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Prehistoric Analog Profilometer?

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  • Prehistoric Analog Profilometer?

    Here is a piece of history, a custom built machine to check the profile of 155mm shells. Came out of a defunct Army Ammunition plant, about 40 years ago now. No mfgs name on it, just a big x and z axis with a rotary A axis. Apparently the way it works, the shell was placed on the rotary base, the cycle started and a stylus wheel checked the runout and dimension at various points an inch apart.
    Click image for larger version

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    The stylus tip can be seen at the bottom of the vertical arm to the left of the column. It's just a wheel, attached to a slide with a mechanical limit switch attached.
    Click image for larger version

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    There are two, what looks like calibration standards on the machine.Each is a series of pins machined and set to an exact protrusion that describes the profile of the shell.
    Click image for larger version

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    I don't have any pictures of the control cabinet, it was scrapped out awhile back. But it consisted of a couple power supplies, an 8 channel paper chart recorder and a bank of toggle switches.I'm guessing this would be done by a CMM of some sort these days.


    I just need one more tool,just one!

  • #2
    I would imagine that the same technology used in gear tooth checking ( master gear and a ldvt feeding a chart recorder ) it must have worked I suppose.
    lots of shells must have gone through the testing machine, interesting kit.
    mark

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    • #3
      I had a dig and saw a bit of the armoury making shells for the Missouri battleship, wonder if the things got checked on this machine, it may be historical, who knows
      mark

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      • #4
        Originally posted by boslab View Post
        I had a dig and saw a bit of the armoury making shells for the Missouri battleship, wonder if the things got checked on this machine, it may be historical, who knows
        mark
        I don't think so, Navy would be either 5"/38 caliber or 16"/50 caliber. Too big for one and too small for the other
        I just need one more tool,just one!

        Comment

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