IntroductionSolartron Metrology is a UK-based leader in precision measurement technologies, specializing in digital and analogue dimensional gauging probes, displacement transducers, and optical
linear encoders. The company exports 90% of its production globally.
Product Overview
The catalogue features new products in analogue (orange) and digital (blue) formats, including gauging probes, block gauges, flexure gauges, ultra-short probes, mini probes, lever probes, displacement transducers, linear encoders, and electronics.
Technological Principles
Products utilize inductive (LVDT and half-bridge transducers) and optical technologies (linear encoders using diffraction gratings).
Historical Background
Founded in 1946 as Faroll Research, Solartron Metrology has evolved through acquisitions, joining AMETEK Inc. in 2005, and is known for innovations like the Rheogoniometer and displacement transducers.
Manufacturing and Quality
Solartron emphasizes reliability and accuracy, investing in advanced machinery for grinding, honing, and calibration.
Applications
Products are used in automotive, aerospace, electronics, optics, and semiconductors, where precision is critical.
Global Presence
Solartron has sales offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, with distributors in over 30 countries.
Orbit® Measurement System
The Orbit® system is modular, accurate, and flexible, suitable for various industrial applications. It offers high accuracy (0.0125µm) and supports measurement ranges from 0.5mm to 20mm, traceable to NPL standards.
System Components
Includes digital probes, displacement transducers, and encoder input modules, supporting interfaces like USB, RS232, and PCI.
Network and Communication
Operates on an RS485 network, supporting up to 62 devices, with asynchronous data transmission.
Software Support
Compatible with Microsoft Windows, enabling data acquisition into Excel and integration with VBA, VB, C++, and LabVIEW®.
Applications
Used for dimensional and position measurements, including dynamic and triggered measurements.
Advantages
Offers modular setup, high performance (up to 3,906 readings/second), and synchronization across transducers.
Probes and Gauging
Includes spring push, pneumatic push, and Feather Touch variants, known for precision and durability.
Environmental and Material Specifications
Probes are made from stainless steel with Viton® gaiters, operating from -40°C to +100°C, with IP65 rating.
Specifications
Details communication, power requirements, temperature range, IP rating, probe accuracy, performance, materials, and digital probe termination.
Block Gauges
Available in 2 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm ranges, designed for precision in limited spaces, with IP65 protection.
Procedures
Setup and adjustment procedures emphasize proper calibration and clean, dry air for pneumatic operation.
Standards and Norms
Adheres to accuracy standards, with calibration conditions specified for consistency.
Recommendations
Use appropriate springs and clean air for pneumatic gauges, and protect from shock loads.
Accessories
Includes pneumatic actuators, alternative springs, and tip carriers for customization.
Key Data from Tables and Figures
Tables provide specifications for gauge models, and figures illustrate dimensions and configurations.
Critical Information
Emphasizes maximum tip force, proper calibration, and environmental conditions for optimal performance.
Digital Lever Probe and S Series Displacement Transducers
Designed for precision measurement, offering high repeatability, programmable resolution, and robust construction.
Specifications
Includes measurement range, repeatability, accuracy, mechanical and environmental details.
Mounting and Interface
Details mounting options and electrical interfaces.
Applications and Recommendations
Suitable for low tip force applications and demanding manufacturing and research environments.
Orbit® Modules and Accessories
Covers network interfaces, environmental conditions, mechanical connections, power requirements, and software support.
Network Interface and Signal Protocols
Details available interfaces, supported modules, baud rates, and measurement modes.
Environmental Specifications
Provides operating and storage temperature ranges and IP ratings.
Mechanical and Connections
Includes computer connections, dimensions, weight, and materials.
Power Requirements
Specifies voltage and current requirements for modules.
Measurement Performance
Details reading speed, interpolation rate, and linearity.
Software Support
Includes support for Microsoft Windows and major programming languages.
Digital Readouts
Describes DR600 and DR700 digital readouts for industrial applications.
Analogue Electronics and Displays
Discusses OD family of conditioning electronics for analogue transducers.
Conclusion
Provides comprehensive technical details for Orbit® modules and accessories, ensuring accurate performance in industrial settings.
Electronic Modules and Components
Details DIN Rail Conditioning Modules, BICM in-line modules, CAH Carrier Amplifier Hybrid Cards, GPM Configurable Hybrid Modules, SI 7500 and SI 3000 series controllers.
Probe Tips
Lists various probe tips made of tungsten carbide, suitable for specific applications.
Specifications and Components
Lists components with specifications, including materials like tungsten carbide, ruby, nylon, and silicon nitride.
Measurement Definitions
Defines key measurement terms and their application to transducers.
Accuracy and Uncertainty
Discusses measurement accuracy and uncertainty, referencing GUM.
Electrical Definitions
Provides definitions related to electrical aspects of transducers.
Transducer and Physical Definitions
Outlines mechanical aspects of transducers.
Contact Information
Provides contact details for Solartron Metrology's offices worldwide.