Dia-Tool proposes herein a new manufacturing machine that will combine the processing steps of shaping the indenter and the measurement of the resulting cone into a single automated Diamond Indenter Finishing Machine. The images of the edges of the indenter cone are digitized through an imaging array and directly stored in computer memory. The indenter cone images are then transformed by image analysis software into a vector representing the features of the image. That vector is supplied to a neural network to determine deviation from specification. The neural network output provides parameters for feedback to the grinding and polishing processes. The indenter will be measured in situ at the end of each grinding or polishing step and accepted, rejected or returned to the grinding/polishing station for more finishing based on the analysis of the image. Commercial applications:The market for a Diamond Indenter Finishing Machine includes not only manufacturers of Rockwell C indenters, but may also include those metrology labs, both independent and within large factories, which wish to test and reshape worn Rockwell C indenters. Since the standard requires tighter tolerances, the frequency of replacement or reworking of indenters may increase.
