Air gauges as a part of the dimensional inspection systems

Air gauges for dimensional measurement are known for decades. They have been applied in many technological processes, especially in the systems of in-process control. The air gauges are connected with pneumatic measuring devices able to generate control signals. Nowadays, however, it is not enough to just indicate dimensional bounds of tolerance. The Quality Management Systems require recorded and processed data achieved during the measurement. Investigations led to the development of air gauges integrated with piezoresistive pressure transducers. In those systems the results of measurement are achieved in digital form, they are processed and recorded. Additionally, dynamical properties of integrated air gauges appear much better. Multipoint linearization of the air gauge appears to be advantageous, though some companies offer the adjustment using one setting master only.