Simultaneous In-Process Inspection of Surface Form and Roughness of Machined Sculptured Surfaces

Abstract

A noncontact measuring system for the simultaneous in-process inspection of surface form and surface roughness of sculptured machined surfaces is described. Previous presented work demonstrated successful algorithms for open-loop and closed-loop convergence to a specified, or desired, surface form. In this paper, results of implementing these algorithms with the new measuring system are briefly described. A new methodology is presented which extends the concept to enable convergence to both the desired surface form and the desired surface roughness. Two scanning procedures for simultaneous form and roughness inspection are presented. Software modules for surface roughness planning and control have been developed and incorporated into an Integrated Mold Production System (or IMPS).