ThreadChecker provides reliable and repeatable, high-speed thread detection for nearly all thread specifications.

Kaman's new GageProx™ ThreadChecker™ senses thread presence or absence in holes, wins Spring 2002 Best of Sensors Expo Award.

Kaman Measuring System's ThreadChecker™ is an application-specific sensor system designed to check for thread presence. ThreadChecker can discriminate between a threaded and an unthreaded hole via inductive technology that measures without touching the object. It provides reliable and repeatable, high-speed thread detection for nearly all thread specifications.

ThreadChecker was awarded on May 23 the bronze medal in the Best of Sensors Expo, Spring 2002 show awards, presented by the editors of Sensors Magazine.

ThreadChecker is the first application-specific configuration of Kaman's new GageProx™ product line. The sensors and the electronics package are designed to be rugged and reliable, meeting IP-67 specifications, and are ideal for machine shop, in-die, or other industrial environments. There is no need to clean and dry the part being checked; inductive sensors are unaffected by moisture, oils, cleaners, grease, dirt and grime.

Setup is a simple matter of "teaching" the device to recognize a threaded hole vs. an unthreaded one. The user inserts the sensor into a threaded hole and presses the "teach" button. The same sensor is then inserted into an unthreaded hole, and the "teach" button is pressed again. A switched output and system LED will then indicate if a hole is threaded or unthreaded.

On the inside, when the push-button is depressed while the sensor is in one of the holes, the microprocessor notes the analog output voltage. When the push-button is depressed on the second hole, the voltage is noted, and the microprocessor averages the two voltages and sets the switchpoint at that voltage.

Kaman's new GageProx, of which ThreadChecker is the first release, is a family of fixed-gain linear inductive analog displacement sensors. These compact, easy-to-use sensors are ideal for automated assembly and for test and inspection. Kaman has incorporated a number of features to maximize the system's potential uses. The fixed-gain output is ideal for set-it-and-forget-it applications.

The ThreadChecker sensors are available in two unshielded sizes: 5mm and 8mm. For the 5mm unshielded sensor, offset is 0.25mm, and range is 1.50mm. For the 8mm unshielded sensor, offset is 0.50mm, and range is 3.00mm. Both sensors feature an output of 10 Vdc, linearity of ±1.00%, resolution of 0.20%, thermal stability of 0.10%/°C, repeatability of 1.00%, and response time of 0.20ms.

The system features a PUR sensor cable and a DIN rail mounting option. The operating temperature of these systems is 0° to +70°C, with a compensation range of +15° to +55°C. On the output side, the continuous load current is less than 50mA and includes short circuit and overload protection. On input, the system requires 15 to 30 Vdc supply voltage, with a current limit (no load current input) of less than 50mA.

ThreadChecker is in stock and available immediately from Kaman Measuring Systems. Prices start at $695 for single quantities.

Kaman Measuring Systems, an operating unit of Kaman Aerospace, leads the industry in solving difficult industrial sensing applications when the target cannot be touched. For further information regarding Kaman Instrumentation and ThreadChecker, contact Kaman.