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Optical measuring machines such those using a projector or toolmakers microscope have been widely used for dimension inspections for cutting tool operations that follow grinding operations.
Reasons for their popularity include their relatively low cost and ease of use.
However, projectors and toolmakers microscopes also have some disadvantages, such as measurement errors due to visual judgment errors or eye fatigue. In recent years, there have been increasing demands for inspection data appended to products upon delivery, and so computer linkage of measuring instruments has become more and more desirable.
It was against this backdrop that MITUTOYO introduced its first ball end mill measurement system in 2003.
System configuration (see Figure 1)
Figure 1. Ball End Mill Measurement System
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(1)
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Measuring microscope MF-A1020
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(2)
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Vision measurement unit (color CCD camera + PC)
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(3)
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Ball end mill measurement software
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(4)
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Collet type digital rotary head
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Features
1)
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Fewer human errors due to vision measurement
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2)
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Specialized ball end mill functions for measuring instruments are provided with the basic general-purpose software
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3)
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Includes a repeat function that is convenient when measuring multiple workpieces
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4)
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Any pitch angle can be specified for measurements
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5)
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Leveling by axis alignment function is not required
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6)
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Able to store digital color images
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Setting reference values
Reference values are important for ball end mill measurements. Specialized reference setting functions can be used to perform axis alignment (axis setup and leveling) automatically when measuring at the specified location and to set the origin at the center of the edge's radius.
The size setup function includes linear measurements at both ends of the shank, with the X axis set along the center line. The origin setting function sets the Y origin along the center line of the tip and takes the radius value from the edge of the tip as the offset position for the X origin. (See Figure 2.)
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Figure 2.Reference Setup Illustration
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Easy menu-driven operation flow
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Enter conditions for radius, pitch angle, etc. on the menu screen and perform vision measurement after specifying a location according to the navigation screen. (See Figure 3.)
 
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Figure 3. Navigation Screen and Measured Image
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2)
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Output of measurement results
When a measurement is completed, the results are automatically output in a report, such as shown in Figure 4.
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Figure 4.Output of Measurement Results Report
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Thus, MITUTOYO's ball end mill measurement system is able to produce results that cannot be obtained using conventional projectors or microscopes.
Incidentally, the standard-equipped general-purpose measuring instrument functions can also be used to measure the R dimension of radius end mills or cutting tools that have been processed to add levels.
In addition, since the main unit has a measuring microscope, it can be used for conventional visual inspections.
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Published in "Mechanical Engineer (Japanese only)" by THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN, LTD. July, 2004.
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