L.S. Starrett released a software tool which helps users in the procedure of choosing the right Starrett blade for their particular application. This software, PowerCalc, is free of cost and can be downloaded from the Starrett website. The PowerCalc program is easy to install and runs easily on any windows based computer device.
When started, a simple and straightforward user interface greets you. All you need to fill in is:
o Composition of the material to be cut (to determine hardness).
o Shape of the part to be cut.
o Details regarding any bundling of the material.
o Whether or not it will be a cooled cut.
o Type and model of band saw being used to make the cut.
Once all of this data is entered accurately, the user can run the simulation and the results will display the recommended saw blades as well as information relating to the number of break-in cuts, cooling recommendations, and cutting time and speeds under both break-in and normal conditions.
The PowerCalc program also allows you to print the output to keep on record if needed. To download this free program visit the Starrett PowerCalc Software download page.
Starrett Indicators, in their various forms are used for a wide variety of tasks such as layout, inspection and quality control. The major indicator classes are:
(1) Mechanical Dial indicators,
(2) Electronic Indicators,
(3) Lever Style Test Indicators,
(4) Back Plunger Dial Indicators.
Mechanical Dial indicators
Starrett dial indicators are manufactured to fine watch making standards with jeweled bearings, precisely finished gears, pinions and a shockless hardened stainless steel gear train. The result is a gage that can measure to 50 millionths of an inch, as necessary.
The contact point is attached to a spindle or rack. Movement is transmitted to a pinion and then through a train of gears to a hand that sweeps the dial of the indicator. As a result, a small movement of the contact is transformed into a larger, observable and measurable movement of the hand on the dial.
Dial or Electronic Indicator?
Dial and Electronic indicators each have advantages compared to each other.
The hands of an analog dial indicator show clockwise or counterclockwise distance from zero that is more easily readable than a digital electronic display when being visually monitored by an operator.
Basic electronic indicators show a numeric value that works well for inexperienced operators doing simple applications.
Electronic indicators with output provide the important ability to collect and record data. The DataSure Wireless Data Collection System has an End Node available for all Starrett and most competitor electronic indicators. The output also works with cable-based hardware.
Selecting a Dial Indicator
The complete Starrett line of analog mechanical dial indicators includes over 180 models that meet or exceed all known performance specifications. Below are some facts and factors to help you make your selection.
1) Select the dial size that gives you the readability you need. We offer five regular dial sizes that cover most applications’ space limitations and readability requirements.
These five sizes conform to the industry standard American Gage Design Specifications (AGD). The size ranges relate to bezel diameters. Size 0 is a smallest followed increasingly larger sizes, AGD 1 through AGD4.The most widely used size is AGD2, but all five sizes a relatively common.
2) Choose the accuracy, readout and range that you actually need – don’t select a .00010" or 0.001mm readout if .0010" or 0.01mm is right for your job.
We offer wide variety count hands styles, as well as revolution counters for long range indicators. Graduations are available for reading in .001", .0005", .00025", .0001" and .00005" – with ranges from 12" down to .006". For metric indicators we offer .01mm, .002mm, and .001mm with ranges up to 125mm. Dials can have balanced or continuous graduations.
3) Consider any special features you may need: (a) Inch millimeter reading, (b) special shockless movement, (c) antimagnetic, (d) long range, (e) long stem, (f) special backs, (g) special contacts, (h) special holders, and other options.
If you don’t see what you need, please contact our Special Order Department. Even though our broad line covers most applications, we will not hesitate to create a special design for your specific requirements.
What would you do when you have the responsibility to ensure 1.5 million bearings year to the highest quality? The first think you would think of is controlling your components at all stages of manufacturing. The principle operation in this would involve measuring roundness.
If you think measuring roundness means spinning wheels, running in circles or going round and round, you're probably wasting your time. But if you manufacture round parts, going round and round--using a roundness testing system--may be the only way to accurately measure your parts.
In the grand scheme of things, roundness testing systems are fairly new (only about 20 years old). Roundness testing systems are often referred to as form measurement systems because of the several part features they're capable of measuring.
Along with roundness, today's roundness testing systems are equipped to measure eccentricity, concentricity, runout, coaxiality, flatness, squareness, cylindricity, parallelism and perpendicularity, among other things.
