3D Laser Gaging Ensures Flawless Engine Fasteners

Having developed specialized engine expertise over three generations, the Italian fastener company Brugola OEB Industriale S.p.A. has focused on manufacturing some critical bolts, which are essential to automobile engine assembly. They must combine perfectly with vital engine components to ensure the performance and dynamic structural integrity of the engine despite high vibration and heat.

In order to make certain that all of its fasteners were flawless and to meet the rigorous demands required for flawless dimensional precision, Brugola selected a high-speed 360° laser gaging device from General Inspection LLC (Davisburg, MI), a manufacturer of high-speed measuring and sorting fastener inspection systems. The machine uses eight sensors and real-time part velocity calculation to essentially create a 3D profile of each part, along with measurement of a wide range of user-defined features to determine if each part meets exact dimensional requirements.

The GI-360 measures a number of critical fastener features such as head and shaft diameter, lengths, straightness, concentricity, thread angle and diameter, including major, minor and pitch diameter. It also detects any damaged threads, along with cracks on the bolt head and flange.