Abstract: A gauge for checking the tolerance of a manufactured tube having at least one bend therein is digitally manufactured layer-by-layer using an additive manufacturing machine. Multiple features of the gauge are integrated with each other within a common reference coordinate system to precisely locate the features relative to each other.

Abstract: A gauge for checking tolerances of a bent tube includes a gauge block having a channel in which the tube is placed for checking. Viewing windows in the side of the gauge block permit the bottom of the tube to be viewed within the channel. The viewing windows are sized to match a preselected tolerance.

Abstract: A gauge for checking the tolerance of a manufactured tube having at least one bend therein is digitally manufactured layer-by-layer using an additive manufacturing machine. Multiple features of the gauge are integrated with each other within a common reference coordinate system to precisely locate the features relative to each other.

Abstract: A gauge for checking the tolerance of a manufactured tube having at least one bend therein is digitally manufactured layer-by-layer using an additive manufacturing machine. Multiple features of the gauge are integrated with each other within a common reference coordinate system to precisely locate the features relative to each other.

Abstract: A fixture type gauge (20) includes a base (22) and a plurality of segment blocks (1-12) mounted on the base (22) configured and arranged to allow comparison of manufactured parts (46) with a reference standard. Under computer control, reference marks (36, 54, 56, etc.) and data (26) are laser etched on the gauge base and segment blocks to facilitate rapid, accurate assembly of the gauge parts and provide a permanent record on the gauge of part related information. Laser machined alignment holes (30, 32) in the gauge base establish a reference axis on the base which can then be used to physically align the gauge with an independent spatial coordinate system, such as that of a coordinate measuring machine.

Abstract: A locator assembly for locating one end of a part on a fixture gauge includes a fixed portion (20, 22) having a central circular cavity therein, a movable portion (24, 26, 28) slidably captured within the cavity (30), and a locator pin (35) axially shiftable within a central opening in the movable portion. The fixed portion comprises three plastic plates sandwiched together, wherein a central opening of the middle plate is smaller in diameter than the central openings of the outer plates. The movable portion likewise includes three additional plates sandwiched in face-to-face contact with each other with respective, concentric central openings therein for receiving the locator pin therethrough. The locator pin is therefore longitudinally slidable along its axis and includes an annular shoulder (38) for engaging and aligning one end of the part.

Abstract: A fixture type gauge (20) includes a base (22) and a plurality of segment blocks (1-12) mounted on the base (22) configured and arranged to allow comparison of manufactured parts (46) with a reference standard. Under computer control, reference marks (36, 54, 56, etc.) and data (26) are laser etched on the gauge base and segment blocks to facilitate rapid, accurate assembly of the gauge parts and provide a permanent record on the gauge of part related information. Laser machined alignment holes (30, 32) in the gauge base establish a reference axis on the base which can then be used to physically align the gauge with an independent spatial coordinate system, such as that of a coordinate measuring machine.