How to measure a part that is 6 inches deep without cutting it

[FUNKJ29]

I am sure this is the wrong spot for this but I need a little assistance.

I am working in a machine shop and we have a $250 part that we currently have to cut the top off of to measure some radius and such at the bottom of it.

I have been told there are some compounds that you can put in the parts for impressions and then measure the impressions.

I have used a clay/plastic substance in the past but because of the depth of the part I think they would deform on the way out.

A colleague told me about a "metal" type substance that hardens and you can take it out. He thought it was called "cerlo" or "cerleau" he was not real sure.

Any ideas on substances that I can use for this application and/or any idea on what my colleague was talking about.

I need help fast because we cut at a minimum of 4 - 8 of these a week and at a small shop that is a bit much to swallow if I can get around it.

[Michael_M]

For something like that, I use a product called Reprorubber (It was what the tool supply company had in stock when I bought it--no affiliation).

It is a two part compound that I mix A and B together (equal parts) and 'pour' the compound into the ID, I then use a paper clip or Popsicle stick and put it inside the goo as it is drying. I then pull it out (after 5 minute dry time) and have a replica of the part.

[Danny Hoover]

FUNKJ29,
This works well also, we use it to cast duplicates of cavities for scanning:
http://www.flexbar.com/shop/pc/Facsi...mpound-c11.htm
Have also used Bondo, Dental casting compounds, and Reprorubber.
Good luck,
DH

[True Position]

In Reply to Parent Post by Danny Hoover

FUNKJ29,
This works well also, we use it to cast duplicates of cavities for scanning:
http://www.flexbar.com/shop/pc/Facsi...mpound-c11.htm
Have also used Bondo, Dental casting compounds, and Reprorubber.
Good luck,
DH

Facsimile is a pain to use, unless you need a hard casting go with ReproRubber.

http://www.flexbar.com/shop/pc/Repro...terial-c10.htm

[FUNKJ29]

Thanks all for the help.

[Jim Wynne]

In Reply to Parent Post by FUNKJ29

I am sure this is the wrong spot for this but I need a little assistance.

I am working in a machine shop and we have a $250 part that we currently have to cut the top off of to measure some radius and such at the bottom of it.

I have been told there are some compounds that you can put in the parts for impressions and then measure the impressions.

I have used a clay/plastic substance in the past but because of the depth of the part I think they would deform on the way out.

A colleague told me about a "metal" type substance that hardens and you can take it out. He thought it was called "cerlo" or "cerleau" he was not real sure.

Any ideas on substances that I can use for this application and/or any idea on what my colleague was talking about.

I need help fast because we cut at a minimum of 4 - 8 of these a week and at a small shop that is a bit much to swallow if I can get around it.

One thing you should remember, regardless of the compound you use, the molded thing you make will always be smaller than the thing you want to measure. Not by much in most cases, but if tolerances are tight or if your measurements are close to a specification limit, you need to be aware.

[FUNKJ29]

Thanks for the heads up. I am usually looking for angles and such. On the other side I can "mold" a good part and use that for my base. I am just trying to save costs. I have had to cut over $6,000 worth of parts this year, which is obviously killing the margin on this part.

[Jim Wynne]

In Reply to Parent Post by FUNKJ29

Thanks for the heads up. I am usually looking for angles and such. On the other side I can "mold" a good part and use that for my base. I am just trying to save costs. I have had to cut over $6,000 worth of parts this year, which is obviously killing the margin on this part.

If the customer requires this continuing inspection, they should be sharing (or bearing) that cost. Might be too late now, but there's no reason it should be stomping on your profit.