Air Ring Gauge to Check OD
Two Jet & Three Jet Air Ring Gauges for OD, Taper, Ovality & Lobing
Linear Resolution: 0.1 µm (0.0001 mm)
Repeatability (Gage R&R): ≤ 0.5 µm (< 10%)
Operating Line: 3–4 bar Regulated Pneumatic
Master Calibration: ISO 17025 / DIN 2250
Product Overview
AKIRA Air Ring Gauges are precision non-contact inspection tools designed for checking outside diameters, taper, and ovality. Available in both Two-Jet configurations for diametrical checks and Three-Jet configurations @ 120 degrees for detecting complex 3-lobe polygonal form errors.
Technical Definition & Operating Principle
An air ring gauge is an external diameter pneumatic inspection instrument designed for high-precision cylindrical shafts, automotive piston pins, and ground journals. Offered in both two-jet and three-jet configurations, it operates using regulated compressed air to measure outer diameters without abrasive surface contact. The two-jet configuration features opposing nozzles at 180 degrees to assess diameter, taper, and ovality. The three-jet configuration features nozzles spaced at 120-degree intervals, specifically engineered to detect 3-lobe polygonal form errors (tri-lobed lobing) common in centerless grinding that standard two-point micrometers miss. Standard measuring bodies feature hard chrome plating, with tungsten carbide wear rings available for abrasive high-volume production lines. The self-cleaning air exhaust purges residual grinding coolant and chips from the inspection zone before measurement.
Technical Review & Specification Sign-off
Technical specifications reviewed and verified by Kalidoss, Lead Metrology Applications Engineer at AKIRA Precision Automation. Calibration methodologies certified traceable to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and DIN 2250-C setting standards.
Key Features
- Two Jet Air Ring Gauge to check outside diameter, Taper & Ovality
- Three jet Air Ring Gauge for detecting Lobing effect @ 120 Degrees
- Can be supplied with Tungsten Carbide wear rings on request
- Air Ring gauge - above dia. 150 mm available on request
- High repeatability and swift response when paired with AKIRA display units
- Ideal for roundness and straightness verification of cylindrical shafts
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Jet Configurations | Two Jet (180°) or Three Jet (120°) |
| Inspection Parameters | Outside Diameter (OD), Taper, Ovality, and Lobing |
| Wear Ring Options | Tungsten Carbide wear rings available on request |
| Large Diameter Options | Above Dia. 150 mm available on request |
| Masters | Calibrated setting plug masters |
| Operation | Self-cleaning pneumatic air purge |
Frequently Asked Technical Questions
- What is the difference between a 2-jet and a 3-jet air ring gauge?
- A 2-jet air ring gauge features opposing nozzles at 180° to measure diametrical size, taper, and ovality. A 3-jet air ring gauge places nozzles at 120° intervals, which is essential for detecting 3-point polygonal lobing errors generated during centerless grinding.
- When should tungsten carbide wear rings be specified on air ring gauges?
- Tungsten carbide wear rings are recommended for high-volume automated lines or when inspecting abrasive materials like cast iron and hardened alloy steels, extending gauge tool life by more than 400% compared to tool steel.
- What is the measuring clearance between the air ring gauge and workpiece?
- Typical diametrical clearance is 0.020 mm to 0.050 mm depending on nozzle caliber and magnification range. The compressed air film cushions the part, completely preventing scuff marks on mirror-ground journals.
- Can air ring gauges inspect diameters larger than 150 mm?
- Yes. While standard catalog sizes range from 3 mm to 150 mm, AKIRA custom manufactures large-diameter air ring gauges up to 250 mm with reinforced alloy bodies and multi-jet arrays upon customer specification.
Industrial Applications
- Automotive piston pins, valve spools, and hydraulic plungers
- Precision shafts, fuel injection needles, and transmission gears
- Detection of 3-point lobing errors caused by centerless grinding