Laser measuring system and method for turning machine

A method of optically measuring the dimensions of a workpiece machined by a turning machine having a chuck for holding the workpiece, a Z-axis slide movable parallel to the chuck axis, an X-axis slide mounted upon the Z-axis slide so as to be movable perpendicular to the chuck axis, and an indexible turret mounted upon the X-axis slide comprising the steps of:

• indexing the turret to a measuring station;
• moving the X-axis slide toward the workpiece until a gage head mounted on the turret engages the workpiece;
• and
• directing a laser measurement beam at a reflector in the gage head while moving the X-axis slide toward the workpiece.

In an optical workpiece measuring system for a turning machine having:

• a frame;
• a spindle mounted for rotation upon the frame and having a chuck secured thereto for rotation therewith;
• a Z-axis slide mounted upon the frame for movement along an axis parallel to the spindle axis;
• an X-axis slide carried by the Z-axis slide for movement along an axis transverse to the spindle axis;
• and a turret mounted upon the X-axis slide for rotation to a plurality of discrete index stations;
• the improvement comprising:
• a gage head having a movable probe adapted to engage a surface of the workpiece;
• first optical means movable with the probe for receiving a laser measurement beam;
• a bracket connected to the gage head, and an index position on the turret for securing the gage head to the turret such that when the turret is in a measuring index station the probe is adapted to be aligned with a diameter of the workpiece;
• second optical means mounted upon the Z-axis slide in optical alignment with the first optical means when the turret is in the measuring index station for establishing a measurement path for the measurement beam, one of the optical means being adapted to split a laser beam into a reference beam and the measurement beam and reunite the beams to form a return beam and the other of the optical means being adapted to reflect the measurement beam back to the said one of the optical means;
• a laser transducer adapted to direct the laser beam to one of the optical means;
• and
• a receiver for receiving the return beam from the said one of the optical means and for generating a measurement signal.

A method of optically measuring the dimensions of a workpiece machined by a turning machine having a chuck for holding the workpiece, a Z-axis slide movable parallel to the chuck axis, an X-axis slide mounted upon the Z-axis slide so as to be movable perpendicular to the chuck axis, and an indexible turret mounted upon the X-axis slide comprising the steps of:

• indexing the turret to a measuring station;
• moving the X-axis slide toward the workpiece until a gage head mounted on the turret engages the workpiece;
• and
• directing a laser beam at the gage head while moving the X-axis slide toward the workpiece.