Mahr | News

How vibrations ensure quality: Fourier analysis

Marketing Team
Fourier analysis makes it possible to identify quality risks at an early stage and avoid cost-intensive subsequent errors.

In modern manufacturing, precision down to the sub-micrometer range counts, and the demands on precision and quality are extremely high. Even the smallest deviations can affect the function, service life and noise development of components. In order to detect such sources of error at an early stage and keep processes stable, measurement engineers use a method that at first glance has more to do with mathematics than with metal: Fourier* analysis. It makes it possible to identify quality risks at an early stage and avoid cost-intensive subsequent errors.

Fourier analysis is a mathematical process that breaks down a measurement profile into its individual vibration components. Modern measurement software such as MarWin calculates this analysis using a special algorithm, the so-called Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). It applies to all periodic profiles, i.e. when the first and last profile points are identical. Fourier analysis is used particularly frequently for circular profiles, as it allows conclusions to be drawn about both the functional properties of the workpiece and the effects of production. The result of the Fourier analysis is typically referred to as a spectrum and displayed as a bar chart. The horizontal axis shows the frequencies (number of wave crests), the vertical axis the amplitude (strength of the vibration). This provides a clear picture of the frequencies contained in the signal and their characteristics. This provides users with an objective basis for making decisions in order to initiate targeted measures and efficiently rectify process deviations.

Avoid rejects – reduce noise – eliminate malfunctions

Vibrations can occur during the production of precision parts, for example due to unstable clamping, tool wear, bearing damage or external faults. These lead to periodic faults such as chatter marks or stripes on the workpiece surface. When machines vibrate or measuring systems register vibrations, these initially appear to be random noise. However, Fourier analysis turns this into a structured image: it shows which frequencies are contained and how pronounced they are. This allows workpieces to be characterized and, for example, the running and chattering noises of rotating workpieces to be predicted. This is particularly relevant in production metrology. This is because the technician can now recognize influences in the measurement result, draw conclusions about the production process and improve it. This avoids rejects, reduces noise, prevents malfunctions and ultimately reduces costs in the long term.

More process reliability – fewer rejects – higher product quality

In the production environment, vibrations are the enemy of precision. Even the smallest vibrations, caused for example by running machines, tool vibrations, ambient noise or unstable clamping, can affect the production of workpieces or even falsify measurement results. This can have serious consequences, especially for high-precision components in the automotive, aviation or medical technology industries. This is where Fourier analysis comes in by

  • Detecting periodic errors: On workpiece surfaces, these can otherwise lead to malfunctions during use.
  • Identifying sources of interference: Fourier analysis shows objectively and comprehensibly whether a measuring station is really vibration-free. It can be used to precisely determine whether an unexpected vibration is influencing the measurement, for example due to a neighboring machine or a defect in the measuring system. These disruptive influences can then be eliminated.
  • Checking sensors: Sensors themselves can also generate faulty signals. Fourier analysis exposes such faults, creates process reliability and therefore reliable measurement results.

Overall, Fourier analysis enables customers to plan their production processes more efficiently, safeguard measurement results, improve the quality of their products and reduce rejects.

Fourier analysis: understanding frequencies, ensuring quality

Fourier analysis has become an integral part of modern production measurement technology. It makes the invisible visible, namely vibrations that can have a major impact on workpiece function. For customers, this means greater process reliability, fewer rejects and higher product quality. If you want to make good use of FFT data, you need the right combination of sensors, expertise and software, and that's exactly what customers get from Mahr. Many measurement systems from the measurement technology specialist offer an easily executable integrated FFT function in the MarWin Professional measurement software, thus creating a valuable basis for predictive and controllable quality assurance - a decisive factor for economic efficiency and competitiveness.

Mahr offers Fourier analysis for

 

Your training courses for expert knowledge

Would you like to go deeper? The AUKOM seminars from the Mahr Academy offer you practical expert knowledge in production metrology and Fourier analysis. All topics and dates can be found on our website.

*Named after the French mathematician and physicist Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier (1768 - 1830), who developed it.

Info
To top