Gear Inspection
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Dedicated Gear Inspection Laboratory with the Höfler Gear Inspection System.
Dedicated Gear Inspection Laboratory with the Hofler Gear Inspection System.
At the heart of our Gear Inspection Laboratory is the Höfler EMZ Series, CNC controlled, four-axis gear inspection center. This instrument incorporates the most advanced coordinate measurement technology in the world and can automatically supply extremely accurate verification of gear tooth topography. In addition, this instrument meets the tightest established accuracy required for gear instruments (Ref: German VDI/VDE, Class 1).
Our Inspection Laboratory is equipped with the instrumentation to measure and chart lead, involute profile, size, pitch variation, run-out, and total composite value. A large selection of master gears is also available. Gage Block inventory includes Master Grade, certified and traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), dedicated for calibration only. The lab also features an isolated environment with temperature and humidity controls to ensure the integrity of all test results. Additional equipment includes a digital optical comparator, and instrumentation required for surface finish and Rockwell hardness inspection.
Nital Etch Inspection Per ANSI/AGMA 2007-B92
Nital etching is a non-destructive, in-process inspection procedure used to detect surface tempering, cracking, and/or rehardening in all grinding processes.
Profile Model PC20 Composite Gear Analyzer
As the first of its kind, the Profile PC20 is the most advanced double flank composite gear checker in today's gear industry. The PC based computer system and composite gear analyzer software can provide for an analog/digital data interface. Instrument accuracy has been established to within .000050.
Quality Assurance
As part of Niagara Gear's comprehensive Quality Assurance program, MIL-I-45208 and MIL-STD-45662A have historically been the basis for our inspection and calibration systems. These and other quality related business systems have recently shifted to the requirements of QS 9000/ISO 9000.
- Purchased Product Controls - A supplier rating system is used to monitor performance, with suppliers using data from this system to assist them in gauging the effectiveness of their improvement efforts.
- Process Control - Documented operator instructions include computerized operation sheets, quality control plans, and set-up sheets generated for each production lot. Software is also used for preventive maintenance activities which help to maintain or improve such things as "up-time" and "process capability" on manufacturing equipment.
- Inspection and Testing - Defect prevention methods are used whereby data generated in-process by operators and inspectors is recorded for use at final audit inspection. Detailed instructions are documented on the corresponding Quality Control Plans.
- Control of Measuring and Test Equipment - All gage calibration data is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). IndySoft software featuring the "Gage Navigator" is used to categorize, manage and track all gages for recall and calibration. Additionally, this program allocates and automatically tracks all gaging used in the production environment and is also utilized for its gage "repeatability and reproducibility" features.
- Statistical Techniques - Powerway SPC9000 statistical software is utilized throughout the manufacturing environment to perform "Machine and Process" capability studies along with "in-process" monitoring of Critical to Quality (CTQ) characteristics. Historical data is constantly utilized to gauge the effectiveness of machine and process improvements which have been implemented.
- Continuous Improvement - To achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction, Niagara Gear utilizes the elements listed above and other tools to realize continuous improvement throughout our operation.
