A gauging machine for inspecting bore diameters of a workpiece includes a reference fixture, a first wide range bore gauge arranged on a first three-dimensional positioning apparatus to facilitate inspection of a first set of bores aligned along parallel axes, and a second wide range bore gauge arranged on a second three-dimensional positioning apparatus to facilitate inspection of one bore or a plurality of bores aligned along parallel axes. The gauging machine facilitates inspection of bores on a plurality of different workpieces having different overall dimensions, a different number of bores, different positioning of bores, and/or different size bores, without requiring retooling of the gauging machine.

The invention relates to a device for industrially measuring measurement objects comprising a measuring probe that can be led up to the measurement object, on which measuring probe at least one distance sensor is provided, by means of which the instantaneous distance of a reference point of the measuring probe from a wall of the measurement object can be determined. The measuring probe is rotatably supported on a retainer, which is fixed in relation to the measurement object and/or the position of which in relation to the measurement object is known. The device also comprises an evaluating apparatus, which is designed to receive at least one distance value determined by the distance sensor and to associate said at least one distance value with a rotational position of the measuring probe in the context of a measurement. Means are provided for determining a change in the relative position between the retainer and the measurement object occurring during the measurement.

A machine tool and a method for aligning a workpiece with an axis of rotation of the machine tool that accommodates the workpiece defined by a hollow shaft including an annular workpiece contour extending a length of the workpiece. The workpiece is clamped to a chuck and supported by clamping supports that engage the outer surface of the workpiece. A moveable tool carrier supports at least one sensor and is operable to position the sensor in proximity to the annular workpiece contour along its length. The sensor measures a distance between the sensor and the workpiece contour over a plurality of defined angles of the annular workpiece contour and at a plurality of locations along the length to obtain measurement data that is used to determine an approximated longitudinal central axis of the workpiece that is aligned with the axis of rotation of the machine tool.

A machine tool and a method for aligning a workpiece with an axis of rotation of the machine tool that accommodates the workpiece defined by a hollow shaft including an annular workpiece contour extending a length of the workpiece. The workpiece is clamped to a chuck and supported by clamping supports that engage the outer surface of the workpiece. A moveable tool carrier supports at least one sensor and is operable to position the sensor in proximity to the annular workpiece contour along its length. The sensor measures a distance between the sensor and the workpiece contour over a plurality of defined angles of the annular workpiece contour and at a plurality of locations along the length to obtain measurement data that is used to determine an approximated longitudinal central axis of the workpiece that is aligned with the axis of rotation of the machine tool.

There is provided an inside-diameter measuring unit capable of automating inside-diameter measurement and a control method for automatic inside-diameter measurement. An inside-diameter measuring part is supported by a support frame part via a floating joint part. The floating joint part includes a rotation-allowing mechanism part and a translation-allowing mechanism part. A measuring head part of the inside-diameter measuring part is inserted into a hole by a robot arm part. The inside-diameter measuring part adjusts its position and posture autonomously by the reaction force when a contact point pushes against the inner wall of the hole to align the axis of the inside-diameter measuring part with the axis of the hole. An electric inside-diameter measuring unit can automatically measure the inside diameter of a hole.

There is provided an inside-diameter measuring unit capable of automating inside-diameter measurement and a control method for automatic inside-diameter measurement. An inside-diameter measuring part is supported by a support frame part via a floating joint part. The floating joint part includes a rotation-allowing mechanism part and a translation-allowing mechanism part. A measuring head part of the inside-diameter measuring part is inserted into a hole by a robot arm part. The inside-diameter measuring part adjusts its position and posture autonomously by the reaction force when a contact point pushes against the inner wall of the hole to align the axis of the inside-diameter measuring part with the axis of the hole. An electric inside-diameter measuring unit can automatically measure the inside diameter of a hole.