Edge break inspection is a critical area of manufacturing for several types of applications, notably within turbine engines. The edge break process involves smoothing down sharp edges to radii or chamfers of precise dimensions to ensure the correct and safe operation of components within a specific application. It is critical to ensure that there is no undue stress during operation that might reduce the working life of a component. It is also a complex and difficult area to inspect.
Historically, bespoke contact measurement systems have been slow and cumbersome, with the only shop floor alternative being imprecise manual gauges which rely on an operator’s judgment rather than measured values, preventing any kind of traceability. With the GapGun Edge Break Toolkit, this has all changed.
The Edge Break Toolkit is an optical measurement system from Third Dimension that uses a uniquely configured laser stripe as a datum measurement surface.
Innovative software analyses the image data of the surface and checks the measured profile against dynamically created CAD data, showing the operator exactly how the part compares to nominal dimensions and warning when parts enter a “no go” condition.
The profile of the surface, along with the upper and lower allowable profiles, are shown on the large, colour touch screen providing instant feedback and allowing decisions to be made with confidence faster than ever before. Currently, all major turbine engine manufacturers use our equipment due to its effectiveness and range of benefits which can be explored in the section below.