Working closely with manufacturers across a wide range of industries including bearings, automotive and aerospace engineering we have focused on the key attributes that are most important for quality control in today’s precision industries.
The new RT800, from the world leader in precision measurement Starrett's stable, offers a flexible solution for all your roundness and form requirements with a variety of systems and application specific accessories along with fixtures that can be tailored to your specific need.
Learn more about the system through the video or click here to request a brochure for the same!
With the simple procedures described below and a reasonable level of care, your Starrett outside micrometer should provide accurate measurements for many years. In fact, many Starrett micrometers are into their third or fourth generation of service and still providing precise, reliable measurements.
Holding the Micrometer while measuring
For most measurements, the micrometer should be held as shown in the picture below.
Place the work piece against the anvil with the left hand, then turn the spindle down on to the work piece with the thumb and index finger of the right hand.
Caution: Do not force measurement. Light contact pressure assures correct reading. With practice, you will develop a measuring “feel” that will give your reading automatic accuracy.
It is important to not remove the work piece from the micrometer before taking the reading. When the reading cannot be seen without removing the micrometer from the work piece, use the lock nut to secure the spindle. Then, hold the micrometer by its frame and carefully slide it off the work piece.
Adjusting spindle play
To eliminate play in the spindle, back off the thimble, insert spanner wrench (included with the micrometer) into the adjusting nut and tighten just enough to eliminate play.
Adjust Zero Reading
To adjust zero reading, clean dirt or grit from measuring faces by gently closing the spindle to the anvil with a clean piece of paper between them. Pull the paper out with pressure applied, and then close the faces using “feel” (friction thimble or ratchet stop, if so equipped).
Next, insert the spanner wrench into the small slot of the sleeve as shown (above). Then turn the sleeve until its zero line coincides with the zero line on thimble.
Long life with proper care
Caring for your micrometer requires little effort and pays off in long, accurate life. Be sure to check your micrometer periodically for accuracy, making adjustments as required. An occasional drop of Starrett Precision Instrument Oil on spindle and spindle threads assures free and smooth operation.
Be sure to wipe off your micrometer before putting it away! And never use an air hose as this is apt to force dirt and grit into the spindle threads.
And finally, as with all precision tools, keep your micrometer in its case when not in use.
What is it?
An optical comparator is a device that magnifies and transmits an image of an object set on its stage onto a screen so that the part may be compared and measured against a set of known data. They are used to check the quality of products in the process of manufacturing and if they conform to the standards. They can also be used to check the products for wear and tear. A complex arrangement of lenses then magnifies and transfers the image onto a viewing screen. This image may then be compared with a reference grid or template of the part attached to the screen.
The journey so far
1920s -The optical comparator was invented by James Hartness, president of J&L Machine Co., in 1922.
1930s -J&L Machine Co. weathered the great depression by exporting optical comparators to the Soviet Union, which saw a rapid increase in industrialization under the leadership of Josef Stalin.
1940s -Optical Comparator sales surged as they were adopted as a standard for U.S artillery specifications and were used to manufacture almost every part used in World War II.
1960s -Automatic edge detection was introduced, minimizing the error on the operator part.
1970s –Machines became more automated and developers started to incorporate programmable functions in the comparators.
1990s –Incorporated software became standard optical comparator equipment. Computers could now be interfaced with optical comparators to run image analysis.
Present day -
Starrett Optical Comparators
Starrett optical systems are available with a touchscreen tablet control and software system. With significant improvements in optics, lighting, data output and control, today's bench top optical comparators are far more powerful and sophisticated than the large comparators of generations past.
These systems are rugged, precise and with a broad range of standard features and options. If you have optical measurement applications, a Starrett bench top comparator will improve your precision, throughput and repeatability.
Flexible, durable and easy to use, Starrett Force Measurement systems provide you with the best quality and reliability.
It has a windows based tablet touch screen control connected via USB, digital I/O, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity which makes setting test parameters easy. The results can be downloaded to any windows based Smartphone or computer. These systems are built out of solid granite base, aluminum frame and a wrap-around cross-head.
You can conveniently put your calculators away as the L2 touch screen controlled computers provide you with graphical pre and post test results and statistical analysis. These systems come with a wide range of fixtures that allow you to test a broad range of materials.
