axis motion controller
- 1 chuck with motor and motion controller for rotating the inspected tube
- PC with NOVACAM acquisition software
- 1 year warranty
- MICROCAM systems feature an in-probe red laser pointer (650 nm wavelength) for alignment purposes.
- MICROCAM systems are Class 1M Laser products, with < 20 mW of infrared and < 5 mW of in-probe laser pointer.