This x-ray view illustrates the type of inspection required on an increasing number of industrial applications. Close dimensional control is still a primary objective in producing this casting. The simple checking fixture illustrated provides an accurate control on key dimensional tolerances. Cast hole thru boss at base of casting is placed on locating pin. This establishes first basic measuring line.
Bottom surface resting on fixture establishes third basic plane.
The checking fixture duplicates locating points on drilling and milling fixture, and this insures accuracy of machining operations. The Aerospace industry places structural reliability first in a casting and is willing to sacrifice machining time by allowing realistic dimensional tolerances to achieve it. In the commercial field, that is, castings for industry other than aerospace, the emphasis is on elimination of machining operations by casting to size as many dimensions as possible. As greater speeds and higher performance are built into modern equipment, complexity and reliability problems are being developed very similar to those encountered in aerospace designs. Good foundry practice based on aerospace quality control and the use of effective functional gages and fixtures provide the means for producing hictol industrial castings.