About 100,000 people attended IMTS 2012, and at times it seemed like many of them were in the Starrett Precision and Metrology booth. Whether it was to see the innovative new HDV300 Video Comparator, the new line of Force Measurement Systems or because of the respect Starrett has earned over a half dozen generations, the booth overflowed with attendees from beginning to end of the six day show.
The intuitive new touchscreen controls on many of our vision and optical systems were particularly popular. Since IMTS 2012, we have added a major new product line Force Measurement Testers. All four models were on display along some the many application-specific fixtures. Starrett-Bytewise, our newest division, with its in-line, real-time, laser based non-contact measurement systems was also part of our IMTS exhibit for the first time. Another r new product, our RT800 Roundness Tester was also on display.
The exhibit included an LF463 multi-sensor vision system and an HD400 optical system with an OV2 video camera and touchscreen control. Also on display were an Altissimo Height gage, Starrett Tru-Stone custom granite solutions and of course precision measuring tools. Our booth staff came home tired yet reinvigorated by the tremendously positive response to our products and brand.
The Starrett Force Measurement Systems Series is a family of new and innovative force measurement systems.
Available in four load capacities, these universal testing systems are ideal for general
purpose force testing, demanding high-volume production testing, and exacting quality
control testing.
Starrett force measurement systems are your solution for tensile, compression, flexural,
shear, coefficient of friction, and cyclic testing. You can easily and efficiently perform push/
pull testing, break testing, constant hold testing or tests that must meet international testing
standards from ASTM, ISO, BS, DIN and others.
The Force Measurement Systems Series consist of a single-column electro-mechanical testing frame, combined with our L2 Series digital controller and a Starrett load cell sensor.
To insure accurate readings, you need to support your granite surface plate properly on three or four points as specified in GGG-P-463c. Starrett Tru-Stone offers several options for supporting your plate. The standard work height for all stands is 36” unless otherwise specified.
Floor locks are available for all castered stands.
Tubular Steel Surface Plate Stands:
Our stands are constructed from welded square steel tubing to provide exceptional strength and durability. Steel crossbeams are located at the proper support points to ensure maximum surface plate accuracy. Stands are supplied with a scratch and abrasion resistant industrial painted finish. Our standard color is gray; however, other colors are available upon request and at an additional charge. Stands require no assembly. Stationary stands come with leveling adjustors with the typical adjustment being 2”. Rolling stands are fabricated with two stationary and two swivel casters.
Cabinet Support Stands:
Cabinet stands are constructed with square steel tubing and heavy gauge steel. Leveling screws are provided on the bottom of each leg, adjustable to obtain the standard work height of 36”. Roomy cabinet space is provided with a shelf and locking doors.
Drawer Stands:
Stanley-Vidmar drawer stands are available upon request. Please note that these stands are not made specifically for our surface plates and are, therefore, not an exact match in size.
Block and Wedge Systems:
By using a block and wedge system, you remove the need for a large steel stand to support your granite base. This system is comprised of three granite blocks, cut and honed to provide the desired work height. An adjustable wedge is placed between the top of the block and the bottom of the surface plate. This system provides maximum support with minimal cost. Standard blocks are 12”x12”, with a height based on the thickness of your surface plate.
The majority of our surface plates are produced with charcoal black granite. Upon request, we can also manufacture black diabase, pink or gray plates as well. Surface plates are produced to meet or exceed federal specification GGG-P-463c. Final inspection of our surface plates is done with an autocollimator or electronic levels and Repeat-O-Meter. Black granite surface plate and crystal pink plates are engineered to support a loading weight of 100 pounds per square foot, loaded in the center of the plate; which is twice that required by federal specification. This means that the designated load may be placed in the center of the plate without deflecting the overall accuracy more than 50%. Special loading and size considerations can be quoted upon request.
In surface plates, flatness is very important; however, repeat reading is equally important. The flatness and repeat readings of Tru-Stone surface plates are unilateral, not bilateral. The term unilateral accuracy means that all points on the work surface are contained between two parallel planes, separated by a distance greater than the distance specified for each size and grade. The term bilateral accuracy means twice (+ or – the accuracy stated) as much flatness deviation may exist. The values specified on Tru-Stone calibration certificates are the TIR (total indicator reading).
In addition to our standard surface plate sizes, we will quote any other size requirements you may have. We can also make modifications to your plate, which includes t-slots, inserts, holes, etc.